Summary

• Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a classic 1980s movie that has stood the test of time. One of the reasons for its enduring popularity is the memorable soundtrack that accompanies the film.
• The Go-Go's "We Got the Beat" kicks off the movie and its upbeat pop style helps set the tone.
• The Tom Petty classic "American Girl" helps present Stacy as the true lead character of the movie and establishes this as her coming-of-age story.

The Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack is full of great songs by such legendary musical artists as Led Zeppelin and Stevie Nicks. The movie charts a year in the lives of a group of students at the titular high school as they endure strict teachers, entry-level jobs, and awkward early sexual encounters. Cameron Crowe adapted the script from his book of the same name, which was based on Crowe’s own experiences undercover at Clairemont High School in San Diego. It makes for an authentic high school movie with music that reflects the times.

Instead of a traditional musical score, the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack features some timeless classics that are still popular to this day, from the likes of Tom Petty and Darlene Love to some deep cuts. Like American Graffiti or Dazed and Confused, Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a loosely plotted hangout comedy with a sprawling ensemble of adolescents. Just like those movies, Fast Times at Ridgemont High has an awesome soundtrack that immerses audiences in contemporary youth culture. The reckless antics of ‘80s teens are underscored by the pop music their generation was listening to.

This is every song in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, in order:

When Exactly Each Song Plays In Fast Times At Ridgemont High

“We Got the Beat” by The Go-Go’s – This is the first song that plays in the movie. It can be heard during the opening scene as the Fast Times at Ridgemont High characters are introduced at the mall. Its poppy vibe is an ideal setup for the movie and fits in nicely with the quick cuts of the flashy mall scene.

“I’ll Leave It Up to You” by Poco – This song is playing on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack during Stacy’s shift at Perry’s Pizza when she takes an order from an older guy, Ron Johnson, and lies about her age so he’ll ask her out on a date.

“Love is the Reason” by Graham Nash – This song can be heard when Damone is talking to Mark in his bedroom. The song's message about love fits in with Damone trying to give his less experienced friend some tips on how to talk to girls, even if the advice itself is not as effective of a message.

“American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – This Tom Petty classic plays on the first day of school as Stacy is trying to find her American history class. It is a song that helps present Stacy as the true lead character of the movie and establishes this as her coming-of-age story.

“Somebody’s Baby” by Jackson Browne – This song can be heard as Ron and Stacy first sleep together, which is also her first time ever. The tune's romantic feel is juxtaposed with the decidedly unromantic nature of their encounter. The song comes back into play when Stacy has sex with Damone later in the movie, once again showing that the experiences are not as romantic as what Stacy was hoping for.

“Raised on the Radio” by Ravyns – Brad listens to this song as he washes his car. The lyrics highlight the importance of music in these characters’ lives; they were raised on these popular tunes. Looking back, it also shows how much the youth culture has changed since this movie's release as modern teens likely don't even listen to the radio while this generation grew up with it as an essential part of their lives.

“Winter Wonderland” by Darlene Love – This yuletide classic can be heard briefly when it’s Christmastime at the mall and kids are lining up to see Santa. Fast Times at Ridgemont High doesn’t dedicate a lot of screen time to its Christmas scenes; this Darlene Love track instantly puts the audience in the holiday spirit for this fleeting seasonal sequence.

“Uptown Boys” by Louise Goffin – This song is playing when Damone is giving Mark dating advice. He outlines his five-point plan for winning somebody’s heart. Once again, it is a song that highlights Damone's high opinion of himself, coming off like a smooth operator only to prove later in the movie that he is is far less impressive than he imagines.

“Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin – Some of Led Zeppelin's best songs have featured in several iconic movies, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High is no different. "Kashmir" plays on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack when Mark takes Stacy to a restaurant on their first date. The song serves as a funny punchline as the previous scene had Damone suggesting Mark should play Led Zepplin when trying to set the right mood for making out with Stacy only to cut to it playing in the car as Mark looks nervous.

“Love Rules” by Don Henley – This love-themed hit plays when Stacy takes Mark to her bedroom, shows him her photo album, and they begin kissing before Mark gets nervous and leaves. Interestingly, while Jackson Browne plays during Stacy's other love scenes, it is a different song playing for her moment with Mark. While things still don't go as planned, it signals that Mark is different from the other boys who don't have Stacy's best interests at heart.

“Fast Times at Ridgemont High” by Sammy Hagar – Sammy Hagar’s title theme can be heard when Spicoli and Jefferson’s brother are driving the silver Camaro and getting high before accidentally crashing the car. It is interesting that the song doesn't get a more prominent placement in the movie, but it fits with what is essentially Fast Times at Ridgemont High's closest thing to an action sequence.

“Fast Times (The Best Years of Our Lives)” by Billy Squier – This song plays during the football game between Ridgemont High and Lincoln. Another song playing on the "Fast Times" aspect of the movie's title is linked to Forrest Whittaker's character of Jefferson and scores him taking revenge on the opposing team who he thinks wrecked his car.

“Don’t Be Lonely” by Quarterflash – This song can be heard when Stacy and Linda are talking by the pool. As Stacy worries about her romantic future and Linda begins to doubt her fiancé Doug’s commitment to their relationship, they both try to take the song’s advice and avoid loneliness.

“Never Surrender” by Don Felder – This song is playing when Mark and Damone stop by to hang out with Stacy and Linda by the pool. It makes for a funny nod to the fact that Mark is attempting to get a second shot with Stacy after screwing up his first chance with her.

“Moving in Stereo” by The Cars – This song plays over the iconic Phoebe Cates pool sequence in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The scene has become the most famous in the movie with Brad daydreaming about a red bikini-clad Linda coming out of the pool in slow-motion. It has been parodied endlessly with the same song usually being used.

“The Look in Your Eyes” by Gerard McMahon – This song plays on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack when Damone walks Stacy home and hangs out with her behind Mark’s back. The lyrics suggest a longing and connection that the two cannot fight.

“Waffle Stomp” by Joe Walsh – This solo hit by Joe Walsh is playing when Brad is wearing his Captain Hook Fish & Chips pirate uniform and gets laughed at by a beautiful woman. It is a bouncy and fun song that perfectly highlights Brad's embarrassment at how far he has fallen.

“Sleeping Angel” by Stevie Nicks – This Stevie Nicks song plays when Stacy is waiting for Damone to arrive to give her a lift to the abortion clinic and he never shows up, so she asks Brad to take her instead. It is a somewhat more somber song compared to a lot of the trackss on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack which fits with the more serious moment.

“Speeding” by The Go-Go’s – The Go-Go’s return to the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack when Damone finds that his locker has been vandalized with graffiti. The words, “Little Pr*ck”, have been sprayed across it in in retaliation for his disrespectful treatment of Stacy during her pregnancy.

“I Don’t Know (Spicoli’s Theme)” by Jimmy Buffett – This song is playing when Mr. Vargas and his students are leaving the hospital after a field trip and the school gets ready to begin final exams.

“Life in the Fast Lane” by Reeves Nevo & the Cinch – This is the first song that plays during the graduation prom sequence.

“Wooly Bully” by Reeves Nevo & the Cinch – This is the second song that plays at the prom.

“So Much in Love” by Timothy B. Schmit – This song plays on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack when Stacy sees Mark at the entrance to the movie theater and tells him to call her for a second date over the summer. It hints at the romance that they will have which is confirmed before the movie's end credits.

“Goodbye, Goodbye” by Oingo Boingo – This is the song that plays out the movie over the end credits of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which is a fitting ending as everyone goes their separate ways.

The Fast Times Soundtrack's Part In The Film's Legacy

The Music And The Movie Have Remained Timeless

Despite being a smaller movie, Fast Times at Ridgemont High went on to strike a chord with many audiences upon its release in 1982 and continues to have a strong legacy decades later. It is viewed as one of the best high school movies of all time despite the fact that it looks at a very specific generation of young people. However, the soundtrack is part of Fast Times at Ridgemont High's enduring ability to speak to the young people going through the same experience in their lives no matter in what decade they are doing it.

While the movie is funny and authentic, it would never have been the same without these songs.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High's soundtrack might not be what kids today are listening to, but it helps to capture the feelings these teen characters are having. The music speaks to rites of age in the high school experiences, from crushes to embarrassing moments to feeling lost. Of course, the movie also knows how to choose ideal songs for noteworthy moments. Whenever that song from The Cars plays, even out of context, most people will probably think of the classic pool scene.

While Fast Times at Ridgemont High is funny and authentic, it would never have been the same without these songs. The soundtrack elevates the movie, doing as much for the story and tone as the script does.