The title
Heavy Metal
is somewhat misleading. Sure, this terrific soundtrack from the 1981 animated cult favorite features heavy metal and hard rock numbers. But the title refers to
National Lampoon
's sci-fi/fantasy magazine on which the film is based. Musically,
offers more than the title suggests, and the songs fit perfectly with their respective film segments.
was originally a double album, but at 62 minutes it fits just fine on one CD. Sixteen songs are contributed by
Black Sabbath
,
Blue Oyster Cult
Cheap Trick
Devo
Donald Fagen
Don Felder
Grand Funk Railroad
Sammy Hagar
Journey
Nazareth
Stevie Nicks
Riggs
, and
Trust
;
Felder
each provide two. Most songs are exclusive to this soundtrack. The best-known song here is
's ballad
"Open Arms."
's darkly menacing
"Veteran of the Psychic Wars"
is a haunting gem.
's quirky, new wave interpretation of the
Allen Toussaint
-penned
"Working in the Coal Mine"
was a minor hit.
's blistering
"The Mob Rules"
is a fine example of the underrated
Ronnie James Dio
era.
's
"Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)"
and
"All of You"
are well-crafted, and they make a good argument that he was
the Eagles
' secret musical weapon.
Fagen
"True Companion"
is a delightful jazz-rock song that would have fit nicely on a
Steely Dan
album. The odd thing is this five-minute tune is practically an instrumental;
doesn't start singing until 3½ minutes in.
"Crazy (A Suitable Case for Treatment)"
has a hypnotic rhythm.
'
"Blue Lamp"
is clean, upbeat pop/rock.
"Reach Out"
"I Must Be Dreamin'"
rely more on synthesizers than power-pop guitars.
"Radar Rider"
is basic, catchy hard rock. ~ Bret Adams