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Transformers: The Movie OST

This year, Transformers: The Movie turns 40 years old, and it's aged well in its own special way. The animation is really nice, but the plot is lacklustre. It also earned very little money and was heavily criticized for being the movie where Optimus Prime and virtually every single previously established character was brutally killed off on-screen just to sell new toys. For some reason, the execs were surprised when children came out of the theater crying their eyes out because Optimus Prime, who is often quite fatherly in nature, might I add, passed away. This was especially a big deal because the show that came before the movie, was extremely laid-back. Absolutely nobody died and the stakes were non-existant. Megatron was a very harmless villain. In the movie, though, he and his Decepticons kill off like half the cast within the first 5 minutes. Which looks like this:

This movie expanded the Transformers lore immensely. Lots of new concepts were introduced, or re-introduced from the Marvel comics. (yes Transformers had Marvel comics. It was Marvel who created the backstories for all the characters. The more you know)

TF: The Movie has a really good 80's rock and synth soundtrack by some pretty big names, (at least back in the 80's) and I keep coming back to it. There's several versions with varying amount of instrumental tracks, so I am sticking with the version with the album cover featured on this page. I couldn't possibly review every single track played in the movie. I love the use of leitmotifs in this soundtrack, but I am not the best at explaining their meanings or describing them well. Here's a really good video about it.

The Touch

Where do I even start. This song is constantly referenced in TF media and I get why. It's used at extremely iconic moments throughout the film, and really sears itself into your brain. Like practically all other lyrics in this album, there's a "We can do it!" motivational attitude and it's pretty charming. The instruments are catchy and the chorus unforgettable.

Instruments of Destruction

It's alright. I normally skip this one because it doesn't really hook me. Not my kind of music.

Death Of Optimus Prime

Hauntingly beautiful track. This song is, to me, the epitome of emotional 80's synths. I feel like I have heard all of these presets before, and I mean that in the best way. I mean this is the death of Optimus Prime, of course it has to be gripping. The dreamy notes when Optimus hands the Matrix over to Ultra Magnus are so filled with wonder. Then the autobot leitmotif appears near the end to remind us that this battle isn't truly over.

Yup, he really does just turn a disconcerting shade of grey when he dies.

Dare

My favourite song on the album. The instruments are incredible. They grip me every time. And then the bridge?? With the SYNTH SOLO?? It makes me feel like I'm ascending.

Nothing's Gonna Stand In Our Way

This is probably getting pretty repetetive to read. It's cool. It's vaguely inspirational with guitar riffs that go way too hard. What else do you need?

Escape

The buildup is enthralling already, but then the buildup pays off when the battle leitmotif starts appearing. When I say that I love synths, this song is what I mean. :)

Hunger

IIIII'MMM HUNGRAAAAYYY

I don't listen to this one nearly enough. The singing is super silly, but the melody is nice. Has a sick guitar solo.

IT'S BURNING MEEEAAAAYYYYY

AutobotDeception Battle

Really interesting fusion of leitmotifs and instruments. Very engaging. I really like Escape's buildup but this song is a formidable rival with it's crazy oscilating melodies. I honestly think I might like this one more than Escape by now, but it's hard to pick.

Dare To Be Stupid

Oh yeah, Weird Al's in this one, by the way.

This song is quite different from the others, but it fits the very weird but surprisingly wholesome scene it accompanies. The Autobots dance with these bots that live in a scrapyard where they all speak with weird bubbly cockney accents because for some reason radio ads in cockney is all they have been able to pick up around there. It gets a bit tedious, so I usually skip it. This GIF is taken directly from the movie. Yes, they literally just reversed the animation:

Unicron Medley

Oh yeah I forgot to mention that the main villain is a giant scary planet-sized monster called Unicron that devours planets whole. The movie starts with a whole civilization being eaten alive and THEN half the autobots are unceremoniously killed off. Solid start. The mechanical noises in this track are appropriately unnerving. The song picks up near the end where the robots are getting devoured. I'm a sucker for the use of organ here. Then suddenly the Decepticon battle theme crashes in and kicks off the movie. Don't know why this isn't the first track, it would be very fitting.

Moon Base 2

Stacked with leitmotifs and great as background music. Solid instrumental track with a really epic buildup.

Megatron Must Be Stopped

Intense battle theme, as it should be. Repeats many melodies from before, but in a distinctly militaristic way, if that makes sense.

The Transformers

Ever wanted to hear a guy belt the OG G1 intro melody at the top of his lungs? Well here it is. Wish this wasn't the last track on the album. When I first watched this movie and heard this song, I sure knew I was in a for a ride. The plot may not be my cup of tea, but the soundtrack is incredible.