Every New Zealand #1 single…
8
Footloose by Kenny Loggins
Topped the NZ chart for 4 weeks from 3 June 1984
Kenny Loggins
Loggins was born in Everett, Washington, 40 km north of Seattle. He started his career as a folkie, playing in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Loggins and Messina. During the 1980s, he became known as the “King of the Movie Soundtrack”, recording numerous pop/rock hits for movies.
His successes include:
- ‘I’m Alright’ from Caddyshack
- ‘Footloose’ from Footloose
- ‘Meet Me Half Way’ from Over the Top
- ‘Danger Zone’ and ‘Playing with the Boys’ from Top Gun
- ‘Nobody’s Fool’ from Caddyshack II.
But I like the idea of the sort of oil and water vibe where you go crossgrain and you don’t write a literal song to the scene. You try to extend the scene out in some other way. That’s part of the challenge of writing music for movies.
Kenny Loggins, Ultimate Classic Rock
Footloose
Loggins wrote ‘Footloose’ with songwriter Dean Pitchford, a lyricist who also cowrote Irene Cara’s ‘Fame’ and Kim Carnes’ ‘Don’t Call It Love’.
But I prefer Yacht Rock‘s story of the song’s origin:
Yacht Rock was a web series that dramatised the intersecting careers of Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
My verdict
‘Footloose’ is a worthy #1. It’s shooting for the mainstream, but it’s energetic and memorable.
I never considered the similarities to The James Gang’s ‘Funk #49’. But despite the difference in genres, the central ‘Funk #49’ riff is very similar to the chorus of ‘Footloose’.
The Aftermath
Loggins’ prominence faded over time, but he enjoyed some success in the 1990s. 1994’s Return to Pooh Corner was a successful children’s album.
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Kenny had some good songs on movie soundtracks. “Footloose” was typical of soundtracks back then, there seemed to be a song representing each genre of music. I thought I’d share my post on the soundtrack. https://80smetalman.wordpress.com/2017/10/11/greatish-soundtracks-of-1984-footloose/
A lot of big hitters on that. I like Karla Bonoff but it seems like a weird place for her.
I got a chuckle out of the Yacht Rock video with Jason Lee playing Kevin Bacon. Never really thought about it but Kenny Loggins did make some sweet movie songs. I loved Loggins & Messina album of Sailing (something about sailing.)
I’ve never heard a Loggins album, just know a few hits.
I love Yacht Rock – that’s one of my favourite episodes.
I *adore* this L & M song:
https://youtu.be/CKZtH-U_8iA?si=EKXsIBA0J9m-Gn–
I liked it. The space between this and Footloose makes it feel like Loggins is more an opportunist than a visionary.
Love the video! lol
Footloose is alright for what it is…Danger Zone…no. I always liked Loggins and Messina more than Loggins movie songs but…hey they worked out well for the movie and him so he was successful.
I only know ‘Your Mama Don’t Dance’ by Loggins and Messina, which doesn’t really encourage me to hear more. Do they have songs i might enjoy more.
There’s also a Yacht Rock where they make Michael Jackson a sex- obsessed alpha male.
I have been made fun of because of it, but I am a sucker for Danny’s Song.
Now THAT is interesting!
I’m with you here overall. “Footloose” is a well-written and memorable pop rock song. I also never realized the similarity to “Funk #49,” which you won’t be shocked to see I definitely prefer over “Footloose”!
I’m definitely camp Funk #49, although Footloose is a really good song.