Category: CD’s

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 4:13 Min.

Co-written with David Foster, John Parr’s signature pop-rock tune first appeared as the central theme of 1985’s St. Elmo’s Fire movie soundtrack.  It has resurfaced on various ‘80s anthology albums since then, including Billboard Top Hits: 1985 and Atlantic Hit Singles: 1980-1988. 

REVIEW:

Bolstered by a catchy melody, hearing this tune’s occasional radio play remains a blast.  Surprisingly articulate for this style of song, the lyrics grasp facing life as a twentysomething.  Impressively, John Parr doesn’t just rehash a limited set of catchphrases over and over – his song continues building up to the end.  For any 80’s pop or soundtrack playlist, St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) is well worth the download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7½ Stars

Note: An ideal companion download would be Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from 1985’s The Breakfast Club movie soundtrack.

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

Performed by Joe Cocker and Sass Jordan, this pop-rock tune appears on 1992’s The Bodyguard movie soundtrack.       

REVIEW:

Overshadowed by Whitney Houston’s five entries on the same album, “Trust in Me” has everything one hopes for in an underrated rock duet.  Primarily, the hard-edged melody enhances Joe Cocker & Sass Jordan’s vocal chemistry that the end result is nothing short of a dynamite track.  Definitely recommended!   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 3:29 Min.

Performed by Karla Bonoff, the song appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack, as well as its 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Dean Pitchford & Tom Snow co-wrote this song.   

REVIEW:

Considering how the Footloose soundtrack has a surplus of catchy mid-80’s pop-rock melodies, this track is really no exception.  Still, “Somebody’s Eyes” is unmistakably filler.  While it’s a decent catch as part of the full album’s download, the track isn’t likely worth a solo purchase.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5 Stars

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SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 3:47 Min.

This Moving Pictures rock tune appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack, as well as its 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Dean Pitchford & Michael Gore co-wrote the song.   

REVIEW:

Despite being overshadowed by higher-profile tracks from the same album, “Never” has its own appeal.  Between solid instrumental work and terrific rock vocals, this fast-paced dance track is worth considering for ‘80s rock and workout playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             6 Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:46 Min.

It’s the second of two songs that Kenny Loggins recorded for 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack.  This tune is included on the album’s 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Loggins co-wrote the track with collaborator Dean Pitchford.   

REVIEW:

Considering the popularity of Kenny Loggins’ title track, it’s not a surprise that “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” has long been overshadowed.  Yet, this track possesses some Loggins magic, even if “Footloose” is undeniably far catchier.  Curiously, history would repeat itself as 1986’s Top Gun soundtrack also double ups on Loggins.  Like before, his energetic “Playing With the Boys” wouldn’t prove nearly as popular as “Danger Zone.,” though it’s still a good song.

In this instance, too, “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” merits a fair shot at re-discovery.  Proving better than mere filler, it’s a likable addition for ‘80s rock-pop, soundtrack, and workout playlists.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

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