Pop Culture Happy Hour Most Overused Songs In Movies
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Oct 9, 2025 Some songs are so overused in films that they’ve become tired clichés. The hosts discuss rock anthems like "Thunderstruck" and propose fresh alternatives like Andrew W.K. They highlight how "Feeling Good" diminishes Nina Simone's impact, suggesting underused artists like Jimmy Scott. The discussion even critiques the over-saturation of hits from the '90s, recommending The Spinanes instead. With a humorous take on 60s soundtrack tropes, they argue it's time to retire some classics and embrace new voices.
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Clichés Happen Through Repetition
- Many songs become cinematic clichés through repeated use as mood signifiers rather than for artistic reasons.
- Aisha and Stephen limit scope to non-classical songs to focus the discussion.
Beloved Songs Can Be Overplayed
- Stephen admits he loves the songs he wants retired and picks AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' as overused in action contexts.
- He cites multiple films from Varsity Blues to The Super Mario Bros. as examples of its ubiquity.
Swap Thunderstruck For Fresh Rock
- Stephen recommends filmmakers explore harder-rock alternatives like Andrew W.K. for action-pumping scenes.
- He specifically suggests using tracks from I Get Wet to refresh the familiar 'big guitar' effect.