In celebration of the (long-delayed) release of “Top Gun: Maverick” this weekend, I decided to revisit the original “Top Gun” movie anthem “Danger Zone.” Released in 1986, “Top Gun” was not only the biggest movie of that year; it spawned one of the most memorable movie soundtracks of the decade. Famed songwriter Giorgio Moroder co-wrote the tune, a prolific composer of many of the 80’s biggest movie hits like “Flashdance” and “American Gigolo.” He was nicely paired with singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins, the go-to guy for catchy film anthems. Loggins had two big hits from the “Footloose” soundtrack in 1984 along with the theme for the infamous 1987 Sylvester Stallone arm-wrestling epic “Over the Top.”
The music video for “Danger Zone” was helmed by “Top Gun” director Tony Scott (who also lensed George Michael’s “One More Try” video in 1988.) Sadly, it’s a standard video for the era, with Loggins singing passionately in a studio apartment (wearing the famous Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses) crosscut with movie clips. All the favorite moments are captured in their cross-promotional glory, including the homoerotic bite Iceman gives Maverick after the “I am Dangerous” line.
The “Top Gun” soundtrack produced two 80’s classics with Loggins’ “Danger Zone” and “Take My Breath Away,” performed by Berlin. And “Take My Breath Away” would receive all the Oscar love at the Academy Awards in 1987, winning Best Original Song. But I still find “Danger Zone” more reflective of the ultimate 80s alpha-male film. It’s the perfect tune to roll down the windows and fist pump the air as you (ahem) cruise down the freeway.
Check out the video below: