Axel F by Harold Faltermeyer was released in the United States on December 5, 1984, with Shoot Out as the B side. The instrumental song appeared on the soundtrack for the movie Beverly Hills Cop and was named after the movie’s title character, Axel Foley, played by Eddie Murphy. It also appears as a bonus track on Faltermeyer’s album Harold F. Faltermeyer was the musical director for Beverly Hills Cop.

The song was an international success. It was a Top 5 hit around the world, reaching No. 1 in several countries, including Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 3 in the United States and the UK Singles chart at No. 2.

The Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack won a Grammy for Best Album Of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special.