Top Ten Superman Songs

By Brent Chittenden

I’m sure a lot of you are like me and can recall key moments in your pop culture upbringing. The first time you heard New Order or The Police. The first time you saw The Simpsons or South Park. For me, one of the most important points of my nerd history was a weekend when my mother went out of town with my sister, leaving my Dad and I at home alone. Dad then proceeded to rent Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Arc and Superman I and II. We then marathoned all of those films during the entire weekend, all of which have played a big part on my views on film and creativity in general.

So, for me, it’s incredibly fitting that on the weekend of Father’s Day, the latest Superman film adventure called Man of Steel is released, which means this week’s list is dedicated to the last son of Krypton. These are the Top Ten Superman Songs!

10) Frank Black – Man of Steel

… okay other then the title, it doesn’t really have much to so with Superman but it’s a great little track none the less.

9) Jim Crocce – You Don’t Mess Around With Jim

While not exclusivley about Superman, this song gave the world the advice that you shouldn’t tug on the man of steel’s cape.

8) Goldfinger – Superman

Really, this is a song about trying to live up to your ideals and beliefs, something Supes would approve of no doubt.

7) Donovan – Sunshine Superman

I’m not sure if this more about Superman and Green Lantern… or a lazy day with a good hunk of weed.

6) The Flaming Lips – Waitin’ For A Superman

Speaking of drugs…, possibly the most depressing song on the list, it’s pretty much about waiting for a (metaphorical) Superman… who might not be showing up to save you from your burdens.

5) The Commodores – Superman

It’s hard to argue with the funk of the Comadores especially when they are exclaiming “Faster than a speeding bullet. Jump buildings in a single bound. Known throughout the country as the baddest, baddest man around. ‘Cause I’m Superman. Hey, hey, hey I’m Superman.”

4) REM – I am Superman

Okay, this is actually a cover but REM’s version is the version everyone knows and it’s got a great feel to it.

3) Spin Doctors – Jimmy Olsen’s Blues

Everyone remembers Two Princes but this catchy track was also off the Spin Doctor’s first studio album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite

2) The Kinks – (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman

The Kinks sing about how they wish they weren’t wimp and were more like Superman. Ray Davies really was good at the songs about the everyday man, wasn’t he?

1) Crash Test Dummies – Superman’s Song

There was no way this list wasn’t going to include this song In a weird bit of prophecy, DC would actually kill Superman off a year after this song came out.

Now, to be honest, thos are probably the best rock songs about Superman but for me, truely the best musical piece regarding Supes is the theme from the original Superman film by John Williams. How can you not want to fly after hearing this?