The Underrated “Pretty in Pink” Soundtrack

The “Pretty in Pink” Soundtrack is Totally Awesome

It seems like when people talk ‘80s soundtracks we hear about Footloose, Flashdance, Top Gun. But one ‘80s soundtrack that gets lost in the discussion is the “Pretty in Pink” soundtrack. At the time it might’ve been recognized for it’s great mix of music, but time goes on, we forget about the Psychedelic Furs, New Order, Suzanne Vega masterpiece.

Which Came First “Pretty in Pink” the Movie or the Song?

The Psychedelic Furs had the song “Pretty in Pink” first, releasing it in 1981. Allegedly Molly Ringwald liked the song and brought it to the attention of John Hughes, who named the movie after it and used it in the film.

“Pretty in Pink” Isn’t the Most Iconic Song of the Movie

You would think a song with the same name as the movie would be the driving force song for the flick. But nope, that goes to OMD’s “If You Leave.” It was recorded specifically for the movie. According to Wikipedia, Director John Hughes had a last minute request for the song (he changed the end of the movie and decided to change the music as well); OMD recorded the song in less than a day. It reached #4 on the Billboard charts.

What Song is Played at the Beginning of Pretty in Pink

That would be “If you Leave” by Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark (OMD). It’s also played at the end.

What Song Does Duckie Dance to in Pretty in Pink?

Duckie sings and dances to “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding. The soundtrack features several non-’80s tunes like Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, John Lennnon’s Love, and Cherish by The Association.