If you were a child in the '90s, chances are good that the key to your happiness lied in three powerful words: “It's Morphin time!” Although it's been twenty years since Mighty Morphin Power Rangers first aired, there's a good chance that the phrase still conjures up fond memories of dinosaur robots, teenage melodrama and dubbed Japanese footage.
Despite the stream of imitators that followed in the show's wake, no other series was able to duplicate the energy and atmosphere of the beloved kids franchise. One of Power Rangers' most unique elements was series composer Ron Wasserman's all-rock score. Incredibly, each episode boasted original music. Here, we pay tribute to those six teenagers with attitude that kept Angel Grove safe for so many years with our five favorite songs from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
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5. “Fight”
One of the earliest songs incorporated into the show's original music initiative, “Fight” was the perfect tune to amp a grade schooler up for watching some interstellar action. From the drums that absolutely knock through the soaring guitars and catchy chorus, it's a song that unfortunately, due to parents pressuring the network, had to be left out of later episodes due to silly allegations of it making children violent.
4. “5-4-1”
Power Rangers taught us a lot of important lessons. From the rewards of strict discipline to looking for the best in people to the importance of teamwork, the program really did encourage children to be their best, especially when the situation called for summoning a giant robot to do battle with a monster. “5-4-1” focuses on the greatness than can be achieved through working together and being a reliable friend.
3. “I Will Win”
The Power Rangers faced plenty of insurmountable odds, which is something we can all relate to. But when your back is against the wall, the power of a positive mental attitude and determination will allow you to emerge victorious, as explained in “I Will Win.” Series composer Ron Wasserman revealed the song was inspired by Power Rangers creator Haim Saban refusing to let him score Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.
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2. “We Need a Hero”
Wasserman also said that his personal favorite song recorded for the series was “We Need a Hero.” This gem of a song was a snapshot of the bleak, pre-Rangers early '90s. The song (which Wasserman also pointed out as being the “saddest” of his compositions) talks about the need for true heroes in an otherwise barren landscape. Pretty sophisticated material for a daytime kids show.
1) “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”
Obviously this had to be number one. Easily the baddest-assest guitar riff in the history of children's television, the theme from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is quite possibly the most iconic children's television theme song of the decade. Arguably the song that introduced millions of kids around the world to the harder side of rock music, hearing this track with adult ears is as powerful an experience as it was when we were kids.
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