Tag: 80s hits

Ben Affleck Reveals the ’80s Classics That Inspired His New Movie, ‘AIR’

April 10, 2023

For all that Michael Jordan accomplished on a basketball court, his signature sneakers are an equally important part of his legacy. And in the new movie AIR—which Ben Affleck directs and stars in alongside Matt Damon, Viola Davis, and Jason Bateman—fans can discover how one of the world’s most legendary shoes came to be. 

But more than just exploring the mythology of Air Jordan and his game-changing kicks, the movie also stands out for its soundtrack. Featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Run-D.M.C., REO Speedwagon, and Chaka Khan, the AIR soundtrack is a non-stop parade of iconic ’80s hits.  

To celebrate AIR’s release, Ben took the nostalgia a step further and created a playlist of the ’80s classics that inspired him during filming. Jumping from pop to rock to hip-hop (and everything in-between), 1984 includes tracks from Prince, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Van Halen, Sheila E., and more.

For the Record had the opportunity to speak with AIR’s music supervisor, Andrea von Foerster, who gave us the inside scoop on how she and Ben helped bring the movie to life through its music. 

Were there ways you used the soundtrack to enhance the narrative? 

Ben directed an amazing film that feels authentically ’80s, visually and musically. There was so much good music from that time, and we used many of the songs from a narrative point of view. Using lyrics that matched what was happening in certain scenes was a great way to add energy and comedy. For example, Run-D.M.C.’s “My Adidas” plays as Michael Jordan meets with Adidas, and REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” helps set the tone as Nike CEO Phil Knight goes on a run and decides whether or not to make an offer to Michael. 

Were there any songs that became a must-include for the soundtrack?  

Right at the start of the process, Ben sent me a 1984 playlist as a jumping off point. As we got closer to the final edit, the song choices evolved. Sometimes we decided we could beat what we originally had in mind, and other times we needed to pivot due to budgetary restrictions. “My Adidas” and “Born In The U.S.A.” are discussed in the film, so we definitely wanted to keep those. 

We also didn’t have a composer on this film, so we licensed existing scores from other ’80s films. Seven of those were from the electronic group Tangerine Dream. But then we needed to find the right music for two spots in the film, so we commissioned Paul Haslinger, a former member of Tangerine Dream, to compose music for those moments.

Andrea von Foerster

Are there any songs on the soundtrack that you consider deep cuts or forgotten gems?

I think it depends on how old you are. I’m not that far behind Matt and Ben in age, so we have the same consciousness of music. But if you’re younger, you might not know all the songs. So I think most people will know “Born in the U.S.A.,” but they may not know the Violent Femmes’ “Prove My Love.” Rufus and Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” is also an amazing song that some people might discover for the first time. There was a moment when it played during the premiere and everyone in the theater started singing it. It’s such a good song.

If you had to guess, what would Michael Jordan have had in his Walkman in 1984? 

I think it’s safe to say he was listening to Prince, like any self-respecting human alive at that time. 

And then I’d guess Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Van Halen, Run-D.M.C., Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Whodini, Kool & The Gang, Fleetwood Mac, and The Sugarhill Gang.

Check out all the sights and sounds of 1984 in AIR, playing in theaters now. And to discover more classics of the era, check out our playlist ’80s Hits.

Ring in the New Year With Curated Playlists From Kylie Minogue, Olivia Neill, Craig David, and More

December 30, 2021

New Year’s Eve is sure to be a bit different this year, but fear not! There’s a party playlist ready to brighten your night. To help ring in 2022, Spotify worked with artists and creators around the world to curate nearly 20 of our most head-banging, fist-pumping, karaoke-ready playlists. From Kylie Minogue taking over 80s Hits to a brand new playlist from the internet’s bestie, podcaster Olivia Neill, the danceable playlists span themes, genres, and decades to fit every listener’s tastes.

Whether you’re hoping to start the year discovering a new song or remembering a past favorite, here are the tracklists handpicked by your favorite musicians, podcasters, and DJs for the ultimate celebration.

Kick off your NYE soiree with nothing but bangers. Kylie Minogue has selected the top ’80s discs for her takeover of 80s Hits. These nostalgic beats will have you out of your seat in no time—no leg warmers required.

Fans already rely on Olivia Neill, known for her Inner Monologue podcast, for company and conversation. Now, she’s created a brand-new playlist for anyone spending NYE on the go. The peppy playlist called Driving With Olivia Neill features singable hits from Rihanna, Drake, Orlando, Her’s, and Tyler, The Creator.

Push back the sofa, switch on the strobe lights, and turn your living room into the most exclusive club in town with the help of noughties favorite Craig David. To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of his debut album, Born to Do It, the U.K. popstar has brought his signature style to curate Spotify’s old-school anthems playlist Room 2: Classics. There, R&B and U.K. garage come together in the form of more than six hours of throwback tunes.

Katy B, the original queen of dubstep and U.K. funky, played on dance floors across the U.K. in the early 2010s. Now, she’s taken over Spotify’s high-energy UK Funky playlist for NYE as she continues her musical return. The On A Mission star has mixed up her favorite classic dance hits, along with recent funky discoveries, to get the party started at any time of the day.

Dutch DJ and EDM veteran Armin van Buuren, who’s known for his annual end-of-year mixes, has joined forces with Spotify to curate our number one electronic playlist, Trance Classics. Taking inspiration from his latest release, A State Of Trance Year Mix 2021, Armin’s exclusive playlist features his ultimate trance anthems and euphoric beats to bring 2021 to a hypnotic finish.

The British indie trio Foals is back, and they’ve brought dance floor hits with them. Taking over the Sticky Floors playlist, the English rock band has mashed indie classics with dance tracks in a style that reflects their new direction and first release in two years—a synth-filled dance remix of “Wake Me Up” with Gaspard Augé and Victor Le Masne.

Last and loudest is British MC and rapper Bru-C, who has unveiled some of the naughtiest bass bangers on the Proper Naughty playlist. The rising U.K. star has brought the same sound system-jumping energy to the playlist as he did to his recently sold out home-city concert. This cheeky tracklist is made for fans of the British rap music genre grime and the electronic music genre drum and bass.

For even more tunes to fuel your kitchen rave or dining room dance party, check out Bad Boy Chiller Crew’s takeover of Charva Night and Pete Tong’s takeover of Ibiza Classics. Happy New Year!