The Mighty Ducks arguably introduced Queen to the ’90s-kid generation. But other than that throwback to the 1977 two-in-one track, the film series took on and conveyed a decisive ’90s vibe for its playlist.
The 1994 sequel, D2, was the first of the three movies to come with a soundtrack on CD. When the third movie was released, a compilation of songs from both the original and third movie came out with it.
More than two decades have passed, and naturally, some of the songs are much older. While longtime film viewers may associate these with the Mighty Ducks soundtracks, how do they hold up today on their own?
The 10 tunes that have stood the test of time the best are follows.
10. “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions” by Queen
To start out, it’s not fair to put these songs on the same list as the rest of the Mighty Ducks soundtracks. For better or for worse, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions” are the two best-known pieces of sports-hype music in the world.
Everyone knows the songs and everyone loves the songs. But that is kind of the problem. As might be expected for a pair of 40-year-old tunes, they feel a bit trite after decades of usage in all forms on the radio, in films and at arenas.
The songs are great, but they are a bit on the overplayed side at this point.
9. “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch
So, Marky Mark was a…thing. Even though the musically inclined version of Mark Walhberg was a hit in the late ’80s and early ’90s, it can also be hard to remember why.
“Good Vibrations” is catchy, and is one of those songs you can’t help but hear as you walk around the local mall. But at the same time, music sampling has been done far better before and long after this song.
8) “Rock the Pond” by John Bisaha
This song was introduced for the Anaheim team at its inaugural home game in 1993. Later that season, it rolled over the closing credits to D2, replacing “Mighty Ducks of Anaheim” with “Mighty Ducks of America” in the lyrics.
What could be accurately described as the Mighty Ducks’ anthem, “Rock the Pond” holds a goofness that is impossible to ignore. You can’t help but smile when this song is playing just because it is so much fun. Sure, you may not listen to it in your car, but at the same time, it does act as a great hype-up song if you are at the gym. Not bad for a goofy song.
7. “Never Coming Down (Part 2)” by Spacehog
This song is weird, but charming. There is nothing else like it in the Mighty Ducks soundtracks, mostly due to the, shall we say, unique vocal styling of Spacehog. But in the end, the song is a fun listen and it fits in well at a sporting event, or anywhere you may need to start a cheer.
6. “Shake ’Em Down” by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Another song that is so ’80s it hurts, “Shake ‘Em Down” is great by its own merits. There’s little time to think too heavily about the lyrics or just how much the song sounds like exactly what you remember from the ’80s because your head is too busy bobbing along to the beat.
5. “Changing of the Guard” by The Stone Coyotes
A simple song that seems to be built to be on a soundtrack, it still holds up well when listened to by itself. The family-built Stone Coyotes have a sound that would be right at home in any era, so they age a little more elegantly than other songs that feel so heavily seated in the ’90s.
4. “Winning It All” by The Outfield
Yeah, this song still rocks. If you feel like you are about to succeed at something, blast this song and it will make the moment better. It’s just that simple.
3. “This Too Will Pass” by Peter Himmelman
The ballad of hard times, “This Too Will Pass” has not lost a bit of its impact in over 20 years. This song is more than music for a lot of people, it is a belief that even in the worst of times will be okay.
Few songs will have that lasting effect on people, so to know that this one still holds weight is impressing in its own right.
2. “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive” by Dr. John
For whatever reason, I always love this song. It is just the perfect upper song to help you get through a tough day or to keep that smile on your face when you are already having a great day. It’s a simple song, but it will always be enjoyable.
1. “Grade 9” by Barenaked Ladies
Nostalgia will always rule the day, and this song is dripping in it. Everything, from the ska-inspired guitar riff to the poignant lyrics (for a middle schooler), still feels right even after 20-plus years later.
Is it the best song ever made? No. But “Grade 9″” will always be that perfect trip back to a simpler time all in a two-minute package.
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