Customer Reviews

The Wanderers: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Often regarded as an adult version of "Grease", "The Wanderers" has become something of a cult classic over the years. And rightly so. If you haven't already seen the movie -- and it's rare you see it on television these days -- it tells the tale of a bunch of teenagers growing up on the New York streets (circa 1963). Music plays a big role in the movie -- after all, the name of the gang in question is the title of a Dion and the Belmonts song -- still, the songs on this CD capture the early 1960s so perfectly, you can't help but lose yourself in
nostalgia.

The soundtrack CD relies heavily on the major (US)East Coast groups of the time -- Dion/Belmonts, Four Seasons, Shirelles, Angels -- along with several contributions from major Motown/Atlantic stars of the early 60s, namely Smokey Robinson, The Isley Brothers and Ben E King. Each song is a timeless classic, and there's too many to choose from to pick a definite favourite.

Of course, if you've already seen the movie, you'll be aware of what scene accompanies which song. What better way to introduce the movie's characters than to play The Four Season' "Walk Like A Man", or how about the big 'chase' scene where they used the instrumental "Wipeout" for added effect/suspense. For the romantic scene, they used the beautiful "Stand By Me", and of course, for the finale they just had to play "The Wanderer".

Songs on ANY soundtrack are SUPPOSED to relate to the movie, still, because these were written and recorded SIXTEEN years before the film was released, you can't help but think these songs ARE the movie itself.

My only gripe is the recording of "Ya-Ya". The record company must've lost the master tapes because they've had to transfer a crackling old vinyl recording onto CD which somewhat 'cheapens' the quality of the album.

"The Wanderers" is one of those 'must-see' movies for any nostalgia buff, or anyone who enjoys a really good film. And the soundtrack CD is the perfect companion.

Jon.

Well first of all, this soundtrack is good, but you cant listen to the soundtrack without seeing the movie!! The movie is good, one of my favorites!!! Its about gangs in the bronx, so if you buy this soundtrack then see the movie!!! the best part is the rumble!!! Got to see it first though!!!

what a great soundtrack was put together for this movie! shout, the only song in the bunch that eventually was overused in movies, is perfect here, and in fact, all of the songs bring a humor to the film that really would not be there without tem.
It's a fun collection of songs, but made funnier it you have seen the movie.
I would prefer different cover art.

this is a must buy cd.it is suitable for people of all ages and contains some absolute classic songs.you dont have to be born in the sixties or be from the bronx to appriciete this wonderful soundtrack to a great movie.it is by far the best cd around to get people singing along to.

Well done trip down memory lane for baby boomers! However, my college daughter raved, too. This CD has some great coverings of classic hits. A great addition to your collection.

You have heard all of these songs numerous times. There is nothing special about any of these 60's era standards...yet this is a good soundtrack.

The movie is outstanding. It veers from comedy to suspense, slapstick to heavy drama. The songs on this soundtrack perfectly match the mood of the movie. 'Big boys don't cry" is played to the opening where you see an intimidating gang strut their stuff. "The Wanderer" is played as the gang The Wanderers gathers and walks around. "Runaround Sue" is used when a football team turns it around and starts winning."Baby its you" is used during a strip poker scene.

The songs are used so effectively, that now when I hear these oldies, it makes me think of scenes from this movie, and it gives a whole new life to the tunes.

The soundtrack is amusing but I would get the DVD. It's the movie that is the most desireable.

The soundtrack to the 1980 film "The Wanderers" is an excellent compilation of songs by various artists, circa 1963. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons perform several of the tracks, and there is also a good variety of songs that evoke that era to wonderful effect. This is a good "sampler" of songs for those who like the sound of the early 1960s.

Pues la verdad, es que cuando uno ve la pelicula no puede despegarse de su banda sonora.
Y eso es un logro que no todos pueden conseguir. Grandes temas y clasicos casi olvidados, hacen de esta cd una joya imprescindible.

what a great soundtrack was put together for this movie! shout, the only song in the bunch that eventually was overused in movies, is perfect here, and in fact, all of the songs bring a humor to the film that really would not be there without tem.
It's a fun collection of songs, but made funnier it you have seen the movie.
I would prefer different cover art.

This is one that I had before on cassette. I have been looking for a replacement for years. Sounds a lot better than my 45s of these great old songs. This is guaranteed to bring back old memories to middle aged baby boomers and is terrific music for all ages.