Release: 1987

Label: RCA Records / RCA Victor

Format: CD, 1 disc

Catalogue: BD 86408 internationally; the original Australian CD was APCD 6030

Genre: Soundtrack / Pop / Rock / R&B

Tracks: 12

Running time: Approximately 39 minutes

Dirty Dancing has one of the most successful soundtracks of the 1980s. Released in 1987 to accompany the Patrick Swayze/Jennifer Grey film, it combines contemporary pop recordings with classic 1950s and '60s songs that establish the film's period atmosphere. The original soundtrack eventually sold more than 32 million copies worldwide.

Track listing

(I've Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Be My Baby – The Ronettes

She's Like the Wind – Patrick Swayze

Hungry Eyes – Eric Carmen

Stay – Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs

Yes – Merry Clayton

You Don't Own Me – The Blow Monkeys

Hey Baby – Bruce Channel

Overload – Zappacosta

Love Is Strange – Mickey & Sylvia

Where Are You Tonight? – Tom Johnston

In the Still of the Night – The Five Satins

The standout is obviously “(I've Had) The Time of My Life”, which became an enormous international hit for Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes and won the Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy for Best Original Song/related categories.

Other highlights include “Hungry Eyes,” “She's Like the Wind” and The Ronettes' “Be My Baby.” Patrick Swayze's “She's Like the Wind” is particularly notable because Swayze co-wrote and performed the song.

The original album reached No. 1 in the US for 18 weeks and remains one of the best-selling soundtrack albums ever. In Australia it peaked at No. 12, while the album reached No. 1 in New Zealand.

Overall: A terrific 1980s soundtrack and much more than just a collection of film songs. The combination of contemporary hits and classic doo-wop/soul gives it a very distinctive atmosphere. The original 1987 12-track CD is the one to identify separately from the later expanded anniversary editions.