Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" is a beloved and iconic part of the franchise, but a song from a Ghostbusters sequel is secretly the better track. The original Ghostbusting anthem had the movie public singing "who you gonna call?" in the summer of 1984, with the song topping the charts for three weeks while Ivan Reitman's movie sat atop the box office. "Ghostbusters" has remained the franchise's defining track, with Parker Jr.'s decision to take inspiration from TV commercials and the song's appearance in Ghostbusters via montage lending it added in-universe appeal.
When it came time to develop a soundtrack for Ghostbusters 2, the success of Parker Jr.'s original anthem all but ensured greater emphasis would be placed on the sequel's music. When it released in 1989, Ghostbusters 2 featured original music from Run-D.M.C., Oingo Boingo, Elton John, and more, but most notably Bobby Brown, who was then at the top of his popularity. Like its predecessor, Ghostbusters 2 integrates music from the album into the film, with Brown's track in particular standing out.
Bobby Brown's "On Our Own" Is Better Than "Ghostbusters"
While there is a lot to love about Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters," Bobby Brown's "On Our Own" is secretly the better track. Co-written by L.A. Reid, Babyface, and Daryl Simmons, "On Our Own" peaked at number two in the U.S. charts and, like the underrated Ghostbusters 2 itself, it unfortunately never reached the same heights as Parker Jr.'s anthem. Still, Brown's vocals are infectiously positive, and tap into the uplifting, if not commercially manufactured, message of the Ivan Reitman sequel. "On Our Own" also has a great cameo-laden music video that, while severely lacking in Peter Falk, has a lot of energy.
"Ghostbusters" has that great "who you gonna call?" hook, but it is also overplayed and somewhat repetitive. "On Our Own," meanwhile, boasts a selection of fun classic movie song staples, with Brown's signature vocals charmingly recapping the story of Ghostbusters 2. It might not be as seamlessly integrated into Ghostbusters 2 as Parker Jr.'s song was into Ghostbusters, but "On Our Own" does cap a rousing moment in the sequel, as Ray, Egon, Winston, and Venkman suit up to take on Vigo the Carpathian. The rest of the Ghostbusters 2 soundtrack isn't as impressive, ittedly, but "On Our Own" alone is more than enough.
"On Our Own" Typifies Ghostbusters 2's Underrated Status
Ghostbusters 2 has a reputation for being one of the more disappointing sequels ever made, grossing less than the original film while also receiving a less enthusiastic response from critics at the time of its release. Reitman's follow-up has plenty of issues, but there is still much to love. As screenwriters, Ramis and Aykroyd upped the horror aspects while investing more in the Ghostbusters' relationships, settling on a story about community, and the unknowing positive and negative influences they can bring. Ghostbusters 2 does lack in originality when compared to the first film, but its uplifting narrative, embodied by Brown's track, delivers a great message.
"On Our Own" also exemplifies Ghostbusters 2's continued status as an underrated sequel. While undoubtedly a hit at the time, arriving at the zenith of Brown's popularity, it continues to be eclipsed by Parker Jr.'s track and by the cultural imprint of the first Ghostbusters movie - much like the sequel the song belongs to. Both are worth revisiting, even if "who you gonna call?" is unlikely to be toppled as the franchise's defining anthem.
