“Axel F” is the electronic instrumental theme from the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop performed by Harold Faltermeyer. It was an international number 1 hit in 1985.
The title comes from the main character’s name, Axel Foley (played by Eddie Murphy), in the film.
Faltermeyer recorded the song using five instruments: a Roland Jupiter-8 provided the distinctive “supersaw” lead sound, a Moog modular synthesizer 15 provided the bass, a Roland JX-3P provided chord stabs, a Yamaha DX7 was used for bell and marimba sounds and a LinnDrum was used for drum programming.
In addition to the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, the song also appears on Faltermeyer’s 1988 album Harold F. as a bonus track. Reportedly, Faltermeyer was against including it, but MCA insisted as it was his most recognizable track. It was also used for the official starting lineup song of the Pasig Blue Pirates (later Pasig-Rizal Pirates) of the Metropolitan Basketball Association in the late 1990s.
Louil Silas Jr provided the original remix while Europe also received a remix courtesy of John Morales & Sergio Munzibai. A third remix also exists by Harold Faltermeyer known as “The London Mix”.
Axel F (M + M Mix) 7:00
Axel F (Extended Version) 7:09
Shoot Out 2:44
eightiesvinyl 