The Wedding Singer, besides being a wonderful movie, assembled a soundtrack crammed full of the best, most wide-ranging pop songs from the 1980s. This CD as well as the second soundtrack volume are must-haves for '80s aficionados. Among the most commonly known classics on this CD are "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic" from the Police, "Hold Me Now" by the Thompson Twins, "White Wedding" by Billie Idol and "China Girl" from the one and only David Bowie. Even the Culture Club track "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" is enjoyable amidst the other songs on the album.

"Pass the Dutchie" is a somewhat forgotten, uniquely-'80s hit. I was most pleased to see several tracks from more alternative bands of the '80s, such as "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Presidents of the United States of America, "Love My Way" by the Psychedelic Furs, "Blue Monday" by New Order (perhaps the ultimate dance song of the decade) and -- one of my favorite songs of all time -- "How Soon is Now?" by the Smiths.

Such variety means that listeners may not like every single song on the CD, but anyone who grew up in the '80s will discover long-forgotten memories associated with every single one of these songs, and the younger generation will get a good overview of the wide-ranging popular music of my generation. Adam Sandler's "Somebody Kill Me" song is, of course, not an '80s tune, but it really had to be included on the movie soundtrack. Rap fans will be disappointed, as the only rap song found here is "Rapper's Delight" featuring the elderly Ellen Dow from the movie along with Sugarhill Gang, but all in all this CD and its companion volume from The Wedding Singer soundtrack comprise the most representative collection of the unforgettable music of the late, great 1980s.

- Rambles
written by Daniel Jolley
published 14 May 2005