The Ultimate Playlist: Sixteen Candles Album Songs That Will Take You Back to the '80s

On March 4, 1984, director John Hughes released the iconic coming-of-age film Sixteen Candles. The film, which follows the misadventures of Samantha Baker on her sixteenth birthday, became a critical and commercial success, grossing over $27 million at the box office. In addition to its lovable characters and relatable plot, Sixteen Candles also featured a memorable soundtrack that perfectly captured the spirit of the 1980s.

Track 1: "If You Were a Movie" by Cheap Trick

The film opens with the catchy and upbeat "If You Were a Movie" by Cheap Trick. This song sets the tone for the film, which is full of teenage angst and humor. The lyrics, which imagine Samantha as the star of her own life, perfectly capture the feelings of insecurity and self-doubt that many teenagers experience.

Track 2: "Promised Land" by Bruce Springsteen

As Samantha prepares for her sixteenth birthday party, she listens to Bruce Springsteen's "Promised Land" on her boombox. This song is a classic American anthem about the search for a better life. The lyrics, which speak of leaving home and finding one's own way in the world, resonate with Samantha as she dreams of a future beyond her small town.

Track 3: "Happy Birthday" by Stevie Wonder

Samantha's sixteenth birthday is anything but happy. She is ignored by her parents, who are preoccupied with her older sister's wedding, and her crush, Jake Ryan, doesn't even know she exists. However, Samantha's friends throw her a surprise party and sing Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" to her. This song is a reminder that even on the worst of days, there are always people who care about you.

Track 4: "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley

Samantha's birthday party is interrupted when Jake Ryan arrives with his girlfriend, Caroline Mulford. Samantha is heartbroken, but she tries to hide her feelings by dancing to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love." This song is a classic love song that perfectly captures the feelings of longing and heartache that Samantha is experiencing.

Track 5: "Wouldn't It Be Good" by Nik Kershaw

After the party, Samantha walks home in the rain. As she walks, she listens to Nik Kershaw's "Wouldn't It Be Good" on her headphones. This song is a beautiful and haunting ballad about the search for happiness and fulfillment. The lyrics, which speak of a world where everything is perfect, provide a glimmer of hope for Samantha as she tries to cope with her disappointment.

Track 6: "The Great Race" by Yello

Samantha's sixteenth birthday ends with a race between Jake Ryan and Ted Farmer, the school nerd. As the race begins, Yello's "The Great Race" plays in the background. This song is a fast-paced and energetic instrumental that perfectly captures the excitement and suspense of the race.

Track 7: "A Night to Remember" by Chaka Khan

After the race, Samantha and Ted share a dance to Chaka Khan's "A Night to Remember." This song is a beautiful and romantic ballad that perfectly captures the moment between two people who have just realized that they have feelings for each other. The lyrics, which speak of a night that will never be forgotten, perfectly describe the night that Samantha and Ted shared.

Track 8: "The Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks

As the film ends, Samantha and Ted leave the prom and drive away together. As they drive, Stevie Nicks' "The Edge of Seventeen" plays in the background. This song is a beautiful and haunting ballad about the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. The lyrics, which speak of the pain of heartbreak and the joy of finding true love, perfectly capture the journey that Samantha has been on.

Additional Songs

In addition to the eight songs listed above, the Sixteen Candles soundtrack also includes the following songs:

• "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion
• "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
• "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men
• "I Say a Little Prayer" by Aretha Franklin
• "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King
• "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
• "Wouldn't It Be Good" by Nik Kershaw
• "The Great Race" by Yello
• "A Night to Remember" by Chaka Khan
• "The Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks

Conclusion

The Sixteen Candles soundtrack is a perfect time capsule of the 1980s. The songs capture the spirit of the decade, with its mix of teenage angst, humor, and romance. Whether you're a fan of the film or just a fan of great music, the Sixteen Candles soundtrack is sure to please.

FAQs

Q: What is the name of the song that plays at the beginning of Sixteen Candles?
A: "If You Were a Movie" by Cheap Trick

Q: What is the name of the song that Samantha dances to at her birthday party?
A: "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley

Q: What is the name of the song that plays at the end of Sixteen Candles?
A: "The Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks

Q: Who sings the song "Happy Birthday" in Sixteen Candles?
A: Stevie Wonder

Q: What is the name of the band that performs the song "Wouldn't It Be Good"?
A: Nik Kershaw

Table 1: Song Title and Artist

Table 2: Song Title and Genre

Table 3: Song Title and Year of Release

Table 4: Song Title and Chart Performance