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1982's "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" was a coming-of-age comedy that really hit home with...well...people who were coming of age in the early 80s.
The film starred an amazing list of young actors on their way to stardom, including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Nicolas Cage, Phoebe Cates, Eric Stoltz, Anthony Edwards, and Forrest Whitaker...with old pro Ray Walston along for the ride.
Amy Heckerling directed, from a screenplay by Cameron Crowe. (Two MORE up-and-comers!)
That said, the list of artists featured on the soundtrack album was just as impressive: with several members of the Eagles credited separately, ain addition to Sammy Hagar, The Go-Gos, Donna Summer, Jimmy Buffett, Graham Nash, Stevie Nicks, Billy Squier, Quarterflash, Poco and Oingo Boingo. Whew!!
By far, however, the biggest hit off the soundtrack was Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne!
Critics were surprised at how angst-free the song was compared to some of Jackson's other material,., but praised it nonetheless. One critic called it "pop music perfection that's all substance."
"Somebody's Baby" became a triple chart hit: #4 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart, #7 on The Hot 100 and #14 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.
With all the talent on the "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" soundtrack, the fact that "Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne was the film's biggest hit is impressive, and certainly makes it a Great Song of 1982!
Tomorrow: Phil channels Diana....who channels...
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