Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Where they were

In 1985, Maurice Jarre was already an established composer known for his work on 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Doctor Zhivago.' The soundtrack for 'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' came during a period when he was transitioning into more contemporary projects, marking his collaboration with Tina Turner and showcasing his ability to blend classical composition with modern pop influences.

Why it matters

The soundtrack features the hit single 'We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome),' which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, significantly elevating both Jarre's profile and Tina Turner's resurgence in popular music. Additionally, the film itself has remained a cultural touchstone, influencing visual aesthetics in post-apocalyptic genres.

Essential tracks

• "We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)" — This track became a defining anthem of the film, showcasing Turner's powerful vocals and capturing the essence of resilience against tyranny.
• "One of the Living" — Co-written by Tina Turner, this song reflects themes of survival and struggle, perfectly mirroring the movie's narrative of hope amid chaos.
• "Bartertown" — The instrumental track combines tribal rhythms with orchestral elements, effectively depicting the lawless atmosphere of Bartertown within the film's universe.