Rocky IV [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

Quite simply, {|Rocky IV|} was a movie for the ages. The story of a man who had it all, only to lose so much overnight. Revolving around tension and alienation on the personal, political, spiritual and athletic levels, {|Sylvester Stallone|}'s portra... Read more

Quite simply, {|Rocky IV|} was a movie for the ages. The story of a man who had it all, only to lose so much overnight. Revolving around tension and alienation on the personal, political, spiritual and athletic levels, {|Sylvester Stallone|}'s portrayal of {|Rocky Balboa|} in {|Rocky IV|} was without question the most multi-dimensional role of his career. This isn't to shirk the original {|Rocky|}, which dealt with questions of class, ethnicity, and overcoming obstacles to victory -- but {|Rocky IV|} was more of a movie to be related to on a universal scale. This indomitable spirit is best exemplified by the album's lead-off track {|Burning Heart.|} The logical sequel to {|Survivor|}'s epic, instantly recognizable and painfully unforgettable sports anthem {|Eye of the Tiger|} finds the central protagonist a bit more mature and refined; world-weary from his battles and exponentially more introspective than he was in his burning youth. This torch is then passed to {|John Cafferty|}; whom {|soundtrack|} fans will no doubt recognize from his work on {|Eddie & the Cruisers|}, {|Eddie & the Cruisers 2: Eddie Lives|} and {|Eddie & the Cruisers: The Unreleased Tapes|}. Here, {|Cafferty|} has replaced his {|Beaver Brown Band|} with the urgent, yet mildly dated synthesizer work of {|Vince Dicola|}. Decidedly pacing the album's {|soundtrack|} as well as setting the calm before the storm, the {|soundtrack|} producers wisely teamed up {|Kenny Loggins|} and {|Gladys Knight|} for {|Double Or Nothing.|} This combination was no doubt inspired by a similar pairing of {|blue-eyed soul|} boy {|George Michael|} with the legendary {|R&B|} diva {|Aretha Franklin|}, would hit the top of the charts with their fantastic duet {|I Knew You Were Waiting for Me|} (which is, sadly, not included here). Perhaps the {|soundtrack|}'s second most popular tune (second only to {|Eye of the Tiger|} which makes a return appearance for good sales, no doubt), {|Living in America|} perfectly sums up the decadence, extravagance, and sheer bloated pompousness of the '80s. Composer {|Vince DiCola|} makes another appearance by quietly stealing the show with {|Training Montage.|} Easily a proto-jock rock jam, this ranks up there with some of the finest sports anthems ever. And while it doesn't have the accessibility of {|Queen|}'s {|We Will Rock You,|} or {|Gary Glitter|}'s {|Rock & Roll Part Two,|} it's emotional peaks and valleys set the perfect contrast to what's on-screen. {|Balboa|}'s struggle to gain the advantage, both physically and psychologically, and win the fight is beautifully scored by {|Dicola|}'s {|War/Fanfare from Rocky.|} Easily the weaker of the two pieces, this still complements the movie's climax and eventual denouement with grace and class. The final song not mentioned on this {|soundtrack|} belongs to one-hit wonder {|Touch|}. Finding a suitable {|Journey|} soundalike in the 2000s being a near impossible chore, {|Scotti Bros.|} and {|Stallone|} made the decision to go with {|Touch|}'s stirring rendition of the song. The decision paid off in spades, as it still remains one of the best songs in the entire {|Rocky|} {|soundtrack|} catalog. ~ Rob Theakston Less