Top Gun (soundtrack)
Encyclopedia
Top Gun is the soundtrack
from the film of the same name
, released in 1986 by Columbia Records
. In 1999, it was reissued in a Special Expanded Edition with additional songs. In 2006, it was reissued again in a Deluxe Edition with more additional songs. The album reached number one in the charts for five nonconsecutive weeks in the summer and autumn of 1986.
1999 Special Edition bonus tracks
2006 Deluxe Edition bonus tracks
was approached to allow his song "Only the Strong Survive" on the soundtrack. He refused because he felt the film glorified war and he didn't want any of his work linked to it.
Judas Priest
were also approached to allow their song "Reckless" on the soundtrack, but declined, both because they thought the film would flop and because it would have meant leaving the song off their 1986 album Turbo
. Ironically, they contributed the title track to the film Johnny Be Good
two years later, which was a commercial failure.
The Motels
were originally considered for the song "Take My Breath Away". A demo version exists on their compilation, Anthologyland.
Other songs not included on any release of the soundtrack include the cast recordings of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "Great Balls of Fire", as well as the "humming" version of "Take My Breath Away" and Giorgio Moroder
's "Radar Radio
".
The band Toto
was supposed to sing the song "Danger Zone" but due to legal conflict, it was passed on to Kenny Loggins
.
The Cars
song "Stranger Eyes" was featured in an early trailer for the film, though did not appear in the final version of the movie.
There are three central themes in Top Gun. The main theme is a triumphant ode to those daring daredevil fighter pilots, almost like an American rock version of Chariots of Fire
, and as such occasionally featuring an electric guitar. It’s backed up by some interesting percussion, and what sounds like a church bell (which amusingly was used on its own in the teaser trailer for another Paramount production of 1986, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
).
The ‘Memories’ theme is an introspective and melancholy theme with electric strings (and possibly a real guitar) that is used for Maverick confronting his past, as well as the tragic things that happen to him, i.e. his best friend dying. This is followed by the love theme, otherwise known as ‘Take My Breath Away’, which appears in both instrumental and vocal flavours, and was written by 80s powerhouse Giorgio Moroder and lyricist Tom Whitlock
(who unbelievably was previous Moroder’s Ferrari mechanic). It’s notable that many of the songs in the film (and subsequently on the album) were actually written for the film, and not necessarily just culled from other sources. As such, some of them also appear as instrumental versions in the film (‘Mighty Wings’ for example, which was co-written by Harold Faltermeyer).
Many of the tracks are erroneously labelled when compared to the film, and the final track is taken from the DVD soundtrack.
Quiet version of the Top Gun Anthem over the credits as the aircraft carrier prepares to launch fighters. Segues immediately into the next track, alongside a very loud roar from a jet engine
2. Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins 2:43 – 4:13 t3:32
An edit of Kenny Loggins’ song plays over scenes of F14s landing and taking off.
3. MiG 28s 6:03 – 7:39 t1:40
Two MiG 28s appear and engage the F14s. Tense electronic underscore.
4. Missile Lock 7:44 – 8:46 t1:12
Cougar is engaged by the MiG 28. More tense electronic underscore.
5. Watch The Birdie 8:52 – 9:19 t0:34
Short triumphant version of the Top Gun Anthem as Maverick inverts his F14 and Goose takes a photo.
6. Cougar’s Landing 9:20 – 12:42 t3:32
More tense music as Cougar has an emotional breakdown in his cockpit, with Maverick having to rescue him. Heavy percussion.
7. Danger Zone (Reprise) 15:00 – 16:44 t1:44
Maverick and Goose learn they are going to Top Gun. Lyrics start as Maverick arrives in Miramar.
8. Lead Me On – Teena Marie
Song is played in the club Maverick and Goose visit.
9. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling (Karaoke)
Goose and Maverick perform the song to Charlie. Badly.
10. Hot Summer Nights – Miami Sound Machine
Song is played in the bar as Maverick goes into the ladies room.
11. The First Hop 29:33 – 32:40 t3:07
An instrumental version of ‘Mighty Wings’ plays as they try to defeat Jester.
12. Jester’s Dead 32:41 – 33:45 t1:06
Triumphant rendition of the anthem as they get Jester.
13. Dismissed 36:02 – 36:36 t0:35
Maverick and Goose are reprimanded by Viper. More tense music.
14. Still Awake 37:07 – 39:07 t1:59
Goose confronts Maverick about his recklessness. Electronic strings. Features a riff that sounds like the ‘Memories’ theme, but isn’t.
15. Playing With The Boys – Kenny Loggins
Goose, Maverick, Iceman and Slider, play volleyball. Generally known as the most homoerotic scene in the history of cinema.
16. Charlie’s House 42:48 – 44:05 t1:28
Maverick arrives late at Charlie’s. Instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’. On album as ‘Take My Breath Away (Instrumental)’
17. Sitting On The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding
The Otis Redding classic plays as Maverick tells Charlie about his father
18. Complicated 47:13 – 48:16 t1:03
Charlie realises she’s falling for Maverick. Instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’. Lyricless vocals at 0:41.
19. Glad We Got That Straight 49:11 – 49:45 t0:34
Maverick and Charlie talk in an elevator. Another instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’. Doesn’t have the electric piano riff.
20. The Love Scene 52:05 – 55:24 t3:20
Maverick and Charlie finally get it on. Instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’ with vocals coming in at 2:01.
21. Hop 19 57:26 – 39:33 t2:04
Maverick and Goose go after Viper. Catchy Faltermeyer riff.
22. Memories 1:00:46 – 1:01:28 0:43
Maverick remembers his father as he looks at a picture. Contains the ‘Memories’ theme. Not the same as the corresponding score track on the
expanded album.
23. Great Balls of Fire Medley 1:01:29 – 1:03:46 t2:17
Maverick and Goose and family sing the song, which segues into the Jerry Lee Lewis recording.
24. Hop 31 1:03:52 – 1:05:19 t1:24
Reprise of ‘Danger Zone’, starting instrumental then coming in with vocals at 0:38.
25. Flat Spin 1:05:19 – 1:07:36 t2:22
Whilst acting as his wingman, Maverick gets lost in Iceman’s jetwash and the plane spins out. Unreleased, the ‘Flat Spin’ on the promo score is mislabelled.
26. Goose’s Death 1:07:39 – 1:09:24 t1:44
Goose dies. Very melancholic rendition of the ‘Memories’ theme. Again, does not match the track on the promo purporting to be ‘Goose’s Death’.
27. Guilt 1:10:25 – 1:17:03 t6:38
Maverick blames himself for Goose’s death. He is cleared to fly. It’s possible that this is two cues, as the first half corresponds with ‘Memories’ on expanded album. The vocal “oooh” on the album track is mixed right down in film so you can barely hear it.
28. Maverick Quits 1:17:54 – 1:21:21 t3:29
Charlie and Maverick talk after he quits. On the promo this is labelled ‘Whose Side Are You On – Never Again’.
29. Maverick’s Father 1:22:09 – 1:23:24 t1:14
Viper tells Maverick about his father. Quiet rendition of the anthem.
30. Options 1:23:40 – 1:25:28 t1:48
Maverick asks Viper what his options are, with another rendition of the ‘Memories’ theme. Appears on promo labelled as ‘Goose’s Death –
Goodbye Goose’.
31. Destination Unknown – Marietta
Plays at the graduation ceremony.
32. Crisis Situation 1:26:50 – 1:27:07 t0:20
The pilots are given orders and Viper tells Maverick he’ll potentially fly with him (is he mad?). Similar to ‘Maverick’s Father’. End fades into next cue.
33. New Mission 1:27:06 – 1:29:27 t2:25
The pilots are briefed. Similar to ‘Main Title’, and one of the few tracks on the promo with the correct title.
34. Maverick’s Airborne 1:31:36 – 1:34:38 t3:02 t3:02
Maverick launches to support Ice and Slider. Bits of the ‘Mighty Wings’ riff here and there.
35. Maverick Re-engages 1:34:39 – 1:39:00 4:24
Hooray for Maverick. Fun action music. Labelled as ‘Flat Spin’ on promo.
36. Victory Flyby 1:39:03 – 1:42:39 t3:21
Maverick buzzes the tower. ‘Top Gun Anthem (Film Version)’ on promo.
37. Radar Radio – Giorgio Moroder and Joe Pizzulo
Another of Giorgio Moroder’s epics. Plays in the bar at the end. Available only on the B-side to the ‘Take My Breath Away’ single.
38. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ – The Righteous Brothers
Plays in the bar at the end and over the final shots of the film.
39. Mighty Wings – Cheap Trick
Plays over the end credits.
If you want to relabel the promo, this is the way to do it:
Soundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
from the film of the same name
Top Gun
Top Gun may refer to:* Top Gun is a 1986 film starring Tom Cruise.**Top Gun , soundtrack to the movie**Top Gun , a number of games based on the movie...
, released in 1986 by Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
. In 1999, it was reissued in a Special Expanded Edition with additional songs. In 2006, it was reissued again in a Deluxe Edition with more additional songs. The album reached number one in the charts for five nonconsecutive weeks in the summer and autumn of 1986.
Track listing
The original version included only 10 tracks. Tracks 11 to 15 are available on a Special Expanded Edition released in 1999. Tracks 16 to 20 are available on a Deluxe Edition released in 2006. Note that tracks 16-20 do not appear in the film, nor are they related to it in any way.- "Danger Zone" by Kenny LogginsKenny LogginsDuring the next decade, Loggins recorded so many successful songs for film soundtracks that he was referred to as, King of the Movie Soundtrack.He began with "I'm Alright" , "Mr. Night", and "Lead the Way" from Caddyshack...
– 3:36 - "Mighty WingsMighty Wings"Mighty Wings" is a rock song written by Harold Faltermeyer and Mark Spiro and performed by American group Cheap Trick in 1985 for the film Top Gun....
" by Cheap TrickCheap TrickCheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
– 3:51 - "Playing with the BoysPlaying With the Boys"Playing with the Boys" is a rock song created by American singer Kenny Loggins for the Top Gun film, and featured in the volleyball scene toward the middle of the film prior to Maverick's dinner date with Charlie ....
" by Kenny Loggins – 3:59 - "Lead Me On" by Teena MarieTeena MarieMary Christine Brockert, better known by her stage name Teena Marie, was an American singer, songwriter and producer...
– 3:47 - "Take My Breath AwayTake My Breath AwayAmerican pop singer Jessica Simpson covered "Take My Breath Away" and released it as the third single from the album In This Skin in 2004. Her version was produced by Billy Mann. Simpson chose to cover this song because she felt that it was the theme song of her relationship with her then husband,...
(Love Theme from Top Gun)" by BerlinBerlin (band)Berlin is an American New Wave/Synthpop band. The group was formed in Los Angeles in 1978 by John Crawford . The band contained Crawford, Terri Nunn , David Diamond , Ric Olsen , Matt Reid and Rod Learned . Learned left during the first EU tour and was replaced by Rob Brill...
– 4:11 - "Hot Summer Nights" by Miami Sound Machine – 3:38
- "Heaven in Your EyesHeaven in Your Eyes"Heaven in Your Eyes" was a single released in 1986 by the Canadian rock band Loverboy, for the Top Gun soundtrack. It later appeared on Loverboy's 1989 hits compilation Big Ones. The power ballad reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the U.S.The song was originally written by Mae Moore...
" by LoverboyLoverboyLoverboy is a Canadian rock group formed in 1980 in Calgary, Alberta. Throughout the 1980s, the band accumulated numerous hit songs in Canada and the United States, earning four multi-platinum albums and selling millions of records...
– 4:04 - "Through the Fire" by Larry Greene – 3:46
- "Destination Unknown" by MariettaMarietta WatersMarietta Waters is an American singer and most known for her performance of "Destination Unknown" on the Top Gun soundtrack where she is credited by the stage name, Marietta...
– 3:48 - "Top Gun AnthemTop Gun Anthem"Top Gun Anthem" is an instrumental rock song played on guitar by Steve Stevens. It was the theme for the 1986 film Top Gun. A variant of the song without the electric guitar is played at the introduction when an F-14 Tomcat is being prepared to takeoff from the aircraft carrier...
" by Harold FaltermeyerHarold FaltermeyerHarold Faltermeyer is a German musician, keyboardist, composer and record producer.He is recognized as one of the composers/producers who best captured the zeitgeist of 1980s synth-pop in film scores...
& Steve StevensSteve StevensSteve Stevens is an American guitarist and songwriter.He is best known for playing for other artists and less known for his critically acclaimed solo efforts , collaborations Steve Stevens (born as Steven Schneider on May 5, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York) is an American guitarist and songwriter.He...
– 4:12
1999 Special Edition bonus tracks
- "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay" The Dock of the Bay" is a song co-written by soul singer Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. It was first recorded by Otis Redding in 1967, just days before his death. It was released posthumously on Stax Records' Volt label in 1968, becoming the first posthumous number-one single in U.S...
" by Otis ReddingOtis ReddingOtis Ray Redding, Jr. was an American soul singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger and talent scout. He is considered one of the major figures in soul and R&B...
– 2:42 - "Memories" by Harold Faltermeyer – 2:57
- "Great Balls of FireGreat Balls of Fire"Great Balls of Fire" is a 1957 song recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis on Sun Records and featured in the 1957 movie Jamboree. It was written by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer...
" (Original Version) by Jerry Lee LewisJerry Lee LewisJerry Lee Lewis is an American rock and roll and country music singer-songwriter and pianist. An early pioneer of rock and roll music, Lewis's career faltered after he married his young cousin, and he afterwards made a career extension to country and western music. He is known by the nickname 'The...
– 1:57 - "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin" is a 1964 song by The Righteous Brothers which became a number-one hit single in the United States and the United Kingdom the following year. In 1999, the performing-rights organization Broadcast Music, Inc. ranked the song as having had more radio and television...
" by The Righteous BrothersThe Righteous BrothersThe Righteous Brothers were the musical duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. They recorded from 1963 through 1975, and continued to perform until Hatfield's death in 2003...
– 3:44 - "Playing with the Boys" (12" Version) by Kenny Loggins – 6:41
2006 Deluxe Edition bonus tracks
- "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon
- "Broken Wings" by Mister Mister
- "The Final CountdownThe Final Countdown (song)"The Final Countdown" is a rock song by the Swedish band Europe released in 1986. Written by Joey Tempest, it was the first single from the band's third studio album which was also named The Final Countdown. It is considered by some to be the band's most recognizable and popular song. The song...
" by Europe - "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship
- "The Power of Love" by Jennifer Rush
Omissions
Bryan AdamsBryan Adams
Bryan Adams, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and photographer. Adams has won dozens of awards and nominations, including 20 Juno Awards among 56 nominations. He has also received 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written...
was approached to allow his song "Only the Strong Survive" on the soundtrack. He refused because he felt the film glorified war and he didn't want any of his work linked to it.
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
were also approached to allow their song "Reckless" on the soundtrack, but declined, both because they thought the film would flop and because it would have meant leaving the song off their 1986 album Turbo
Turbo (Judas Priest album)
-Judas Priest:*Rob Halford: Lead Vocals*Glenn Tipton: Lead Guitars*K.K. Downing: Lead Guitars*Ian Hill: Bass Guitar*Dave Holland: Drums-Guests:*Jeff Martin: Backing Vocals on "Wild Nights, Hot & Crazy Days"-External links:*...
. Ironically, they contributed the title track to the film Johnny Be Good
Johnny Be Good
Johnny Be Good is a 1988 American comedy film directed by Bud Smith, starring Anthony Michael Hall as the main character, Johnny Walker. The film also features Robert Downey Jr., Steve James, Jennifer Tilly and Uma Thurman in her film debut...
two years later, which was a commercial failure.
The Motels
The Motels
The Motels are a New Wave music band from the Los Angeles area best known for "Only the Lonely" and "Suddenly Last Summer", each of which peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Their song "Total Control" reached #4 on the Australian charts in 1980...
were originally considered for the song "Take My Breath Away". A demo version exists on their compilation, Anthologyland.
Other songs not included on any release of the soundtrack include the cast recordings of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "Great Balls of Fire", as well as the "humming" version of "Take My Breath Away" and Giorgio Moroder
Giorgio Moroder
Hansjörg "Giorgio" Moroder is an Italian record producer, songwriter and performer based in Los Angeles. When in Munich in the 1970s, he started his own record label called Oasis Records, which several years later became a subdivision of Casablanca Records...
's "Radar Radio
Radar Radio
"Radar Radio" is a single performed by Giorgio Moroder featuring Joe Pizzulo and written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock. It was featured in the film Top Gun...
".
The band Toto
Toto (band)
Toto is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1977. The group currently consists of Joseph Williams , David Paich , Steve Porcaro , Steve Lukather , Mike Porcaro , and Simon Phillips . Toto is known for a musical style that combines elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard...
was supposed to sing the song "Danger Zone" but due to legal conflict, it was passed on to Kenny Loggins
Kenny Loggins
During the next decade, Loggins recorded so many successful songs for film soundtracks that he was referred to as, King of the Movie Soundtrack.He began with "I'm Alright" , "Mr. Night", and "Lead the Way" from Caddyshack...
.
The Cars
The Cars
The Cars are an American rock band that emerged from the early New Wave music scene in the late 1970s. The band consisted of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson...
song "Stranger Eyes" was featured in an early trailer for the film, though did not appear in the final version of the movie.
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | "Danger Zone" | The Billboard Hot 100 | 2 |
| 1986 | "Take My Breath Away" | The Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
| 1986 | "Heaven in Your Eyes" | The Billboard Hot 100 | 12 |
The Score
Whilst three versions of the Top Gun soundtrack have been released, there has only been one track of score officially released, "Memories". The score however is available as a bootleg (usually labeled as a promo), although it's far from complete.There are three central themes in Top Gun. The main theme is a triumphant ode to those daring daredevil fighter pilots, almost like an American rock version of Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British film. It tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice....
, and as such occasionally featuring an electric guitar. It’s backed up by some interesting percussion, and what sounds like a church bell (which amusingly was used on its own in the teaser trailer for another Paramount production of 1986, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is a 1986 slasher film, the sixth film in the Friday the 13th film series. The film was written and directed by Tom McLoughlin...
).
The ‘Memories’ theme is an introspective and melancholy theme with electric strings (and possibly a real guitar) that is used for Maverick confronting his past, as well as the tragic things that happen to him, i.e. his best friend dying. This is followed by the love theme, otherwise known as ‘Take My Breath Away’, which appears in both instrumental and vocal flavours, and was written by 80s powerhouse Giorgio Moroder and lyricist Tom Whitlock
Tom Whitlock
Thomas "Tom" Ross Whitlock is a songwriter and lyricist best known for his Academy Award and Golden Globe winning song "Take My Breath Away" from the film Top Gun, which he co-wrote with Giorgio Moroder.-Early life:...
(who unbelievably was previous Moroder’s Ferrari mechanic). It’s notable that many of the songs in the film (and subsequently on the album) were actually written for the film, and not necessarily just culled from other sources. As such, some of them also appear as instrumental versions in the film (‘Mighty Wings’ for example, which was co-written by Harold Faltermeyer).
The Promo
- Top Gun Anthem (Film Version)
- Opening Theme
- Danger Zone
- MIG 28s
- Negative G Pushover-Cougar’s Landing
- Still Awake-Can’t Sleep
- Playing With the Boys
- Take My Breath Away (Instrumental)
- Who’s Side Are You On-Never Again
- Flat Spin
- Goose’s Death-Goodbye Goose
- New Mission
- Top Gun Anthem
- Mighty Wings
- Take My Breath Away
- Great Balls Of Fire Demo (Bonus Track)
Many of the tracks are erroneously labelled when compared to the film, and the final track is taken from the DVD soundtrack.
Cue Breakdown
1. Main Title 0:00 – 2:42 t2:43Quiet version of the Top Gun Anthem over the credits as the aircraft carrier prepares to launch fighters. Segues immediately into the next track, alongside a very loud roar from a jet engine
2. Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins 2:43 – 4:13 t3:32
An edit of Kenny Loggins’ song plays over scenes of F14s landing and taking off.
3. MiG 28s 6:03 – 7:39 t1:40
Two MiG 28s appear and engage the F14s. Tense electronic underscore.
4. Missile Lock 7:44 – 8:46 t1:12
Cougar is engaged by the MiG 28. More tense electronic underscore.
5. Watch The Birdie 8:52 – 9:19 t0:34
Short triumphant version of the Top Gun Anthem as Maverick inverts his F14 and Goose takes a photo.
6. Cougar’s Landing 9:20 – 12:42 t3:32
More tense music as Cougar has an emotional breakdown in his cockpit, with Maverick having to rescue him. Heavy percussion.
7. Danger Zone (Reprise) 15:00 – 16:44 t1:44
Maverick and Goose learn they are going to Top Gun. Lyrics start as Maverick arrives in Miramar.
8. Lead Me On – Teena Marie
Song is played in the club Maverick and Goose visit.
9. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling (Karaoke)
Goose and Maverick perform the song to Charlie. Badly.
10. Hot Summer Nights – Miami Sound Machine
Song is played in the bar as Maverick goes into the ladies room.
11. The First Hop 29:33 – 32:40 t3:07
An instrumental version of ‘Mighty Wings’ plays as they try to defeat Jester.
12. Jester’s Dead 32:41 – 33:45 t1:06
Triumphant rendition of the anthem as they get Jester.
13. Dismissed 36:02 – 36:36 t0:35
Maverick and Goose are reprimanded by Viper. More tense music.
14. Still Awake 37:07 – 39:07 t1:59
Goose confronts Maverick about his recklessness. Electronic strings. Features a riff that sounds like the ‘Memories’ theme, but isn’t.
15. Playing With The Boys – Kenny Loggins
Goose, Maverick, Iceman and Slider, play volleyball. Generally known as the most homoerotic scene in the history of cinema.
16. Charlie’s House 42:48 – 44:05 t1:28
Maverick arrives late at Charlie’s. Instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’. On album as ‘Take My Breath Away (Instrumental)’
17. Sitting On The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding
The Otis Redding classic plays as Maverick tells Charlie about his father
18. Complicated 47:13 – 48:16 t1:03
Charlie realises she’s falling for Maverick. Instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’. Lyricless vocals at 0:41.
19. Glad We Got That Straight 49:11 – 49:45 t0:34
Maverick and Charlie talk in an elevator. Another instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’. Doesn’t have the electric piano riff.
20. The Love Scene 52:05 – 55:24 t3:20
Maverick and Charlie finally get it on. Instrumental rendition of ‘Take My Breath Away’ with vocals coming in at 2:01.
21. Hop 19 57:26 – 39:33 t2:04
Maverick and Goose go after Viper. Catchy Faltermeyer riff.
22. Memories 1:00:46 – 1:01:28 0:43
Maverick remembers his father as he looks at a picture. Contains the ‘Memories’ theme. Not the same as the corresponding score track on the
expanded album.
23. Great Balls of Fire Medley 1:01:29 – 1:03:46 t2:17
Maverick and Goose and family sing the song, which segues into the Jerry Lee Lewis recording.
24. Hop 31 1:03:52 – 1:05:19 t1:24
Reprise of ‘Danger Zone’, starting instrumental then coming in with vocals at 0:38.
25. Flat Spin 1:05:19 – 1:07:36 t2:22
Whilst acting as his wingman, Maverick gets lost in Iceman’s jetwash and the plane spins out. Unreleased, the ‘Flat Spin’ on the promo score is mislabelled.
26. Goose’s Death 1:07:39 – 1:09:24 t1:44
Goose dies. Very melancholic rendition of the ‘Memories’ theme. Again, does not match the track on the promo purporting to be ‘Goose’s Death’.
27. Guilt 1:10:25 – 1:17:03 t6:38
Maverick blames himself for Goose’s death. He is cleared to fly. It’s possible that this is two cues, as the first half corresponds with ‘Memories’ on expanded album. The vocal “oooh” on the album track is mixed right down in film so you can barely hear it.
28. Maverick Quits 1:17:54 – 1:21:21 t3:29
Charlie and Maverick talk after he quits. On the promo this is labelled ‘Whose Side Are You On – Never Again’.
29. Maverick’s Father 1:22:09 – 1:23:24 t1:14
Viper tells Maverick about his father. Quiet rendition of the anthem.
30. Options 1:23:40 – 1:25:28 t1:48
Maverick asks Viper what his options are, with another rendition of the ‘Memories’ theme. Appears on promo labelled as ‘Goose’s Death –
Goodbye Goose’.
31. Destination Unknown – Marietta
Plays at the graduation ceremony.
32. Crisis Situation 1:26:50 – 1:27:07 t0:20
The pilots are given orders and Viper tells Maverick he’ll potentially fly with him (is he mad?). Similar to ‘Maverick’s Father’. End fades into next cue.
33. New Mission 1:27:06 – 1:29:27 t2:25
The pilots are briefed. Similar to ‘Main Title’, and one of the few tracks on the promo with the correct title.
34. Maverick’s Airborne 1:31:36 – 1:34:38 t3:02 t3:02
Maverick launches to support Ice and Slider. Bits of the ‘Mighty Wings’ riff here and there.
35. Maverick Re-engages 1:34:39 – 1:39:00 4:24
Hooray for Maverick. Fun action music. Labelled as ‘Flat Spin’ on promo.
36. Victory Flyby 1:39:03 – 1:42:39 t3:21
Maverick buzzes the tower. ‘Top Gun Anthem (Film Version)’ on promo.
37. Radar Radio – Giorgio Moroder and Joe Pizzulo
Another of Giorgio Moroder’s epics. Plays in the bar at the end. Available only on the B-side to the ‘Take My Breath Away’ single.
38. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ – The Righteous Brothers
Plays in the bar at the end and over the final shots of the film.
39. Mighty Wings – Cheap Trick
Plays over the end credits.
If you want to relabel the promo, this is the way to do it:
- Main Title (t2 Opening Theme)
- Danger Zone
- MiG 28s
- Cougar’s Landing (t5 Negative G Pushover)
- Still Awake
- Playing With The Boys
- Charlie’s House (t8 Take My Breath Away)
- Memories (insert the expanded track here)
- Maverick Quits (t9 Whose Side Are You On)
- Options (t11 Goose’s Death – Goodbye Goose)
- New Mission
- Maverick Re-Engages (t10 Flat Spin)
- Victory Flyby (t1 Top Gun Anthem (Film))
- You’ve Lost That Lovin Feelin
- Mighty Wings
- Take My Breath Away
- Top Gun Anthem