On This Day September 8 1980 – Times Square Soundtrack Released

On this day September 8 1980, the Times Square soundtrack was released as a companion album to the cult film of the same name. Issued as a double LP, the album became a standout of the early 80s thanks to its diverse mix of punk, new wave, and rock tracks that captured the raw energy of New York City at the time.

The soundtrack featured songs from an impressive roster of artists, including The Pretenders, Talking Heads, The Cure, Roxy Music, Gary Numan, Joe Jackson, and XTC. The combination of established names and rising acts gave the collection an eclectic feel, perfectly reflecting the rebellious spirit that defined both the film and the city it portrayed.

Although the movie itself received mixed reviews, the soundtrack developed a reputation as one of the most memorable film albums of the decade. For many fans, it offered a snapshot of the post punk and new wave movements in their prime, preserving a moment when underground sounds were breaking into the mainstream.

80s insight: The Times Square soundtrack showed how films of the 1980s often doubled as showcases for the music of the era, giving fans a way to experience the cultural soundscape beyond the theater.