SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 45:14 Min.
MCA Records released the movie soundtrack for 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II. Notably, none of composer Harold Faltermeyer’s instrumental tracks are included – unlike the original film’s soundtrack. This 1987 album subsequently peaked at # 8 on U.S. Billboard charts. Bob Seger’s popular lead-off tune, “Shakedown,” would later earn nominations in 1988 for ‘Best Original Song’ at both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.
The eleven-track album consists of the following:
- Shakedown (by Bob Seger) (4:01)
- Be There (by The Pointer Sisters) (4:17)
- In Deep (by Charlie Sexton) (3:34)
- Hold On (by Corey Hart) (3:46)
- I Want Your Sex (by George Michael) (4:47)
- Better Way (by James Ingram) (4:10)
- Love/Hate (by Pebbles) (4:02)
- Cross My Broken Heart (by The Jets) (4:12)
- 36 Lovers (by Ready For The World) (4:19)
- I Can’t Stand It (by Sue Ann Carwell) (4:04)
- All Revved Up (by Jermaine Jackson) (4:02)
The album is currently available in vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
REVIEW:
Thirty-seven years later, Bob Seger’s “Shakedown” is still a dynamite tune to add to any rock or movie hits playlist. Still, one can obtain the track off a Seger’s greatest hits project, as opposed to locating it on this album misfire. Aside from solid entries from Seger, The Pointer Sisters, and James Ingram, this album would frankly pass as a bland mid-80’s R&B compilation.
When compared to the original Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, there’s nothing remarkable about this sequel effort. Instead, it’s a precursor to a ‘90s film soundtrack trend utilizing forgettable rock/pop tunes (not actually used for the advertised movie) as glorified padding. Hence, the sales gimmick became the dubious ‘inspired by’ portion of soundtracks. The same applies to Beverly Hills Cop II where musical substance is hardly its top objective.
The total exclusion of Harold Faltermeyer’s score isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Still, given the album’s actual content, the producers’ intent was solely on potential radio play. Case in point: though apt for its scene at the Playboy Mansion estate, George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” serves up bottom-of-the-barrel pop trash. Dragging down the rest of the album, Michael’s cringe-worthy track makes Beverly Hill Cop II’s playlist kid-unfriendly for no good reason.
The album’s most practical option for finding a physical copy is either at a garage sale or a discount retailer. Otherwise, hearing this soundtrack once digitally may prove more than sufficient.
Note: Pursuant to his song’s own radio popularity, George Michael (who also wrote “I Want Your Sex”) scored an award much deserved: a 1987 Razzie for ‘Worst Song.’
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
