"I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)" by Kenny Loggins

Song#:  1949
Date:  06/16/1984
Debut:  50
Peak:  22
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Pop, Rock, Soundtrack



Pop Bits:  The soundtrack to the hit movie Footloose had an amazing ten-week run at the top of the album chart. Helping it along were five chart singles that including two #1's - Kenny Loggins' title track and Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear It for the Boy." With the album's fifth single going Top 10 (the #7 "Almost Paradise"), there was renewed interest in the soundtrack and film, both of which were still in their respective Top 10's. To try and keep up the last-minute momentum, it was decided that a sixth single would be issued. This Loggins tune was chosen and it started off well debuting at the halfway point on the chart. Unfortunately, it seemed like the heydays of Footloose were over and the single stopped short of the Pop Top 20 (#42 Rock).

ReduxReview:  This is another solid effort from Loggins, but it's never been one of my favorites. Compared to the remaining tracks on the album that had not yet been issued as singles, this one was probably the best choice. It got a little bit more business for the LP, but there really was no reason to push this out as a single. Although it is a quality track, I would not include it on my list of essential Loggins songs.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  In addition to being a big year for blockbuster albums, 1984 was also a significant year for blockbuster movies. The top four films of the year all grossed over $150 million, which was quite a feat. However, that did not include Footloose. Despite being a long-lasting box office hit that summer, it's total take ended up being $80 million, which placed it seventh for the year. Topping the list were two other huge films that also featured hit songs. Beverly Hills Cop finished first, followed by Ghostbusters. Rounding out the top five was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Gremlins, and The Karate Kid. The Best Picture Oscar winner that year was Amadeus, which placed twelfth at the box office with $51 million.

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