Axel F by Harold Faltermeyer

Album: Beverly Hills Cop Soundtrack (1984)

Charted: 2 3

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Songfacts®:

This keyboard-driven instrumental was the theme song to the 1985 Eddie Murphy movie Beverly Hills Cop. Murphy's character was named Axel Foley, which is how the song got its name.
During production of the movie, this was known as the "Banana Theme," as it was slated for a scene where Axel Foley shoves a banana in the tailpipe of police officers intending to pursue him.
In 2005, a version by the fictional group Crazy Frog became a huge hit in England, going to #1 on the charts. This version was created by members of the German production team Bass Bumpers as a ringtone for the company Jamster. The ringtone became a full song when the record promoter/label owner Guy Holmes got to it. Speaking with The Independent, Holmes, who is also responsible for Right Said Fred, explained: "I got stuck in the tsunami in Thailand and saw the advert for this stupid frog ringtone over and over again on MTV. I walked back into the office and said, 'That f--king annoying ringtone would make a great record.' Unfortunately, it's now on my CV; though I gave up on credibility a long time ago."
This has been used in a number of TV shows, often to signify the '80s. The Simpsons, Family Guy and Friends have all used it.
The German keyboard wizard and composer Harold Faltermeyer was also the musical director on Beverly Hills Cop and did the score for the film. The soundtrack went to #1 in the US and won a Grammy for Best Album Of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special.
This is mentioned early on in Stephen King's 2006 novel Cell, which is about a mysterious signal that turns cellphone users into homicidal maniacs. The first ringtone mentioned is "Axel F," which was also a favorite song of the protagonist's young son.

Comments: 9

Chloe from AmericaSo there isn't any copyright on this song? I could use it in an animation and not get in trouble?
Seventhmist from 7th HeavenA variation of this piece was used in the Simpsons episode "Radio Bart," where Bart scams Springfield by dropping a radio down a well and pretending a fictional little boy fell down it. The variation plays as he tries to retrieve the radio and actually DOES fall in.
Jennifur Sun from RamonaLoved this tune.
Dave from UsWhy doesn't his page also have credit for the Top Gun anthem?
Benjamin from Milwaukie (oak Grove), OrRe: Chris, Charleston, SC

Chris, Harold F. also used the modular Moog System 15 on this song. He did so for the song's bass line.
Dusty from St. Louis, MoI actually like this version, but I HATE crazy frog. the sad thing is back in the olde days (6-8 years old) i liked it.
Marissa from Akron, OhCrazy Frog drives me nuts but I like the original version of the song. It's a good movie too. Eddie Murphy I think has about equal numbers of good movies (Dr. Dolittle, Beverly Hills Cop) and lousy movies (The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Norbit). Of course my favorite role he's played is the voice of Donkey in Shrek, but that's because I'm a kid. :D
David from Birmingham, Englandthis was used for the crazy frong ringtone in 2005
Chris from Charleston, ScThis song reached #2 in the UK and #3 in the US. It was recorded with a Roland Jupiter 8, a Yamaha DX7, a Yamaha JX-3P, and a Linn LM-1 Drum Machine.

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