You know the image. Kevin James, mustache groomed to questionable perfection, leaning precariously on a Segway while patrolling the West Orange Pavilion Mall. It’s peak 2009. But honestly, if you close your eyes and think about Paul Blart: Mall Cop, you don't just see the physical comedy. You hear the synth-heavy, arena-rock bravado that makes a suburban security guard feel like a Navy SEAL.
The paul blart movie soundtrack is a weirdly perfect time capsule. It’s not just "background noise." It’s a carefully curated collection of "dad rock" and 80s anthems that unironically slaps.
The Sound of a Mall Legend
Most people assume the music in a Happy Madison production is just a random assortment of Adam Sandler's favorite tracks. While there’s some truth to that, the sonic landscape of the first film was actually shaped by Waddy Wachtel.
If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Wachtel is a literal guitar god. He’s played with Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt, and Stevie Nicks. Why was he scoring a movie about a guy who passes out if his blood sugar drops? Because the joke only works if the music treats Paul Blart like a serious hero.
Wachtel’s original score provides the "action" beats, but the licensed songs do the heavy lifting for the character's soul.
The Big Hits You Forgot Were There
The movie kicks off with "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It’s the ultimate "everything is fine" song, which is hilarious because, for Blart, everything is usually about to go wrong.
Then you’ve got the karaoke scene.
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You can't talk about this soundtrack without mentioning "Runaway" by Bon Jovi. It’s the quintessential 80s hair-metal track about a girl on the street, but in the hands of a sweating mall cop, it becomes a desperate plea for relevance. It’s awkward. It’s loud. It’s basically the movie in a nutshell.
Other heavy hitters included:
- "Detroit Rock City" by KISS: Used during the Rock Band sequence. It’s the peak of Blart’s "cool" imagination versus his "sad" reality.
- "I Can't Hold Back" by Survivor: This plays when things finally go right with Amy. Survivor is the king of the 80s montage, and using them here is a stroke of genius.
- "Think I'm In Love" by Eddie Money: A classic end-credits banger. Eddie Money’s raspy vocals are the official frequency of the New Jersey/West Orange vibe.
Why "My Bubble Gum" Changed Everything
So, there’s this scene. Paul is trying to be "hip" or just existing in a world he doesn't quite understand, and "My Bubble Gum" by Rasheeda starts playing as his ringtone.
It’s jarring. It’s a Southern hip-hop track in the middle of a movie that otherwise sounds like a classic rock radio station. Honestly, that’s why it works. The paul blart movie soundtrack thrives on contrast. One minute you’re listening to the sweeping, sentimental strings of Barry Manilow’s "Weekend In New England," and the next, you’re hit with a 2000s rap beat.
It keeps you off balance. Just like a Segway on a slippery food court floor.
The Forgotten Gems
Everyone remembers the ELO, but what about the deeper cuts?
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"Frankenstein" by The Edgar Winter Group makes an appearance. It’s an instrumental prog-rock masterpiece that feels exactly like what a mall security office would sound like in 1978. Then there’s "Take It On The Run" by REO Speedwagon.
If you grew up in the suburbs, this song is practically in your DNA. Using it in a movie about a man who takes his job way too seriously is a very specific type of cultural shorthand. It signals that Blart isn't a modern hero; he’s a throwback. He’s a guy who still thinks a leather jacket and a power ballad can solve any problem.
Does the Second Movie Hold Up?
When Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 moved the action to Las Vegas in 2015, the music shifted. It got a bit more "modern" but lost some of that gritty Jersey charm.
We got "Best Day Of My Life" by American Authors and "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle. Yeah, the Cops theme. It’s a bit on the nose, isn't it? The sequel also featured "Waves" by Mr. Probz and "Just Girly Things" by Dawin & Toothpick.
While the second film's music was fine, it felt more like a "Top 40" playlist and less like a curated identity. The first paul blart movie soundtrack remains the gold standard for suburban-hero-cinema.
How to Experience the Music Today
Surprisingly, there was never a massive, official physical CD release that captured every single track in order. Back in 2009, the industry was already pivoting to digital, so most fans had to hunt down the songs on iTunes or MySpace (RIP).
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If you want to recreate the feeling of patrolling a mall after hours, your best bet is to build a custom playlist.
Start with the ELO. Move into the KISS. End with the Barry Manilow.
It’s a rollercoaster of irony and genuine sentiment. Most critics at the time gave the movie "generally unfavorable" reviews—sitting at a 39 on Metacritic—but the box office told a different story. It earned over $183 million. People didn't go for the plot; they went for the vibe. And the music was 50% of that vibe.
Actionable Tips for Soundtrack Hunters
If you’re looking to find the exact versions of the songs used in the film, keep these details in mind:
- Check the Credits: The version of "Runaway" in the film is specifically a Chartbuster Karaoke version, which adds to the "amateur" feel of the scene.
- The Score is Separate: Waddy Wachtel’s instrumental score hasn't been widely released on streaming platforms, so you’ll have to rip it from the DVD/Blu-ray if you want those specific action cues.
- Look for the Remixes: The track "Do The Thang Thang" by Shakti is actually a specific remix that can be hard to find on standard albums.
The paul blart movie soundtrack isn't just music; it's a testament to the power of a well-placed 80s power ballad. It reminds us that even if you're just a guy with a badge made of plastic, the right song can make you feel like a king.
Go ahead and fire up "Mr. Blue Sky." Just try not to fall off your Segway while you're doing it.
Next Steps for Music Fans:
Check out the Waddy Wachtel discography if you want to hear the "real" rock and roll that inspired the film’s tougher moments. You can also look into the Happy Madison production history to see how they’ve used similar "dad rock" tropes in movies like The Waterboy or Grown Ups.