Grease is the word, and it also tops the list of the best romantic movie soundtracks from the 1970s thru the 1990s. Listening to some of these soundtracks, it's tough to believe that the movies they're from were released as long as 30 years ago. The music stands up against most of what's being paired with movies, even today.
1. 'Grease' Original Soundtrack
© Polydor
This is my all-time favorite movie soundtrack. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John sparkle, the songs are irresistible, and this is THE absolute must-have movie soundtrack. Teenagers, summer love, and the '1950s - Grease's soundtrack captures it all.
2. 'Dirty Dancing'
© RCA Records
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey heated up theaters in this romantic musical - and the soundtrack steamed up the record charts. Bill Medley and Jennifer Warness' "I've Had the Time of My Life" was an almost permanent fixture on pop radio stations in the late '80s.
3. 'Footloose'
© Legacy Recordings
Footloose's soundtrack features some of the mainstays of '80s rock, including Foreigner, Kenny Loggins, and John Cougar Mellancamp. This soundtrack got people moving and it still brings a smile to the faces of those of us who are nostalgic for the '80s.
4. 'Always'
© MCA Records
Always - the film - was one of the best movies of any genre released in the late 1980s. The film's soundtrack is a beautiful collection of romantic tunes, including the classic "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."
5. 'The Bodyguard'
© Arista Records
Whitney Houston belts out an incredible selection of songs on this soundtrack. Songs include "I'm Every Woman" and one of the best love songs ever performed on a soundtrack, "I Will Always Love You." This is pure classic Houston at her all-time best.
6. 'Beauty and the Beast'
© Disney
Disney's animated tale Beauty and the Beast features the music of Alan Menken combined with Howard Ashman's lyrics. The CD features Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson performing a stirring rendition of "Beauty and the Beast." This CD is a wonderful collection of songs for people of all ages.
7. 'Saturday Night Fever'
© Polydor
So many disco anthems came off this soundtrack that it's like listening to a "Best of Disco" CD. Dust off those polyester suits and shine up the sparkling disco ball while listening to hits including "More Than a Woman" and "Stayin' Alive."
8. 'Cabaret'
© MCA Records
Cabaret showcases Liza Minnelli as she pays tribute to her mother, Judy Garland. The film's soundtrack went gold and contains what is considered by many critics to be Minnelli's best work to date.
9. 'A Star is Born'
© Columbia
Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson teamed up in the romantic tale of an up-and-coming star (Streisand) who falls in love with a has-been (Kristofferson). The soundtrack features the Streisand hit "Evergreen" along with 10 additional outstanding tracks.
10. '200 Cigarettes'
My favorite soundtrack CDs are ones I can sing along with - even though I have a terrible voice. This CD is packed with tracks by artists such as Blondie, The Cars, and The Ramones and includes lots of Top 40 hits from the 1980s.
