A Soundtrack of Magic and Mystery
Released in 1986, Labyrinth isn’t just an album – it’s a fantastical journey into a glittering world where puppets reign, mazes confound, and David Bowie rules as the iconic Goblin King. This soundtrack, created for Jim Henson’s cult-classic film of the same name, stands as one of Bowie’s most whimsical and theatrical works.
The album is a vibrant collaboration between Bowie and film composer Trevor Jones. While Jones provided sweeping orchestral arrangements, Bowie contributed five original songs that are full of character, quirk, and charm. Think 80s synths, fairy tale oddities, and the theatrical flair only Bowie could conjure.
The Tracks That Dazzle
Highlights include the infectious ‘Magic Dance’, where Bowie cheekily trades verses with a chorus of goblins, and the hauntingly beautiful ‘As the World Falls Down’, a melancholic ballad that captures the dreamlike tone of the film’s ballroom scene. ‘Within You’ delivers an emotional punch with Bowie’s brooding vocals echoing through the film’s climactic moments.
Album Track Listing:
- Opening Titles Including Underground (Bowie/Jones)
- Into the Labyrinth (Trevor Jones)
- Magic Dance (David Bowie)
- Sarah (Trevor Jones)
- Chilly Down (David Bowie)
- Hallucination (Trevor Jones)
- As the World Falls Down (David Bowie)
- The Goblin Battle (Trevor Jones)
- Within You (David Bowie)
- Thirteen O’Clock (Trevor Jones)
- Home at Last (Trevor Jones)
- Underground (David Bowie – full version)
More Than Just a Soundtrack
What makes Labyrinth so special is how deeply Bowie’s presence seeps into every note and lyric. He wasn’t just singing for a film – he was the film. His portrayal of Jareth the Goblin King, with his commanding stage presence and cryptic charisma, elevates the music from background score to narrative heartbeat.
A Cult Classic That Endures
Decades later, Labyrinth remains a beloved artifact of 80s pop culture. The soundtrack has become a nostalgic gateway into Bowie’s more playful side, a blend of rock star bravado and fairy tale fantasy. Whether you’re revisiting it for a trip down memory lane or discovering it for the first time, Bowie’s Labyrinth is a magical detour from the ordinary.
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Fun Facts
Jareth Was Almost a Puppet
Before Bowie came on board, Jim Henson planned for the Goblin King to be a puppet! Eventually they realized only a magnetic performer like Bowie could command the screen—and the rest is legend.
Other Superstars Were in the Running
Believe it or not, Michael Jackson, Prince, Sting, Mick Jagger—and even Freddie Mercury—were considered for Jareth. Henson’s kids said, “Dad, Bowie’s the one.” Thank heavens they did.
The Crystal‑Ball Juggling Trick
That mesmerizing scene wasn’t Bowie juggling at all! Professional juggler Michael Moschen hid his arm under Bowie’s sleeve and body-doubled every toss, unseen yet seamless.
Bowie Did the Baby Gurgles
On the ‘Magic Dance’ track, the original baby vocals wouldn’t cooperate – so Bowie stepped in and added the adorable gurgles himself.
First-Ever CGI Animal in Film
That haunting CGI owl seen in Sarah’s bedroom marks one of the earliest realistic CGI animals in cinema history – groundbreaking visual effects for 1986.
The ‘Underground’ Video Isn’t Bowie’s Fav
Bowie later admitted he ‘was a bit lax’ on the ‘Underground’ music video and felt it didn’t align with his vision – even though Jim Henson thought it was perfect for promoting the film.
Terry Jones, Monty Python, Co‑Writer
The screenplay was penned by Terry Jones (yes – that Terry Jones of Monty Python fame), and due to legal similarities, Maurice Sendak (‘Where the Wild Things Are’) received an onscreen nod in the opening credits.
Those Iconic Pants Had a Purpose
Bowie’s neckline-revealing, tight pants weren’t just for shock – they symbolized Sarah’s growing teenage awareness. Brian Froud likened them to ballet tights and teen fantasy projections.
Tobias: Baby, Puppet-Builder, Legend
Toby, the toddler kidnapped by Jareth, is Brian Froud’s real‑life son – and older Toby later followed in puppet-making footsteps, continuing the Labyrinth legacy.
Vinyl Reissue & Cult Love
Though Labyrinth underperformed in theaters, it went on to cult status. In 2017, the soundtrack was remastered and released on vinyl, complete with original artwork – a treat for fans and collectors
