While the soundtrack to the 1984 Out of the Past remake
Against All Odds is now best remembered for
Phil Collins' classic theme song for the movie, the album also features several other memorable songs, as well as excerpts from
Larry Carlton's synthesizer-heavy score. "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now") remains not only one of
Collins' definitive singles, but one of the 1980s' best love songs, a perfect mix of over-the-top drama and genuine emotion that has aged better than anyone might have expected in 1984. The rest of the album, meanwhile, sounds completely of its time, but that's a big part of its appeal; songs such as
Stevie Nicks' brooding "Violet and Blue,"
Mike Rutherford's "Making a Big Mistake," and
Big Country's surprisingly dour "Balcony" make the soundtrack a veritable time capsule of mid-'80s mainstream
pop. "Walk Through the Fire" may not be one of
Peter Gabriel's strongest or most memorable tracks, but it's still a decent example of his ability to mix the experimental with the accessible.
Kid Creole & the Coconuts' "My Male Curiosity" sounds just as fey and wolfish, and as playful and stylish, as ever.
Carlton's synth-and-guitar-driven score tends toward the melodramatic, particularly on tracks like "Search," "Solitario," and the unintentionally hilarious "Rock and Roll Jaguar," but they're all a part of the fun. While it's not an especially great soundtrack, Against All Odds is still an entertaining '80s artifact. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
![Original Soundtrack - Against All Odds [Original Soundtrack]](http://cd.sacdstatic.com/200/drd600/d686/d6860790vpf.jpg "Original Soundtrack - Against All Odds [Original Soundtrack]")
