Western Music Exploration #54: The original Top Gun theme is 'Take My Breath Away'

The 1986 film 'Top Gun' starring Tom Cruise is a symbol of youth for those of us in the real generation.
And when it comes to the 'Top Gun theme,' it's not 'Danger Zone,' but this song, 'Take My Breath Away.'

This song was performed by Berlin, a three-piece band from California. The members were lead singer Terri Nunn, guitarist John Crawford, and drummer Rob Brill.
Because of the name 'Berlin,' they were often mistaken for a German band, but they had no connection to it at all.

The song 'Take My Breath Away' was written specifically for the film by two music producers, Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock.
And another song written at the same time was 'Danger Zone.'
At first, both were offered to Berlin, but the band chose 'Take My Breath Away.' The remaining song, 'Danger Zone,' was passed on to Kenny Loggins.

'Danger Zone' was the first to be released as a single, becoming a massive hit that reached number two on the US charts.
The follow-up, 'Take My Breath Away,' successfully reached number one in the US. It was a truly remarkable achievement, even winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Do you remember the scene in the movie where this song plays?
It's the scene where Maverick finishes playing beach volleyball, puts on his G-1 jacket, and heads to instructor Charlie's house on his motorcycle.
The twilight light and the quietly swelling melody. That sweetness and poignancy are irresistible.

However, this song was Berlin's biggest hit. The following year, lead singer Terri Nunn left the band, and they broke up. They attempted to reunite several times, but they could never recapture their former glory.

Then, in the 2022 sequel 'Top Gun: Maverick,' 'Danger Zone' appeared as the opening title track. However, 'Take My Breath Away' wasn't even included on the soundtrack...
Yes, the status of the theme song had been swapped here.

But for those of us in the real generation, 'Take My Breath Away' will always be the 'original Top Gun theme.'

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