Axel F: Difference between revisions

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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name       = Axel F
| name         = Axel F
| cover       = Axel_F_HF.jpg
| cover         = Axel_F_HF.jpg
| alt         =
| alt           =  
| caption     = UK and West German picture sleeve
| caption       = UK and West German picture sleeve
| type       = single
| type         = single
| artist     = [[Harold Faltermeyer]]
| artist       = [[Harold Faltermeyer]]
| album       = [[Beverly Hills Cop (soundtrack)|Beverly Hills Cop]] {{noitalic|and}} Harold F.
| album         = [[Beverly Hills Cop (soundtrack)|Beverly Hills Cop]] {{noitalic|and}} Harold F.
| B-side     =
| B-side       = "Shoot Out"
* "Discovery"
| released     = {{start date|1985|3|11|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/631-2469-1|title=BPI}}</ref>
* "Shoot Out"
| recorded     = 1984
| released   = {{start date|1985|3|11|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/631-2469-1|title=BPI}}</ref>
| studio       =  
| recorded   =
| genre         =  
| studio     =
| genre       =
* [[Synth-pop]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://toponehitwonders.com/pop/axel-f-harold-faltermeyer/ |title= Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer |publisher= Toponehitwonders.com |date= 31 October 2010 |access-date= 29 May 2013 |archive-date= 1 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191001000845/http://toponehitwonders.com/pop/axel-f-harold-faltermeyer/ |url-status= dead | quote= 'Axel F' is a brilliant one-hit wonder on many levels. It's a synthpop one-hit wonder, placing it in the same company as 'Cars' by Gary Numan (...) and 'Autobahn' by Kraftwerk to name just a few genius synthpop hits.}}</ref>
* [[Synth-pop]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://toponehitwonders.com/pop/axel-f-harold-faltermeyer/ |title= Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer |publisher= Toponehitwonders.com |date= 31 October 2010 |access-date= 29 May 2013 |archive-date= 1 October 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191001000845/http://toponehitwonders.com/pop/axel-f-harold-faltermeyer/ |url-status= dead | quote= 'Axel F' is a brilliant one-hit wonder on many levels. It's a synthpop one-hit wonder, placing it in the same company as 'Cars' by Gary Numan (...) and 'Autobahn' by Kraftwerk to name just a few genius synthpop hits.}}</ref>
* [[Electro (music)|electro]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/a9f9f717-dadb-451e-a9e8-d8393f611645|title=What was the most annoying novelty song of all time?|website=[[BBC Music]]|author=Fraser McAlpine|date=14 July 2017|access-date=12 November 2022|quote=Then in 2004 the voice was used to launch an obnoxious ringtone called Crazy Frog, which proved so popular, it was then set to Harold Faltermeyer's 1984 electro hit Axel F and released as a global hit single.}}</ref>
* [[Electro (music)|electro]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/a9f9f717-dadb-451e-a9e8-d8393f611645|title=What was the most annoying novelty song of all time?|website=[[BBC Music]]|author=Fraser McAlpine|date=14 July 2017|access-date=12 November 2022|quote=Then in 2004 the voice was used to launch an obnoxious ringtone called Crazy Frog, which proved so popular, it was then set to Harold Faltermeyer's 1984 electro hit Axel F and released as a global hit single.}}</ref>
| length     = 3:01
| length       = 3:01
| label       = [[MCA Records|MCA]]
| label         = [[MCA Records|MCA]]
| writer     = [[Harold Faltermeyer]]
| writer       = [[Harold Faltermeyer]]
| producer   = Harold Faltermeyer
| producer     = Harold Faltermeyer
| prev_title =
| prev_title   =  
| prev_year   =
| prev_year     =  
| next_title = The Race Is On
| next_title   = The Race Is On
| next_title2 = Starlight Express
| next_title2   = Starlight Express
| next_year   = 1987
| next_year     = 1987
| misc       =  
| misc         =  
}}
}}


"'''Axel F'''" is an [[Electronic music|electronic]] [[instrumental]] track by German musician [[Harold Faltermeyer]]. The track served as the theme tune to the film ''[[Beverly Hills Cop]]'', its [[Axel Foley|eponymous character]], and the [[Beverly Hills Cop (franchise)|film franchise]] it is based on, and became an international number one hit in 1985. The single was released in 1984 by [[MCA Records|MCA]] and reached number one in Ireland as well as on the US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Dance Club Songs|Hot Dance Club Play]] chart. Additionally, it was a number-two hit in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and [[West Germany]].
"'''Axel F'''" is an [[Electronic music|electronic]] [[instrumental]] track by German musician [[Harold Faltermeyer]]. The track served as the theme tune for the film ''[[Beverly Hills Cop]]'', its [[Axel Foley|eponymous character]], and the [[Beverly Hills Cop (franchise)|film franchise]] it is based on, and became an international number one hit in 1985. The single was released in 1984 by [[MCA Records]] and reached number one in Ireland as well as on the US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Dance Club Songs|Hot Dance Club Play]] chart. Additionally, it was a number-two hit in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and [[West Germany]].


In addition to the [[Beverly Hills Cop (soundtrack)|''Beverly Hills Cop'' soundtrack]], the track also appears on Faltermeyer's own album ''Harold F.'' as a bonus track.<ref name="Music 2021 j781">{{cite web | title=The 40 greatest synth sounds of all time, No 36: Harold Faltermeyer | website=Music Radar | date=7 April 2021 | url=https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/the-40-greatest-synth-sounds-of-all-time-no-36-harold-faltermeyer-axel-f | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref> Its music video was directed by Faltermeyer himself.
In addition to the [[Beverly Hills Cop (soundtrack)|''Beverly Hills Cop'' soundtrack]], the track also appears on Faltermeyer's own album ''Harold F.'' as a bonus track.<ref name="Music 2021 j781">{{cite web | title=The 40 greatest synth sounds of all time, No 36: Harold Faltermeyer | website=Music Radar | date=7 April 2021 | url=https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/the-40-greatest-synth-sounds-of-all-time-no-36-harold-faltermeyer-axel-f | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref> Its music video was directed by Faltermeyer himself.
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A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Faltermeyer. Faltermeyer is featured wearing an overcoat, hat, and sunglasses; he sneaks into a [[computer lab]] at night and uses one of the machines to watch scenes from ''Beverly Hills Cop'' with himself [[Chroma key|edited in]], interspersed with footage of a [[pole dance]]r, a female dancer, and of himself playing the synthesizer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moir |first=Tammy |date=15 December 2023 |title=Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. has just given us what we needed - Harold Faltermeyer's iconic theme mash up with The Notorious B.I.G. |url=https://happymag.tv/beverly-hills-4-axel-f-soundtrack/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |website=Happy Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>
A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Faltermeyer. Faltermeyer is featured wearing an overcoat, hat, and sunglasses; he sneaks into a [[computer lab]] at night and uses one of the machines to watch scenes from ''Beverly Hills Cop'' with himself [[Chroma key|edited in]], interspersed with footage of a [[pole dance]]r, a female dancer, and of himself playing the synthesizer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moir |first=Tammy |date=15 December 2023 |title=Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. has just given us what we needed - Harold Faltermeyer's iconic theme mash up with The Notorious B.I.G. |url=https://happymag.tv/beverly-hills-4-axel-f-soundtrack/ |access-date=23 February 2024 |website=Happy Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>
The B-Side "Shoot Out", although featuring prominently in the film, was not included on the Soundtrack album.


==Track listings==
==Track listings==
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==Techno Cop version==
==Techno Cop version==
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name       = Axel F
| name         = Axel F
| cover     =
| cover         =  
| alt       =
| alt           =  
| type       = single
| type         = single
| artist     = Techno Cop
| artist       = Techno Cop
| album     = The Best and More
| album         = The Best and More
| B-side     = Cops in Trance
| B-side       = Cops in Trance
| released   = 20 June 1992
| released     = 20 June 1992
| recorded   =
| recorded     =  
| studio     =
| studio       =  
| venue     =
| venue         =  
| length     = 3:01
| length       = 3:01
| label     = [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
| label         = [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
| writer     = Harold Faltermeyer
| writer       = Harold Faltermeyer
| producer   = Cool & Cool
| producer     = Cool & Cool
| prev_title = Stop the Police
| prev_title   = Stop the Police
| prev_year = 1992
| prev_year     = 1992
| next_title = The Vision
| next_title   = The Vision
| next_year = 1994
| next_year     = 1994
}}
}}


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| studio    =
| studio    =
| venue      =
| venue      =
| genre      = [[Eurodance]]
| genre      =  
* [[Eurodance]]
* [[hi-NRG]]<ref name="hamilton">{{cite magazine|first= James |last= Hamilton |title= Dj directory |magazine= [[Music Week]] |date= 18 February 1995 |page= 11 |accessdate= 5 May 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-02-18.pdf |author-link= James Hamilton (DJ and journalist)}}</ref>
| length    =
| length    =
* 3:38 (radio edit)
* 3:38 (radio edit)
Line 225: Line 227:
}}
}}


British [[Dance-pop|pop/dance]] act [[Clock (dance act)|Clock]] released a successful [[Electronic dance music|dance]] cover of "Axel F" in 1995. Produced by Richard Pritchard and [[Stu Allan]], it was featured on their debut album, ''It's Time...'' (1995), and peaked at number five in Scotland, number seven in the UK overall, number eight in Ireland and number 37 in Sweden. On the [[Eurochart Hot 100]], the single reached number 20 in March 1995, while in [[Australia]], it peaked at number 42.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}
British [[Dance-pop|pop/dance]] act [[Clock (dance act)|Clock]] released a successful [[Electronic dance music|dance]] cover of "Axel F" in 1995. Produced by Richard Pritchard and [[Stu Allan]] and released by [[MCA Records|MCA]] and [[ZYX Music]], it was featured on their debut album, ''It's Time...'' (1995), and peaked at number five in Scotland, number seven in the UK overall, number eight in Ireland and number 37 in Sweden. On the [[Eurochart Hot 100]], the single reached number 20 in March 1995, while in [[Australia]], it peaked at number 42.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} The accompanying music video was a Box Top on British music television channel [[The Box (British and Irish TV channel)|The Box]] in April 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-04-01.pdf|title=M&M Airplay Station Reports: The Box/London|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=12|issue=13|date=1 April 1995|page=27|access-date=15 December 2025}}</ref>


===Critical reception===
===Critical reception===
When the cover was released in 1995, [[James Masterton]] wrote in his weekly UK chart, "There is no denying the brilliance of this record, making the [[Harold Faltermeyer]] classic more of a [[Electronic dance music|dance]] hit than he could ever have dreamed as the song makes the Top 10 close on ten years since the original did the same."<ref>{{cite web|last=Masterton|first=James|title=Week Ending March 11th 1995|url=https://chart-watch.uk/archives/1995/week-ending-march-11th-1995|website=Chart Watch UK|date=5 March 1995|accessdate=16 September 2021|author-link=James Masterton}}</ref> Alan Jones from ''[[Music Week]]'''s ''RM'' Dance Update described the song as "another energetic remake".<ref>{{cite magazine|first= Alan |last= Jones |title= Club Chart Commentary |magazine= [[Music Week]], in [[Record Mirror]] (Dance Update Supplemental insert) |date= 25 March 1995 |page= 12 |accessdate= 6 May 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-03-25.pdf}}</ref> Another ''RM'' editor, [[James Hamilton (DJ and journalist)|James Hamilton]], declared it as an "ultra excitingly galloping 135bpm [[Hi-NRG]]" track in his weekly dance column.<ref>{{cite magazine|first= James |last= Hamilton |title= Dj directory |magazine= [[Music Week]] |date= 18 February 1995 |page= 11 |accessdate= 5 May 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-02-18.pdf |author-link= James Hamilton (DJ and journalist)}}</ref>
When the cover was released in 1995, [[James Masterton]] wrote in his weekly UK chart, "There is no denying the brilliance of this record, making the [[Harold Faltermeyer]] classic more of a [[Electronic dance music|dance]] hit than he could ever have dreamed as the song makes the Top 10 close on ten years since the original did the same."<ref>{{cite web|last=Masterton|first=James|title=Week Ending March 11th 1995|url=https://chart-watch.uk/archives/1995/week-ending-march-11th-1995|website=Chart Watch UK|date=5 March 1995|accessdate=16 September 2021|author-link=James Masterton}}</ref> Alan Jones from ''[[Music Week]]'''s ''RM'' Dance Update described the song as "another energetic remake".<ref>{{cite magazine|first= Alan |last= Jones |title= Club Chart Commentary |magazine= [[Music Week]], in [[Record Mirror]] (Dance Update Supplemental insert) |date= 25 March 1995 |page= 12 |accessdate= 6 May 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-03-25.pdf}}</ref> Another ''RM'' editor, [[James Hamilton (DJ and journalist)|James Hamilton]], declared it as an "ultra excitingly galloping 135bpm [[Hi-NRG]]" track in his weekly dance column.<ref name="hamilton"/>


===Track listings===
===Track listings===
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====Weekly charts====
====Weekly charts====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1995)
!Chart (1995)
!Peak<br>position
!Peak<br>position
|-
|-
|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])
!scope="row"|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])
|align="center" |42
| 42
|-
|-
|Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-03-18.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=12|issue=11|date=18 March 1995|page=27|access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1995/MM-1995-03-18.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=12|issue=11|date=18 March 1995|page=27|access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref>
|align="center" |20
| 20
|-
|-
|Ireland ([[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]])
!scope="row"|Ireland ([[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]])
|align="center" |8
| 8
|-
|-
|Netherlands ([[Dutch Top 40|Dutch Top 40 Tipparade]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/clock/clock-axel-f-19050|title=Clock - Axel F|language=nl|publisher=top40.nl|access-date=30 January 2020}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Netherlands ([[Dutch Top 40|Dutch Top 40 Tipparade]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/clock/clock-axel-f-19050|title=Clock - Axel F|language=nl|publisher=top40.nl|access-date=30 January 2020}}</ref>
|align="center" |5
| 5
|-
|-
{{single chart|Dutch100|45|artist=Clock|song=Axel F|access-date=1 August 2019}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|45|artist=Clock|song=Axel F|rowheader=true|access-date=1 August 2019}}
|-
|-
|Scotland ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19950312/41/|title=Scottish Singles Chart 12 March 1995 - 18 March 1995|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Scotland ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19950312/41/|title=Scottish Singles Chart 12 March 1995 - 18 March 1995|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=1 August 2019}}</ref>
|align="center" |5
| 5
|-
|-
|Sweden ([[Sverigetopplistan]])
!scope="row"|Sweden ([[Sverigetopplistan]])
|align="center" |37
| 37
|-
|-
|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])
!scope="row"|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])
|align="center" |7
| 7
|-
|-
|[[Record Mirror Club Chart|UK Club Chart]] (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-02-11.pdf |title= The ''RM'' Club Chart |magazine= [[Music Week]], in [[Record Mirror]] (Dance Update Supplemental insert) |date= 11 February 1995 |page= 6 |accessdate= 2 September 2021}}</ref>
!scope="row"|UK Airplay (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-03-25.pdf|title=Top 50 Airplay Hits|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=25 March 1995|page=19|access-date=6 December 2025}}</ref>
|align="center" |28
| 28
|-
|-
|UK on a Pop Tip Club Chart (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-03-11.pdf |title= The ''RM'' on a Pop Tip Club Chart |magazine= [[Music Week]], in [[Record Mirror]] (Dance Update Supplemental insert) |date= 11 March 1995 |page= 10 |accessdate= 2 September 2021}}</ref>
!scope="row"|[[Record Mirror Club Chart|UK Club Chart]] (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-02-11.pdf |title= The ''RM'' Club Chart |magazine= [[Music Week]], in [[Record Mirror]] (Dance Update Supplemental insert) |date= 11 February 1995 |page= 6 |accessdate= 2 September 2021}}</ref>
|align="center" |3
| 28
|-
!scope="row"|UK on a Pop Tip Club Chart (''[[Music Week]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-03-11.pdf |title= The ''RM'' on a Pop Tip Club Chart |magazine= [[Music Week]], in [[Record Mirror]] (Dance Update Supplemental insert) |date= 11 March 1995 |page= 10 |accessdate= 2 September 2021}}</ref>
| 3
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


====Year-end charts====
====Year-end charts====
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1995)
!Chart (1995)
!Position
!Position
|-
|-
|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Singles 1995|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1996/Music-Week-1996-01-13.pdf|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=13 January 1996|page=9|access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref>
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Singles 1995|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1996/Music-Week-1996-01-13.pdf|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=13 January 1996|page=9|access-date=12 March 2025}}</ref>
|align="center" |82
| 82
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==Psy version==
==Psy version==
In 2002, South Korean singer [[Psy]] released a track titled "Champion" as part of his album ''[[3 Mai]]'',<ref name="worldcupkorea">{{cite web|last=Limb|first=Jae-un|title=Streets of Gangnam fill with World Cup cheers|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Sports/view?articleId=120014|date=18 June 2014|work=Korea.net|access-date=8 May 2017}}</ref> tapping into Seoul's enthusiasm over the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]].<ref name="koreanet">{{cite web|last=Wi|first=Tack-whan|title=PSY, the man behind the name|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=102999|date=10 October 2012|work=[[Korea.net]]|access-date=8 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630063004/http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=102999}}</ref><ref name="champion">{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Hyo-won|title=World Cup 2014: Psy Performs 'Gangnam Style' in Gangnam for the First Time|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/world-cup-2014-psy-performs-712697|date=17 June 2014|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=8 May 2017}}</ref> "Champion" was partially inspired by Korean street cheering during the 2002 World Cup.<ref name="maimai">{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=021&aid=0000004107|title = 싸이 위선 가득한 세상 조롱}}</ref> Paul Lester of ''[[The Guardian]]'' called "Champion" a "thrashy disco ... which heavily [[Sampling (music)|samples]] Axel F by [[Harold Faltermeyer]]".<ref>{{cite web|last=Lester|first=Paul|title=K-pop new band of the week – Psy (No 1,350)|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/sep/13/new-band-psy|date=13 September 2012|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=8 May 2017}}</ref>
In 2002, South Korean singer [[Psy]] released a track titled "Champion" as part of his album ''[[3 Mai]]'',<ref name="worldcupkorea">{{cite web|last=Limb|first=Jae-un|title=Streets of Gangnam fill with World Cup cheers|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Sports/view?articleId=120014|date=18 June 2014|work=Korea.net|access-date=8 May 2017}}</ref> tapping into Seoul's enthusiasm over the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]].<ref name="koreanet">{{cite web|last=Wi|first=Tack-whan|title=PSY, the man behind the name|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=102999|date=10 October 2012|work=[[Korea.net]]|access-date=8 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630063004/http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=102999}}</ref><ref name="champion">{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Hyo-won|title=World Cup 2014: Psy Performs 'Gangnam Style' in Gangnam for the First Time|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/world-cup-2014-psy-performs-712697|date=17 June 2014|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=8 May 2017}}</ref> "Champion" was partially inspired by Korean street cheering during the 2002 World Cup.<ref name="maimai">{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=021&aid=0000004107|title = 싸이 위선 가득한 세상 조롱}}</ref> Paul Lester of ''[[The Guardian]]'' called "Champion" a "thrashy disco ... which heavily [[Sampling (music)|samples]] "Axel F" by [[Harold Faltermeyer]]".<ref>{{cite web|last=Lester|first=Paul|title=K-pop new band of the week – Psy (No 1,350)|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/sep/13/new-band-psy|date=13 September 2012|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=8 May 2017}}</ref>


==Murphy Brown vs Captain Hollywood version==
==Murphy Brown vs Captain Hollywood version==
Line 308: Line 313:
| type          = single
| type          = single
| artist        = [[Crazy Frog]]
| artist        = [[Crazy Frog]]
| album        = [[Crazy Hits|Crazy Frog Presents Crazy Hits]]
| album        = [[Crazy Hits]]
| B-side        = In the 80's
| B-side        = In the 80's
| released      = {{start date|df=yes|2005|05|17}}
| released      = {{start date|df=yes|2005|05|17}}
| recorded      =  
| recorded      =
| studio        =  
| studio        =  
| venue        =  
| venue        =  
| genre        = {{hlist|[[Techno]]<ref name="OfficialCharts">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-crazy-frog-song-axel-f-is-certified-platinum-as-official-charts-reveals-how-many-people-are-listening-to-the-novelty-number-1-in-2017__20685/|title=The Crazy Frog song Axel F is certified Platinum as Official Charts reveals how many people are listening to the novelty Number 1 in 2017|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=6 October 2017|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref>|[[novelty song|novelty]]<ref name="OfficialCharts"/>}}
| genre        =
* [[Techno]]<ref name="OfficialCharts">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/the-crazy-frog-song-axel-f-is-certified-platinum-as-official-charts-reveals-how-many-people-are-listening-to-the-novelty-number-1-in-2017__20685/|title=The Crazy Frog song Axel F is certified Platinum as Official Charts reveals how many people are listening to the novelty Number 1 in 2017|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|last=Copsey|first=Rob|date=6 October 2017|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref>
* [[novelty song|novelty]]<ref name="OfficialCharts"/>
| length        = 2:54 (radio edit)
| length        = 2:54 (radio edit)
| label        = {{hlist|[[Ministry of Sound]]|[[Universal Music Group|Universal]]}}
| label        = Catchy Tunes
| writer        = {{hlist|Harold Faltermeyer|[[Wolfgang Boss]]}}
| writer        =
| producer      = {{hlist|[[Bass Bumpers|Henning Reith]]|[[Bass Bumpers|Reinhard Raith]]|Off-cast Project}}
* Harold Faltermeyer
* [[Wolfgang Boss]]
| producer      =
* [[Bass Bumpers|Henning Reith]]
* [[Bass Bumpers|Reinhard Raith]]
* Off-cast Project
| next_title    = [[Popcorn (Crazy Frog song)|Popcorn]]
| next_title    = [[Popcorn (Crazy Frog song)|Popcorn]]
| next_year    = 2005
| next_year    = 2005
Line 324: Line 336:
}}
}}


In 2005, a reworking of "Axel F 2003" by Murphy Brown and [[Captain Hollywood]] was released by [[Crazy Frog]], titled "Axel F". This version became a [[summer hit]] that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/culturevultureblog/2006/aug/03/wheresthesumm|title=Where's the summer fun?|work=The Guardian|date=3 August 2006|access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref> The song is by far Crazy Frog's most successful single.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} Like "Axel F 2003", Crazy Frog's version was also produced by the Off-cast Project, and Henning Reith and Reinhard "DJ Voodoo" Raith, two members of the German [[Electronic dance music|dance]] production team [[Bass Bumpers]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.discogs.com/Murphy-Brown-Axel-F/master/62651 |title= Murphy Brown vs. Captain Hollywood profile on Discogs.com |publisher= [[Discogs]] |access-date= 20 July 2013}}</ref> [[Wolfgang Boss]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtl2.de/44492.html |title=Crazy Frog |work=RTL 2 |publisher=RTL2.de |language=de |access-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610140050/http://www.rtl2.de/44492.html |archive-date=10 June 2013}}</ref> and [[Jamba!|Jamster!]] arranged the remix.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.discogs.com/artist/Crazy+Frog |title= Crazy Frog profile on Discogs.com |publisher= [[Discogs]] |access-date= 20 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Crazy Frog hüpft weiter die Charts empor |url= http://www.mediabiz.de/musik/news/crazy-frog-huepft-weiter-die-charts-empor/180463?premium=N&navi=00000000&t=1 |publisher= Mediabiz.de |language= de |date= 8 June 2005 |access-date= 20 July 2013 |archive-date= 26 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201126122417/https://www.mediabiz.de/musik/news/crazy-frog-huepft-weiter-die-charts-empor/180463?premium=N&navi=00000000&t=1 |url-status= dead }}</ref>
In 2005, a reworking of "Axel F 2003" by Murphy Brown and [[Captain Hollywood]] was released by the Swedish CGI-animated frog [[Crazy Frog]], titled "Axel F". This version became a [[summer hit]] that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/culturevultureblog/2006/aug/03/wheresthesumm|title=Where's the summer fun?|work=The Guardian|date=3 August 2006|access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref> Like "Axel F 2003", Crazy Frog's version was also produced by the Off-cast Project, and Henning Reith and Reinhard "DJ Voodoo" Raith, two members of the German [[Electronic dance music|dance]] production team [[Bass Bumpers]].{{citation needed|date=December 2025}} [[Wolfgang Boss]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtl2.de/44492.html |title=Crazy Frog |work=RTL 2 |publisher=RTL2.de |language=de |access-date=20 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610140050/http://www.rtl2.de/44492.html |archive-date=10 June 2013}}</ref> and [[Jamba!|Jamster!]] arranged the remix.<ref>{{cite web |title= Crazy Frog hüpft weiter die Charts empor |url= http://www.mediabiz.de/musik/news/crazy-frog-huepft-weiter-die-charts-empor/180463?premium=N&navi=00000000&t=1 |publisher= Mediabiz.de |language= de |date= 8 June 2005 |access-date= 20 July 2013 |archive-date= 26 November 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201126122417/https://www.mediabiz.de/musik/news/crazy-frog-huepft-weiter-die-charts-empor/180463?premium=N&navi=00000000&t=1 |url-status= dead }}</ref>


The song consists of additional vocals taken from the 1997 recording "2TAKTARE.mp3" by [[Daniel Malmedahl]]. It uses mainly the same part of the two-minute original that was used in Jamster's release.
The song consists of additional vocals taken from the 1997 recording "2TAKTARE.mp3" by [[Daniel Malmedahl]]. It uses mainly the same part of the two-minute original that was used in Jamster's release. There were three edits to the song. The original version of the song can be found on most [[peer-to-peer|P2P]] networks.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
 
There were three edits to the song. The original version of the song can be found on most [[peer-to-peer|P2P]] networks.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}


===Chart performances===
===Chart performances===
Released across Europe in May 2005, "Axel F" topped the charts in the United Kingdom, with some of the best weekly sales of the year (out-selling rivals such as [[Coldplay]] by four copies to one), and remained at the top of the [[UK Singles Chart]] for four weeks to become Britain's third-best-selling single of 2005, outselling and outperforming the original version. In other European countries, the popularity has differed, with the song failing to make the top 20 in Switzerland at first, before gradually climbing to number 1, whilst only making number 18 in Russia.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} It also reached number 1 on the overall European chart, after initially being number 2 to [[Akon]]'s "Lonely" for several weeks; it stayed at number 1 until September. It also reached number 1 in Australia, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Norway, Ukraine, Spain, and Sweden. It was the #1 song of the year in Europe, New Zealand, and the Wallonia region of Belgium.
Released across Europe in May 2005, "Axel F" topped the charts in the United Kingdom, with some of the best weekly sales of the year (out-selling rivals such as [[Coldplay]] by four copies to one), and remained at the top of the [[UK Singles Chart]] for four weeks to become Britain's third-best-selling single of 2005, outselling and outperforming the original version. In other European countries, the popularity has differed, with the song failing to make the top 20 in Switzerland at first, before gradually climbing to number one, whilst reaching number three in Russia. It also reached number one on the overall European chart and stayed at number one until September. It also reached number one in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. It was the number-one song of the year in Europe, New Zealand, and the [[Wallonia]] region of Belgium. The song was the 65th-best-selling single of the 2000s in the UK.<ref>Radio 1 Official Chart of the Decade, as broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on Tuesday 29 December 2009, presented by Nihal</ref>


In France, the song entered the [[French Singles Chart]] at number seventy seven on 11 June 2005, and moved all the way to number two the next week. There it stayed for two weeks before climbing to the summit, where it remained for thirteen weeks. It fell off the first position being dethroned by Crazy Frog's 2nd single, "[[Popcorn (Crazy Frog song)|Popcorn]]". This was only the second time that an artist had ever dethroned themself in that country. The song remained in the top 10 for 21 weeks, 30 weeks in the top 50 and 36 weeks in the chart. Its best weekly sales were 103,564 on its 6th week.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.chartsinfrance.net/communaute/index.php?/topic/10055-chiffres-de-ventes-hebdomadaires-singles-edition-2006/ |title= Chiffres de ventes hebdomadaires Singles – Edition 2006 |author= Likeadream |work= Chartsinfrance.net |date= 8 January 2006 |publisher= Webedia / IP.Board 3 – IPS, Inc. |language= fr |access-date= 20 July 2013}}</ref> On 1 December 2005, it was certified [[Music recording sales certification|diamond]], 7 months after its release, by the French certifier [[SNEP]]. The song is the third best-selling single of the 21st century in France, with 1,270,000 units sold.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 100 des singles les plus vendus du millénaire en France, le top 10 final! |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-93565.html |publisher=Chartsinfrance, [[PureCharts]] |date=13 September 2014 |access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref> (1,265,579 sales, according to another source).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://fanofmusic.free.fr/Site-Charts-Top100single2005France.htm |title= Les 100 Singles les plus vendus en France en 2005 |publisher= Fanofmusic.free.fr |language= fr |access-date= 20 July 2013}}</ref>
In France, the song entered the [[French Singles Chart]] at number 77 on 11 June 2005, and moved all the way to number two the next week. There it stayed for two weeks before climbing to the summit, where it remained for thirteen weeks. It fell off the first position being dethroned by Crazy Frog's second single, "[[Popcorn (Crazy Frog song)|Popcorn]]". This was only the second time that an artist had ever dethroned themself in that country. The song remained in the top 10 for 21 weeks, 30 weeks in the top 50 and 36 weeks in the chart. Its best weekly sales were 103,564 on its 6th week.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.chartsinfrance.net/communaute/index.php?/topic/10055-chiffres-de-ventes-hebdomadaires-singles-edition-2006/ |title= Chiffres de ventes hebdomadaires Singles – Edition 2006 |author= Likeadream |work= Chartsinfrance.net |date= 8 January 2006 |publisher= Webedia / IP.Board 3 – IPS, Inc. |language= fr |access-date= 20 July 2013}}</ref> On 1 December 2005, it was certified [[Music recording sales certification|diamond]], 7 months after its release, by the French certifier [[SNEP]]. The song is the third best-selling single of the 21st century in France, with 1,270,000 units sold.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 100 des singles les plus vendus du millénaire en France, le top 10 final! |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/actualite/news-93565.html |publisher=Chartsinfrance, [[PureCharts]] |date=13 September 2014 |access-date=17 March 2015}}</ref> (1,265,579 sales, according to another source).<ref>{{cite web|url= http://fanofmusic.free.fr/Site-Charts-Top100single2005France.htm |title= Les 100 Singles les plus vendus en France en 2005 |publisher= Fanofmusic.free.fr |language= fr |access-date= 20 July 2013}}</ref>


Despite Crazy Frog not being as well known in Japan, the single release also charted there, peaking at number 46. It peaked at number 50 in the US. Although "Axel F" managed to find more success in mainstream markets, it proved to be a moderate success on the US Rhythmic Top 40 where it peaked at number 28. It also peaked at number 3 on the US Digital Sales chart, beating the likes of [[Lindsay Lohan]] and the [[Black Eyed Peas]]. Its highest U.S. success was number 2 on the US Adult Contemporary Top 20. The song later became an [[Internet meme]].{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
Despite Crazy Frog not being as well known in Japan, the single release also charted there, peaking at number 46. It peaked at number 50 in the US. Although "Axel F" managed to find more success in mainstream markets, it proved to be a moderate success on the US [[Rhythmic Top 40]], where it peaked at number 28. It also peaked at number three on the US Digital Sales chart. Its highest U.S. success was number two on the US Adult Contemporary Top 20. The song later became an [[Internet meme]].{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
 
The song was the 65th best-selling single of the 2000s in the UK.<ref>Radio 1 Official Chart of the Decade, as broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on Tuesday 29 December 2009, presented by Nihal</ref>


===Music video===
===Music video===
The Ministry of Sound hired Kaktus Film and [[Erik Wernquist]] of TurboForce3D, the original creator of the 3D Crazy Frog, to produce a full-length animated music video to accompany the release of the song. An overview of the city is shown. Then someone in a [[van]] with attached [[satellite dish]]es and [[high-tech]] instruments on the interior sees a message on one of the monitor, which reads "Wanted: The most annoying thing in the world", referring to Crazy Frog, with a [[Bounty (reward)|bounty]] of $50,000 specified for the catcher.
The Ministry of Sound hired Kaktus Film and [[Erik Wernquist]] of TurboForce3D, the original creator of the 3D Crazy Frog, to produce a full-length animated music video to accompany the release of the song. An overview of the city is shown. Then someone in a [[van]] with attached [[satellite dish]]es and [[high-tech]] instruments on the interior sees a message on one of the monitor, which reads "Wanted: The most annoying thing in the world", referring to Crazy Frog, with a [[Bounty (reward)|bounty]] of $50,000 specified for the catcher.


In 2011, the video was listed in ''[[NME]]'''s "50 Worst Music Videos", ranking at 47.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/list/50-worst-music-videos-ever-1371|title=50 Worst Music Videos Ever|author=NME.COM|work=NME.COM|date=21 November 2011}}</ref> As of February 2025, it has been viewed more than 5 billion times on YouTube.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clarkson |first1=Adam |last2=Taylor |first2=Alex |title=Ding Ding! Crazy Frog to make a comeback in December |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59296288 |access-date=8 July 2022 |work=BBC News |date=17 November 2021}}</ref>
In 2011, the video was listed in ''[[NME]]'''s "50 Worst Music Videos", ranking at 47.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/list/50-worst-music-videos-ever-1371|title=50 Worst Music Videos Ever|author=NME.COM|work=NME.COM|date=21 November 2011}}</ref> In 2024, as part of a tribute to celebrate the release of ''[[Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F]]'', the Crazy Frog YouTube Channel made a special crossover music video with [[Netflix]], featuring scenes from the movie, but re-edited to feature Crazy Frog in them, being chased by the Beverly Hills Police and Axel Foley. It's the first time that Crazy Frog has ever interacted with the original franchise.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gajewski |first=Ryan |title=Crazy Frog Returns for Netflix's 'Axel F' Promo, Two Decades After Topping Charts With Theme Song |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/axel-f-crazy-frog-eddie-murphy-beverly-hills-cop-netflix-1235939958/ |access-date=6 July 2024 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=6 July 2024}}</ref> As of February 2025, it has been viewed more than five billion times on YouTube.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clarkson |first1=Adam |last2=Taylor |first2=Alex |title=Ding Ding! Crazy Frog to make a comeback in December |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59296288 |access-date=8 July 2022 |work=BBC News |date=17 November 2021}}</ref>
 
In 2024, as part of a tribute to celebrate the release of ''[[Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F]]'', the Crazy Frog YouTube Channel made a special crossover music video with [[Netflix]], featuring scenes from the movie, but re-edited to feature Crazy Frog in them, being chased by the Beverly Hills Police and Axel Foley. It's the first time that Crazy Frog has ever interacted with the original franchise.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gajewski |first=Ryan |title=Crazy Frog Returns for Netflix's 'Axel F' Promo, Two Decades After Topping Charts With Theme Song |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/axel-f-crazy-frog-eddie-murphy-beverly-hills-cop-netflix-1235939958/ |access-date=6 July 2024 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=6 July 2024}}</ref>


===Track listing===
===Track listing===
Line 379: Line 385:
{{single chart|Wallonia|1|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|access-date=20 July 2013|refname=}}
{{single chart|Wallonia|1|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|access-date=20 July 2013|refname=}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|CIS|6|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|songid=3079|access-date=11 August 2019|refname=}}
{{single chart|CIS|5|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|songid=3079|access-date=11 December 2025|refname=}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Denmark|1|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|access-date=20 July 2013|refname=}}
{{single chart|Denmark|1|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|access-date=20 July 2013|refname=}}
Line 412: Line 418:
{{single chart|Norway|1|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|access-date=20 July 2013|refname=}}
{{single chart|Norway|1|artist=Crazy Frog|song=Axel F|access-date=20 July 2013|refname=}}
|-
|-
| Russia Airplay ([[TopHit]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ru/weekly/20050715-20050721|title=Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Jul 21, 2005|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=24 April 2024}}</ref>
|Russia Airplay ([[TopHit]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ru/weekly/20050715-20050721|title=Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart|publisher=[[TopHit]]|date=21 July 2005|access-date=24 April 2024}}</ref>
| align="center" | 3
|align="center"|3
|-
|-
{{single chart|Scotland|1|date=20050604|artist=Crazy Frog|access-date=6 July 2023}}
{{single chart|Scotland|1|date=20050604|artist=Crazy Frog|access-date=6 July 2023}}
Line 426: Line 432:
|-
|-
{{single chart|UKindie|1|date=20050604|artist=Crazy Frog|access-date=6 July 2023}}
{{single chart|UKindie|1|date=20050604|artist=Crazy Frog|access-date=6 July 2023}}
|-
|Ukraine Airplay ([[TopHit]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ua/weekly/20050805-20050811|title=Top Radio Hits Ukraine Weekly Chart|publisher=[[TopHit]]|date=11 August 2005|access-date=11 December 2025}}</ref>
|align="center"|4
|-
|-
|US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100]]<ref name="awards2">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crazy-frog-mn0000399361/awards|title=Crazy Frog Awards|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110101505/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crazy-frog-mn0000399361/awards|archive-date=10 January 2016|access-date=12 October 2021}}</ref>
|US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100]]<ref name="awards2">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crazy-frog-mn0000399361/awards|title=Crazy Frog Awards|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110101505/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/crazy-frog-mn0000399361/awards|archive-date=10 January 2016|access-date=12 October 2021}}</ref>
|align="center"|50
|align="center"|50
|-
|US [[Mainstream Top 40]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards2"/>
|align="center"|40
|-
|-
|US [[Pop 100]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards2"/>
|US [[Pop 100]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards2"/>
|align="center"|34
|align="center"|34
|-
|US [[Top 40 Mainstream]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref name="awards2"/>
|align="center"|40
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 459: Line 468:
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|1
|-
|-
|CIS (TopHit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/global/annual/2005|title=Top Radio Hits Global Annual Chart: 2005|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=11 April 2025}}</ref>
|Brazil ([[Crowley Broadcast Analysis|Crowley]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.somdoradio.com/2011/01/som-do-radio-as-mais-tocadas-de-2005.html|title=The Most Played Songs on Brazilian Radio Stations in 2005|publisher=[[Crowley Broadcast Analysis]]|accessdate=August 24, 2025}}</ref>
|align="center"|45
|align="center"|135
|-
|CIS Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/global/annual/2005|title=Top Radio Hits Global Annual Chart: 2005|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=11 December 2025}}</ref>
|align="center"|42
|-
|-
|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Top Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=117|issue=52|page=42|date=24 December 2005}}</ref>
|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Top Singles|magazine=Billboard|volume=117|issue=52|page=42|date=24 December 2005}}</ref>
Line 506: Line 518:
|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-singles-chart/20050110/37501/|title=End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2005|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref>
|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/end-of-year-singles-chart/20050110/37501/|title=End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2005|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 January 2021}}</ref>
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|-
|Ukraine Airplay (TopHit)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tophit.com/chart/top/radio/hits/ua/annual/2005|title=Top Radio Hits Ukraine Annual Chart 2005|publisher=[[TopHit]]|access-date=11 December 2005}}</ref>
|align="center"|30
|}
|}


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|-
|-
!scope="row"|Germany
!scope="row"|Germany
|{{start date|df=yes|2005|05|17}}
|17 May 2005
|rowspan="2"|CD
|rowspan="2"|CD
|Mach1
|Mach1
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|-
|-
!scope="row"|Australia
!scope="row"|Australia
|{{start date|df=yes|2005|07|18}}
|18 July 2005
|{{hlist|Mach1|[[Warner Music Group|Warner Music International]]}}
|{{hlist|Mach1|[[Warner Music Group|Warner Music International]]}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue803.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20050719140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20050720-0000/issue803.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 July 2005|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 18th July 2005|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|page=28|date=18 July 2005|access-date=12 October 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue803.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 18th July 2005|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|page=28|date=18 July 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20050719140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20050720-0000/issue803.pdf|archive-date=19 July 2005|access-date=12 October 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|}
|}


Latest revision as of 11:28, 16 December 2025

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"Axel F" is an electronic instrumental track by German musician Harold Faltermeyer. The track served as the theme tune for the film Beverly Hills Cop, its eponymous character, and the film franchise it is based on, and became an international number one hit in 1985. The single was released in 1984 by MCA Records and reached number one in Ireland as well as on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Additionally, it was a number-two hit in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and West Germany.

In addition to the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, the track also appears on Faltermeyer's own album Harold F. as a bonus track.[1] Its music video was directed by Faltermeyer himself.

Production

Faltermeyer recorded the tune using five instruments: a Roland Jupiter-8 provided the distinctive saw 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.[2] All instruments were played by Faltermeyer.

According to Faltermeyer, the initial reaction to his first presentation of the track 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.[3]

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Faltermeyer. Faltermeyer is featured wearing an overcoat, hat, and sunglasses; he sneaks into a computer lab at night and uses one of the machines to watch scenes from Beverly Hills Cop with himself edited in, interspersed with footage of a pole dancer, a female dancer, and of himself playing the synthesizer.[4]

The B-Side "Shoot Out", although featuring prominently in the film, was not included on the Soundtrack album.

Track listings

  • 7-inch single
  1. "Axel F" – 3:00
  2. "Shoot Out" – 2:44
  • 12-inch maxi
  1. "Axel F" (M & M mix) – 7:00
  2. "Axel F" (extended version) – 7:09
  3. "Shoot Out" – 2:44
  • 12-inch maxi
  1. "Axel F" (extended version) – 7:09
  2. "Shoot Out" – 2:44

Charts

Faltermeyer's version of the instrumental reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. It also spent two weeks atop the US Adult Contemporary chart.

<templatestyles src="Col-begin/styles.css"/>

Certifications and sales

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Techno Cop version

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In 1992, German techno group Techno Cop covered the instrumental, and achieved modest success with a top 30 ranking on the German singles chart. Unlike the original, this version contains rap passages.

Track listings

  • 12-inch maxi
  1. "Axel F" (Outlaw mix) – 5:50
  2. "Axel F" (Megaphone mix) – 5:20
  3. "Cops in Trance" – 4:15
  • CD maxi
  1. "Axel F" (U-Boot mix) – 6:00
  2. "Axel F" (radio edit) – 3:49
  3. "Axel F" (Minimalistixtendid) – 4:41
  4. "Beverly Kills" – 2:58

Charts

Chart (1992) Peak
position
Germany (Media Control)[21] 30

Clock version

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British pop/dance act Clock released a successful dance cover of "Axel F" in 1995. Produced by Richard Pritchard and Stu Allan and released by MCA and ZYX Music, it was featured on their debut album, It's Time... (1995), and peaked at number five in Scotland, number seven in the UK overall, number eight in Ireland and number 37 in Sweden. On the Eurochart Hot 100, the single reached number 20 in March 1995, while in Australia, it peaked at number 42.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The accompanying music video was a Box Top on British music television channel The Box in April 1995.[22]

Critical reception

When the cover was released in 1995, James Masterton wrote in his weekly UK chart, "There is no denying the brilliance of this record, making the Harold Faltermeyer classic more of a dance hit than he could ever have dreamed as the song makes the Top 10 close on ten years since the original did the same."[23] Alan Jones from Music Week's RM Dance Update described the song as "another energetic remake".[24] Another RM editor, James Hamilton, declared it as an "ultra excitingly galloping 135bpm Hi-NRG" track in his weekly dance column.[25]

Track listings

  • UK CD maxi
  1. "Axel F" (Radio Short Stab) – 3:22
  2. "Axel F" (Primax mix) – 4:47
  3. "Keep Pushin'" (Clock N-R-G mix) – 6:27
  4. "Keep Pushin'" (PTP 'London' mix) – 7:46
  • Sweden CD maxi
  1. "Axel F" (radio edit) – 3:38
  2. "Axel F" (Primax mix) – 4:44
  3. "Axel F" (Ten to Two mix) – 5:40
  4. "Keep Pushin'" (PTP London edit) – 4:40
  5. "Clock Megamix" - 15:40

Charts

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Psy version

In 2002, South Korean singer Psy released a track titled "Champion" as part of his album 3 Mai,[33] tapping into Seoul's enthusiasm over the 2002 FIFA World Cup.[34][35] "Champion" was partially inspired by Korean street cheering during the 2002 World Cup.[36] Paul Lester of The Guardian called "Champion" a "thrashy disco ... which heavily samples "Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer".[37]

Murphy Brown vs Captain Hollywood version

In 2003, Murphy Brown and Captain Hollywood released their Eurodance version of "Axel F", titled "Axel F 2003". This version was produced by Matthias Wagner and Andreas Dohmeyer of the Off-cast Project, and Bass Bumpers. It contains a vocal sample from Max Headroom ("What's going on?"), heard at the beginning of the song. It reached number 18 on the official German Singles Chart.[38] This version was reworked two years later into the highly successful version by Crazy Frog, which was also completed by the same team of producers.

Crazy Frog version

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In 2005, a reworking of "Axel F 2003" by Murphy Brown and Captain Hollywood was released by the Swedish CGI-animated frog Crazy Frog, titled "Axel F". This version became a summer hit that year.[39] Like "Axel F 2003", Crazy Frog's version was also produced by the Off-cast Project, and Henning Reith and Reinhard "DJ Voodoo" Raith, two members of the German dance production team Bass Bumpers.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Wolfgang Boss[40] and Jamster! arranged the remix.[41]

The song consists of additional vocals taken from the 1997 recording "2TAKTARE.mp3" by Daniel Malmedahl. It uses mainly the same part of the two-minute original that was used in Jamster's release. There were three edits to the song. The original version of the song can be found on most P2P networks.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Chart performances

Released across Europe in May 2005, "Axel F" topped the charts in the United Kingdom, with some of the best weekly sales of the year (out-selling rivals such as Coldplay by four copies to one), and remained at the top of the UK Singles Chart for four weeks to become Britain's third-best-selling single of 2005, outselling and outperforming the original version. In other European countries, the popularity has differed, with the song failing to make the top 20 in Switzerland at first, before gradually climbing to number one, whilst reaching number three in Russia. It also reached number one on the overall European chart and stayed at number one until September. It also reached number one in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. It was the number-one song of the year in Europe, New Zealand, and the Wallonia region of Belgium. The song was the 65th-best-selling single of the 2000s in the UK.[42]

In France, the song entered the French Singles Chart at number 77 on 11 June 2005, and moved all the way to number two the next week. There it stayed for two weeks before climbing to the summit, where it remained for thirteen weeks. It fell off the first position being dethroned by Crazy Frog's second single, "Popcorn". This was only the second time that an artist had ever dethroned themself in that country. The song remained in the top 10 for 21 weeks, 30 weeks in the top 50 and 36 weeks in the chart. Its best weekly sales were 103,564 on its 6th week.[43] On 1 December 2005, it was certified diamond, 7 months after its release, by the French certifier SNEP. The song is the third best-selling single of the 21st century in France, with 1,270,000 units sold.[44] (1,265,579 sales, according to another source).[45]

Despite Crazy Frog not being as well known in Japan, the single release also charted there, peaking at number 46. It peaked at number 50 in the US. Although "Axel F" managed to find more success in mainstream markets, it proved to be a moderate success on the US Rhythmic Top 40, where it peaked at number 28. It also peaked at number three on the US Digital Sales chart. Its highest U.S. success was number two on the US Adult Contemporary Top 20. The song later became an Internet meme.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Music video

The Ministry of Sound hired Kaktus Film and Erik Wernquist of TurboForce3D, the original creator of the 3D Crazy Frog, to produce a full-length animated music video to accompany the release of the song. An overview of the city is shown. Then someone in a van with attached satellite dishes and high-tech instruments on the interior sees a message on one of the monitor, which reads "Wanted: The most annoying thing in the world", referring to Crazy Frog, with a bounty of $50,000 specified for the catcher.

In 2011, the video was listed in NME's "50 Worst Music Videos", ranking at 47.[46] In 2024, as part of a tribute to celebrate the release of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, the Crazy Frog YouTube Channel made a special crossover music video with Netflix, featuring scenes from the movie, but re-edited to feature Crazy Frog in them, being chased by the Beverly Hills Police and Axel Foley. It's the first time that Crazy Frog has ever interacted with the original franchise.[47] As of February 2025, it has been viewed more than five billion times on YouTube.[48]

Track listing

  • Australia
  1. "Axel F" (Radio Edit) – 2:54
  2. "Axel F" (Club Mix) – 6:23
  3. "Axel F" (Club Mix Instrumental) – 6:23
  4. "In the 80's" – 3:29
  • UK
  1. "Axel F" (Radio Edit)
  2. "Axel F" (Bounce Mix)
  3. "Axel F" (Bounce Mix Instrumental)
  4. "Axel F" (Reservoir Frog Remix)
  5. "Axel F" (Video)

Charts and sales

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Certifications and sales

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Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Germany 17 May 2005 CD Mach1 [78]
Australia 18 July 2005 Template:Hlist [79]

See also

References

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External links

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