Category: Digital Songs & Albums

MOONLIGHTING (by Al Jarreau: The Very Best of – An Entertaining Adventure)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 5, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:04 Min.

Recorded for 1987’s Moonlighting TV series soundtrack, this is the full-length version of Al Jarreau’s opening credits theme song. This jazzy tune was later included as a 2009 track for the late Jarreau’s The Very Best of: An Entertaining Adventure album.

Note: Please note that Moonlighting’s opening credits version has a minute-length running time. That version is available on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume 6: Remote Control album in both CD and cassette formats.

REVIEW:

Epitomizing jazzy romantic pop, the smooth magic of hearing Jarreau croon this tune never grows old. With a silky tone reminiscent of Nat King Cole, Jarreau imbues this upbeat tune with a sense of classiness that so few vocalists can replicate. Not only for TV nostalgia aficionados, this high-caliber track proves ideal for any home or work playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) STAR TREK-Related

OVERTURE {End Title} (by Dennis McCarthy: Star Trek Generations movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 5, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

As heard over the closing credits of 1994’s Star Trek: Generations, this orchestral track by conductor Dennis McCarthy summarizes the film’s thematic content. In particular, this end title is meant to celebrate the adventurous spirit of Captains Kirk (William Shatner) and Picard (Patrick Stewart) joining forces within the time-warping Nexus to thwart Malcolm McDowell’s mad scientist, Soran.

REVIEW:

If anything, it’s the sole asset of composer/conductor Dennis McCarthy’s otherwise unremarkable score. Deliberately closer in spirit to Star Trek: The Original Series, this well-constructed overture desires the aura of an epic space Western. In that sense, McCarthy mostly succeeds, considering the film’s Kirk/Picard horseback riding sequence is hardly a coincidence.

This classy instrumental also nicely conveys the ethereal ‘Nexus’ sub-theme before returning to its heroic main thread. At the ideal moment, a familiar reprise of Alexander Courage’s signature Star Trek tune effectively completes tis track.

“Overture” isn’t in the same league as James Horner’s nautical-themed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan score. Yet, in terms of its originality, the Generations instrumental is still a Top Five Trek film theme.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

Notes: The best cover rendition can be found on 1996’s Symphonic Star Trek performed by Erich Kunzel & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Another of McCarthy’s worthwhile sci-fi tracks to check out is his full-length V: The Series TV theme from 1984.

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Digital Songs & Albums Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

MAGIC (by Olivia Newton-John: Xanadu movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 5, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:31 Min.

This mid-tempo disco track from Olivia Newton-John appears in the 1980 Xanadu film. The movie’s soundtrack eventually made its CD debut in 1998.

REVIEW:

Paired with an effervescent Late ‘70s melody, Olivia Newton-John’s serene vocals make “Magic” a nostalgic treat. It’s certainly a reminder of her considerable talents. This feel-good, practically bubbly romantic tune is a solid download option for radio-friendly playlists, including aerobic workouts.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

NEVER FORGET (by Michelle Pfeiffer: Murder on the Orient Express {2017} movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 5, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:58 Min.

Heard over the closing credits of 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express movie, actress Michelle Pfeffer (who appears in the supporting cast) performs this wistful ballad. The song was devised by the film’s composer, Patrick Doyle.

REVIEW:

Inexplicably, this haunting song wasn’t nominated for a Grammy or Academy Award. Michelle Pfeiffer’s ethereal presence makes “Never Forget” one of the most poignant movie tunes released in recent memory. The track’s melancholic, piano-driven melody matches her elegance, in terms of first-class work.

One would never guess from Pfeiffer’s vocals that it’s been nearly thirty years since her memorable cover songs in 1989’s The Fabulous Baker Boys, i.e. “Makin’ Whoopee” and “My Funny Valentine.” If anything, Pfeiffer’s mature vocal delivery sounds even better now. Absolutely recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

SPARKLING DIAMONDS (by Nicole Kidman & Other Cast Members: Moulin Rouge, Volume 2 movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 5, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:52 Min.

Released in 2001 off Moulin Rouge’s Volume 2 movie soundtrack, the song’s credited performers are Nicole Kidman, Natalie Jackson Mendoza, Caroline O’Connor, Lara Mulcahy, & Jim Broadbent. The Broadway-like song is a fast-paced medley of sorts, including portions of 1949 pop standard “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” and a homage to Madonna’s 1984 hit, “Material Girl.”

REVIEW:

There’s no mistaking this high-energy collaboration is meant as a show-stopper. Its flamboyant big band sound alone screams old-school cabaret on a stage as big as life. With Nicole Kidman leading this team effort, “Sparkling Diamonds” is a surefire download option for movie/Broadway tunes and/or big band jazz-themed playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: As a download double-feature, it makes sense to go with Shirley Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever.”

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Digital Songs & Albums Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

SURRENDER (by Lalah Hathaway & Pharrell Williams: Hidden Figures – The Album movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 5, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:35 Min.

Performed by Lalah Hathaway and the song’s writer, Pharrell Williams, this upbeat R&B tune accompanies the 2016 film, Hidden Figures.

REVIEW:

“Surrender” sports a wonderful retro-60’s sound. Teaming up, Lalah Hathaway & Pharrell Williams display admirable vocal chemistry bringing this old-school-style, R&B tune to life. It’s definitely a high-caliber download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Jazz, Blues, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

MOMENTS IN TIME (by Paul Hardcastle: The Chill Lounge, Volume 1)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 5, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:31 Min.

This smooth jazz instrumental appears on Paul Hardcastle’s The Chill Lounge (Volume 1) album from 2012. It was previously released on his 2005 Hardcastle 4 album.

REVIEW:

Relaxing, contemplative, and mellow, Hardcastle’s New Age-style track is a solid addition to any jazz playlist for winding down after work. There isn’t anything distinctive about “Moments in Time,” but Hardcastle’s classy approach proves a welcome treat.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

SOMEBODY LOVES YOU BABY – YOU KNOW WHO IT IS {Album Version} (by Patti LaBelle: Burnin’)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date January 1, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:53 Min.

For her 1991 album, Burnin’, Patti LaBelle recorded this R&B love song.

REVIEW:

Patti LaBelle’s radiant voice is endearing, but the ballad itself is indistinctive. For that matter, there’s one cringe-worthy lyric that’s impossible to ignore. Hearing LaBelle sentimentally coo “you can make a slave out of me,” — no matter its best possible context, even LaBelle’s vocal magic can’t overcome the awkwardness this dubious line conjures up.

Even so, the song’s classy and gentle R&B melody ages well with LaBelle’s performance style. In terms of originality, this ballad might just as easily have been recorded by Anita Baker or Gladys Knight, among others, from that same era. “Somebody Loves You Baby” offers a good choice for any R&B playlist — it just isn’t a ‘must-have.’

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Jazz, Blues, & New Age Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

I PUT A SPELL ON YOU {Cover} (by Annie Lennox: Nostalgia)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 29, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:32 Min.

Annie Lennox covers the 1956 Screamin’ Jay Hawkins cult classic for her 2014 Nostalgia album. Her rendition was subsequently featured in the 2015 film, Fifty Shades of Grey. Lennox would perform “I Put a Spell on You” at the 2015 (57^th Annual) Grammy Awards, as her Nostalgia was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

REVIEW:

There’s no mistaking this song’s familiar piano-driven melody, as Annie Lennox’s back-up band nails it to perfection. Remaining faithful to the tune’s original sound, Lennox’s vocals imbue a bit more stylish jazz into Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ inspired blend of pop and R&B. Hence, it’s hard to define what musical genre Lennox’s “I Put a Spell on You” actually belongs to, but, for the sake of this review, it seems closer to jazz than pop. To her credit, this classy rendition will stand out as one of the song’s best-ever covers.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

POISON APPLE (by Dark Sarah: Behind the Black Veil)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 23, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:16 Min.

For their 2015 album, Behind the Black Veil, Finnish metal band Dark Sarah recorded this upbeat track (Track # 2). Heidi Parviainen is the soprano lead vocalist.

REVIEW:

The pulsating “Poison Apple” serves up an epic metal homage to a suspenseful scene re: the conniving villainess of Snow White. It’s a well-played track that Heidi Parviainen’s operatic voice ominously brings to life — in this instance, she sounds remarkably like fellow songstress Leah McHenry. For metal afficionados, this “Poison Apple” is certainly worth consideration as a download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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