40th Anniversary of Rocky IV
As the 40th anniversary of the iconic film Rocky IV approaches, there is a renewed focus on its renowned soundtrack, which, despite its mixed reviews, has become a classic in its own right. Released in the U.S. on November 27, 1985, the album was produced by Vince DiCola and distributed by Scotti Bros. Records.
Expectations and Legacy
The soundtrack had tremendous expectations to meet following the acclaimed compositions of Bill Conti, who had previously scored the first three films in the franchise, earning multiple Oscar nominations and global recognition. His theme for the original Rocky, ‘Gonna Fly Now’, made its debut in 1977 and secured the top position on the Billboard charts. Both Rocky II and Rocky III continued the trend of memorable scores, the latter introducing the world to the legendary ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor, which has since become synonymous with the franchise.
DiCola’s Fresh Sound
Contracted by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote and starred in the film, DiCola was tasked with infusing a fresh sound tailored to Rocky IV‘s ambitious narrative, which saw the series venturing beyond its traditional American roots. The film features a new antagonist, Ivan Drago, who employs unethical methods to defeat legendary fighters like Rocky and Apollo Creed, reflecting the rising tensions of its Cold War context, with significant scenes set in Russia.
Initial Reception and Awards
Despite the album featuring hits like ‘No Easy Way Out’ by Robert Tepper, ‘Burning Heart’ from Survivor, and James Brown’s ‘Living in America’, the soundtrack was not well received upon its release, facing criticism from reviewers. Ironically, it also garnered nominations at the Golden Raspberry Awards, where DiCola was labeled as Worst Musical Score. Additionally, Stallone faced a Worst Actor nomination, and the film saw two of its new cast members, Brigitte Nielsen and Dolph Lundgren, take home awards for Worst Supporting Actress and Worst New Star, respectively.
Enduring Influence
However, both Stallone’s and the film’s legacies would only grow stronger in the following decades. Stallone revived the Rocky franchise with successful sequels and spin-offs, earning awards and widespread acclaim. Meanwhile, Lundgren and Nielsen also secured successful careers in Hollywood.
Interestingly, DiCola’s work on the soundtrack is now celebrated, as Rocky IV‘s score is recognized as the most-streamed soundtrack in the Rocky series. The inclusion of the powerful track ‘WAR’, co-written with the original composer Bill Conti, is particularly notable, continuing to be featured prominently in boxing events worldwide. The iconic training montage, backed by the dynamic score, has made lasting impacts both in film and in fitness culture, proving that the soundtrack deserves more appreciation, achieving an impressive four out of five stars despite its initial reception.
Standout Tracks from the Soundtrack
- Burning Heart – Survivor
- Heart’s on Fire – John Cafferty
- Double or Nothing – Kenny Loggins and Gladys Knight
- Eye of the Tiger – Survivor (from Rocky III)
- War – Vince DiCola
- Living in America – James Brown
- No Easy Way Out – Robert Tepper
- Training Montage – Vince DiCola
While it faced criticism back in 1985, the Rocky IV soundtrack solidified itself as an influential score and continues to empower audiences and athletes alike with its unforgettable beats.
