AXEL F by Harold Faltermeyer
Axel F is the electronic instrumental theme from the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop performed by Harold Faltermeyer. It was an international number one hit in 1985.
The title comes from the main character's name, Axel Foley (played by Eddie Murphy). It is composed in the key of F minor.
Faltermeyer recorded the song using five instruments: a Roland Jupiter-8 provide the distinctive "supersaw" lead, a Moog modular synthesizer 15 provided the bass, a Roland JX-3P provided chord stab brasses, a Yamaha DX7 was used for the marimba sound, and a LinnDrum was used for drum programming.
According to Faltermeyer, the initial reaction to his premiere presentation of the cues to the film's producers and director did not result in an immediate approval; it was not until director Martin Brest voiced his approval that the producers showed enthusiasm.
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.
