Duane Beckett
For anyone who collects vinyl records, you already know that it isn’t the title that matters. It’s the pressing, condition, sleeve details, and completeness that drive value. So, as we list these often surprisingly valuable 1980s movie soundtrack vinyl records, remember, the money is in the details.
For example, Discogs states that a VG+ (Very Good Plus) copy is worth around 50% of what an NM (Near Mint) copy is worth. And that’s before you even consider pressing details, missing inserts, or other extras. The following 1980s movie soundtrack vinyl records still hold value if you know what you’re looking for.
Xanadu (1980): Original Soundtrack
Xanadu was released in 1980, for the Olivia Newton-John, Gene Kelly, and Michael Beck movie. The soundtrack features Olivia Newton-John, Electric Light Orchestra, Cliff Richard, The Tubes, and Gene Kelly, with top songs including “Magic,” “Xanadu,” and “All Over the World.”
The valuable US copy is a clean MCA-6100 first pressing, especially with the original sleeve and strong vinyl gloss. Information from Popsike shows a VG+ MCA-6100 copy sold for $30 in 2021, so NM copies are usually mid-to-high double-digit collectible unless sealed, promo, or unusually clean.
Collectors look for runout details, clean labels, no major ring wear, and the right MCA catalog number.
Times Square (1980): Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Times Square came out in 1980, and the soundtrack feels like a record-store bin made for new wave fans. It includes The Pretenders, Roxy Music, Talking Heads, The Ramones, The Cure, Gary Numan, Joe Jackson, XTC, and Suzi Quatro. RareVinyl states the US RSO RS-2-4203 version is a 20-track double LP with a gatefold sleeve and printed inners.
I’d call this one more of a condition-driven sleeper than a blockbuster. RareVinyl had an open-shrink, unplayed US copy listed at £99.99, which is roughly around $130. Whereas, Popsike shows a VG+ copy selling for $22. This highlights the difference between NM and VG+.
Collectors want the US RSO catalog number, clean gatefold, printed inner sleeves, and no club markings.
The Lost Boys (1987): Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Lost Boys remains one of my all-time favorite movies, and the soundtrack isn’t bad either. The soundtrack hit shelves in 1987 and includes classics like “Good Times,” “People Are Strange,” and “Cry Little Sister” from artists like INXS, Roger Daltrey, and Echo & The Bunnymen.
According to Popsike, examples of this soundtrack can hit between $130 and $150, but variants and conditions make a huge difference. For instance, to hit the top end of these prices, you’ll need a sealed copy, red vinyl version, or a test pressing.
When it comes to hunting down the best possible version of these 1980s movie soundtrack vinyl records, you want an original Atlantic 81767-1 pressing. It needs to be in NM condition, or be a documented promotional/test pressing.
Collectors want the above, plus an original cover, clean playback, and a graded sleeve to hit maximum value.
Top Gun (1986): Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The moment you think of the movie Top Gun, you’re already thinking about the track “Take My Breath Away.” It’s impossible not to. However, the soundtrack has a lot of big tracks, including “Danger Zone,” “Mighty Wings,” and “Playing With the Boys” from artists like Kenny Loggins, Berlin, and Cheap Trick.
What you may not know is that, according to Entertainment Weekly, Top Gun was the most popular soundtrack of 1986. However, that also means there are a lot of them available on the market. You can find excellent (EX) copies for around $20 quite easily.
The rarer iterations are near mint (NM) US Columbia original pressings. They must have the lyric inner, hype stickers, and promo stamps to hit the top value of mid-to-high double-digits.
Collectors look for the above, plus SC/C 40323 details, clear corners, and no barcode-era budget reissue signs.
Footloose (1984): Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Footloose was never my thing; I preferred Dirty Dancing, but this Kevin Bacon classic has a little more value than Swayze’s. The album included hits like “Almost Paradise,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and the title “Footloose” from artists including Deniece Williams, Bonnie Tyler, and Sammy Hagar.
Like Top Gun, this was a huge seller, so its wildly available. This impacts value. However, RareVinyl showed a US open-shrink JS39242 copy for sale at $130. Showing the record has value, if you can find the right iteration.
The pressing you want is a US Columbia first issue. Yet, for it to be valuable, it needs the original lyric inner, a super-clean jacket, and vinyl that’s barely been played.
Collectors look for the above, plus early matrix/runout marks, no writing on the jacket of labels, and no club-edition codes.