Category: Digital Songs & Albums

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 5:47 Min.

From her 1988 self-titled album, Karyn White’s signature tune is co-written by Babyface, Daryl Simmons, and L.A. Reid.  The song’s lyrics narrate a suppressed woman’s epiphany — she’s trying too hard to please her significant other and not getting much in return, both romantically and domestically.    

REVIEW:

Sporting a solid 80’s R&B melody, the song’s excessive running time actually proves an asset for Karyn White.  With a gentle yet sultry sound similar to Jasmine Guy, it just takes White time to get warmed up.  Syncing well with her back-up singers, White’s vocals become increasingly appealing.  As for the song’s well-composed depth, it’s not a surprise that Toni Braxton emerged into stardom utilizing the same hip songwriting team a few years later.   

Judging by her classy performance on “Superwoman,” Karyn White is evidently an underrated talent.  Aging surprisingly well, this tune offers an ideal Late ‘80s R&B option for various playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:36 Min.

Australian performer Tina Arena recorded this upbeat pop tune for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.  Arena serves as one of the song’s three co-writers.  Notably, “Love’s Funny That Way” is among the album’s few original songs.

REVIEW:

As the classy album mostly consists of low-key jazz/pop covers and a few golden oldies, it’s really up to Tina Arena to bring the One Fine Day soundtrack to life.  In vibrant style, the Australian songstress accomplishes this task.  Even if her song isn’t a Grammy nominee, Arena’s energetic style is a welcome twist to the album’s sleepy ambiance.  By that reckoning, “Love’s Funny That Way” deserves a chance at re-discovery, as it’s the underrated gem of the One Fine Day soundtrack. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 4:32 Min.

From her 2006 album, Unfinished Business, actress Tammy Townsend performs this track.  With a steady resume dating back to the mid-80’s, Townsend is perhaps best known for her role as Zendaya’s secret agent mother on the Disney Channel TV sitcom series: K.C. Undercover.   

REVIEW:

Having portrayed singers on television before, it’s no surprise that Tammy Townsend possesses a classy R&B voice.  Softly elegant and low-key, her vocals are easily this tune’s best asset. 

Yet, the standard-issue mentality driving the song’s piano melody is obvious.  There’s an effort to incorporate a few jazzy twists, but this element does too little to boost the tune.  The track’s abrupt end, after a minimal fadeout, doesn’t help, either.  For Townsend’s fans, “Shall We Go” makes a nice find, but the song isn’t necessarily a keeper.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:57 Min.

This romantic ballad appears on actress-singer Sharon’s Leal’s 2014 self-titled album, Leal.

REVIEW:

As to Sharon Leal’s endearing vocals, “This Isn’t the End” is terrific.  Yet, the song’s clichéd melody makes her identity as its vocalist irrelevant.  More specifically, “This Isn’t the End” is indistinguishable from similar-sounding pop/R&B hybrids by various female performers.  Bolstered by Leal’s classy effort, “This Isn’t the End” at least makes a good download among a wide selection of options in this genre.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

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