The Number One Rock Hit from 1985 is now the Anthem of an Oscar-Winning Cult Classic
parents to never meet and fall in love, putting the teenagers’ existence in jeopardy. Back to the Future was a massive success, grossing over $398 million at the box office, becoming a beloved film that birthed a franchise, achieved cult status, and spawned two sequels. The film’s success was not the only thing that garnered acclaim.
The movie required a fitting theme song, leading to “The Power of Love,” Huey Lewis, and the News’ first No.1 chart-topping hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and the US Mainstream Rock chart. Lewis acknowledged in a Rolling Stone article that the song had a more significant impact than they initially thought. Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Bob Gale enlisted Lewis to compose the track, highlighting Marty’s admiration for the band. Initially reluctant because he had never written a theme song for a movie and was not keen on naming it “Back to the Future,” Lewis relented after assurance that the song would retain his signature rock style.
“I strapped on that Sony Walkman and went for a little jog, and I wrote the song on that jog,” Lewis revealed. During the recording session, the band members realized the song’s potential, with keyboardist Sean Hopper proclaiming it the best work they had ever done. Over time, Lewis recognized that the song had attained perfection, especially after several cover versions and its prominent role in the film series.
“The Power of Love” made a significant mark in pop culture, being nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars and featuring in various media like video games, the Deadpool & Wolverine soundtrack, and even Broadway productions. The track resonated with audiences and became synonymous with the film’s essence. It appeared in all three Back to the Future movies, with memorable scenes like Marty skateboarding and performing the song at the Battle of the Bands.
In conclusion, “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News continues to stand the test of time, cementing itself as an iconic track that perfectly complements the essence of the Oscar-winning cult classic, Back to the Future. Lewis’ initial reservations about creating a movie theme song were unfounded, as the song’s popularity has endured through the years, solidifying its status as a rock classic that transcends generations and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.