Superman-inspired pop songs celebrated in new package*

Brad Meltzer’s hot thriller "The Book of Lies" is being published on Tuesday with a unique companion soundtrack.  Because a key element in the book is Meltzer’s theory about the origins of Superman, the music on the CD includes several pop songs that have referenced the Man of Steel, including R.E.M.’s “Superman,” Five for Fighting’s “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero.”

Kal-el and his earthly alter-ego, Clark Kent, have been popular topics for pop, rock, R&B, blues and hip-hop artists, and just as cinematic treatments of Superdude have evolved over time, so have the musical invocations.

In the '60s, Donovan found extraordinary strength in flower-power, R&B-funk musician Johnny "Guitar" Watson took the idea straight into the bedroom in the '70s, while emo rockers such as Five for Fighting whimper about how hard it is to live up to super ideals.

“The Book of Lies” CD just scratches the surface--and it includes Joey Scarbury’s milquetoast Theme from “Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not).” Superman fans deserve better, so we’ve assembled a highly subjective and opinionated list of the best pop songs more worthy of a super hearing. Check them out on the Hero Complex blog.

-- Randy Lewis

*(Update: An earlier version of this post misidentified Brad Meltzer’s book as "Body of Lies.")

Comments

[Dan Hutson]

Can't believe you left out the best song of all re Supes: Superman's Song by Crash Test Dummies!