Summary
The 1985 filmSt. Elmo’s Fireis known for having music almost as memorable and significant as the movie itself. The film’s soundtrack was the work of composer David Foster, who helped produce and write the songs. Foster’s work earned the soundtrack anomination for the Best Album Of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special at the 1985 Grammy Awards. The movie was the creative anddirectorial effort of Joel Schumacher, who sampled the romance-drama genre withSt. Elmo’s Firebefore moving to direct more intense action films.
Along withThe Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Firewas considered an essentialensemble Brat Pack movie from the 1980s.St. Elmo’s Firefollows a friend group of seven recent graduates trying to navigate adult life, with many of theactors considered key Brat Pack members. The friend group consists of Billy (Rob Lowe), Wendy (Mare Winningham), Leslie (Ally Sheedy), Jules (Demi Moore), Alec (Judd Nelson), Kevin (Andrew McCarthy), and Kirbo (Emilio Estevez). The storytelling, acting, and soundtrack all work together to makeSt. Elmo’s Firea classic 1980s movie.
Why Molly Ringwald & Anthony Michael Hall Are The Only Main Brat Pack Members Missing From St. Elmo’s Fire
Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall are the only main Brat Pack members missing from St. Elmo’s Fire, but there’s a good reason for their absence.
When Every Song On The St. Elmo’s Fire Soundtrack Plays In The Movie
The Film’s Featured Song Stands Out Above The Others
“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” by John Parr- After visiting Billy and Wendy in the hospital post-car accident, the group heads to their usual hangout spot, St. Elmo’s Bar in Georgetown, with “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” by John Parr playing in the background. The song also emphasizes the significance of Kirbo seeing his crush, Dale (Andie MacDowell), for the first time since college. The song plays over shots of the group’s routine, showing their familiarity with the bar and love for each other. The song plays later in the movie during Kirbo’s party as background music that keeps getting interrupted by Alec’s outbursts.
The soundtrack was so critical to the film that the cinematic story expanded into Parr’s music video for “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion).” The music video features Parr singing, clips from the movie, and new footage of the seven cast members returning to St. Elmo’s Bar. It continues to have a reputation as Parr’s most notable contribution to 1980s pop culture.
“St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” was the No. 1 song on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in September 1985.
“Give Her A Little Drop More” by Todd Smallwood- At the bar, the group breaks off into couples to dance and sing along to a live cover of “Give Her A Little Drop More” performed by Todd Smallwood. This scene further establishes the group’s comfort and familiarity with each other. The song is briefly heard at the end of the movie, as the friends see a new group at their bar table and realize how much they’ve matured during the film. At least enough that they no longer need to hang out at St. Elmo’s Bar to maintain their bond.
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin- Kevin sings along to “Respect” by Aretha Franklin in his room, smoking a cigarette and playing the bongos. When his roommate comes home, Kevin quickly turns the music off, worried Kirbo will make fun of him for his solo performance. This scene establishes Kevin as a shy, quirky character.
“Four Seasons: Spring” by Antonio Vivaldi- The classical music song “Four Seasons: Spring” by Antonio Vivaldi plays in the background of Leslie and Kevin’s conversation in Leslie’s kitchen as they prepare a nice dinner. The music underscores the sense of refinement and sophistication the friend group seeks as young adults.
“Shake Down” by Billy Squier- After Kevin is harassed by his friends for his celibacy, “Shake Down” by Billy Squier plays as the character approaches Naomi (Anna Maria Horsford), a sex worker with whom he is friendly. Naomi tells him she thought he was gay, and that’s why she’s never offered him any services. With a smile, Kevin walks away from the situation before anything can happen.
“One Love” by David Foster- After being rejected by Wendy, Billy leaves her house as “One Love” by David Foster plays. The film then cuts to a Halloween concert where Billy plays the saxophone song on stage as a costumed crowd dances along. The song is mostly saxophone with limited lyrics, highlighting Billy’s musical talent. The piece ends when Billy notices his estranged wife is at the bar with another man, and he jumps off the stage to fight him.
“Saved My Life” by Fee Waybill- Kevin returns to the corner where Naomi works, and “Saved My Life” by Fee Waybill plays as he walks through the alleyway. He asks Naomi for her thoughts on the meaning of life, and she propositions him again. Kevin declines and walks away, but a friendship appears to be budding between them.
“You’re Still Laughing” by Fee Waybill- In contrast to the optimism Leslie and Wendy share about Billy’s new job, the movie cuts to Billy making out with a woman in a bathtub as “You’re Still Laughing” by Fee Waybill plays loudly. The music stops abruptly when Billy’s new boss enters, revealing they are in his home. Billy is fired off-screen.
“This Time It Was Really Right” by Jon Anderson- Kirbo throws a party at his new boss’s home as an excuse to talk to Dale. As the group arrives at the event, “This Time It Was Really Right” by Jon Anderson plays in the background.
“If I Turn You Away” by Vikki Moss- When Dale doesn’t come to the party, “If I Turn You Away” by Vikki Moss plays as Kirbo calls to see if she’s still at work. Billy and Wendy talk outside the party, catching up for the first time since she rejected him. The song reflects Billy’s melancholy as he realizes he lost his opportunity with Wendy now that he sees she’s moved on.
“Young and Innocent” by Elefante- As Kirbo and Kevin reflect on their lost loves and the fragmentation of their friend group, “Young and Innocent” by Elefante plays. The two go back to St. Elmo’s Bar, but instead of going in, they peek in the window, as if inspecting who they used to be.
Foster also composed the piece “Love Theme fromSt. Elmo’s Fire,” which plays multiple times in the movie.
Where To Listen To The St. Elmo’s Fire Soundtrack
The Album Is On All Major Music Streaming Platforms
The officialSt. Elmo’s Firesoundtrack is available to stream onSpotify,Apple Music, andYouTube Music. Versions of the CD can be purchased in major stores, includingTarget, and online retailers likeeBay. Vinyls of the album are also available to buyonline. In 1985, the original soundtrack was advertised as available “on Atlantic Records and cassettes” at the end of the film’s credits. Not all songs in the film are on the official soundtrack, with certain songs remaining unlisted from the film’s discography.
St. Elmo’s Fire
Cast
A group of close-knit college graduates navigates the challenges of adulthood, balancing careers, relationships, and personal growth. Amidst the backdrop of their favorite bar, they confront their fears, ambitions, and the complexities of growing up, discovering the true meaning of friendship and resilience.
