Category: Digital Songs & Albums

INSIDE MY DREAM (by Maysa Leak: Blue Velvet Soul)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:19 Min.

It’s the ninth track off Maysa Leak’s 2013 album: Blue Velvet Soul. Leak co-wrote this song with Chris “Big Dog” Davis.

REVIEW:

This classy track possesses such a vintage soul/R&B sound that it might as well have been released in the ‘80s or ‘90s. Both the lyrics and the melody for “Inside My Dream” are standard for the genre, but Maysa Leak’s mature vocals add extra depth that R&B enthusiasts will appreciate.

Her voice is also reminiscent of Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, etc., which means that casual listeners might easily mistake Leak for another performer. Even so, Leak’s “Inside My Dream” sounds wonderful and merits consideration for any contemporary soul/R&B playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

HUNTING THE DREAMER (by Dark Sarah: Behind the Black Veil)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:31 Min.

For their 2015 album, Behind the Black Veil, Finnish metal band Dark Sarah recorded this upbeat track (Track # 7). Heidi Parviainen is the soprano lead vocalist.

REVIEW:

Sounding as if it’s ominous epic metal meets Andrew Lloyd Webber, the pulsating “Hunting the Dreamer” is a terrific showcase for Heidi Parviainen’s operatic voice. Impressively, the intriguing instrumentals sync to her vocals instead of drowning her out. Well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

FORTRESS (by Dark Sarah: Behind the Black Veil)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:35 Min.

For their 2015 album, Behind the Black Veil, Finnish metal band Dark Sarah recorded this track (Track # 8). Heidi Parviainen is the soprano lead vocalist.

REVIEW:

Melding ominous epic metal with the contrast of Heidi Parviainen’s soaring operatic voice, “Fortress” is fine as is. The song is frankly reminiscent of something Evanescence might do. Its sole detriment is that Dark Sarah’s pulsating instrumentals occasionally overwhelm Parviainen’s vocals. Hence, “Fortress” isn’t as catchy as it might have been.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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

FOREVER – I AM ALL YOURS {Rejected Theme Song for 2008’s Quantum of Solace} (by Eva Almér: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:20 Min.

This stylishly upbeat love song by vocalist Eva Almér wasn’t used as the opening credits theme of Daniel Craig’s 2008 James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. Its introspective lyrics serve as a flashback to Bond’s doomed romance with Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd in 2006’s Casino Royale, as the song reflects both of their viewpoints. In 2010, “Forever” was separately released as a single.

REVIEW:

The song effectively bridges Casino Royale to Quantum of Solace. Fully exploiting a luminous melody, Eva Almér’s sultry delivery (reminiscent of a young Shirley Bassey) is nothing short of superb. Accordingly, “Forever” sounds like what a mellow James Bond theme song should be. It even miraculously incorporates the nebulous Quantum of Solace title into the song lyrics, which must have been a thankless task.

Other than this elegant song sounding perhaps reminiscent of a mid-to-late ‘90s style, it doesn’t make sense why the Bond production team rejected “Forever.” Even if Almér isn’t a big-name star, her sparkling effort certainly merits re-discovery. It’s an absolute gem!

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 10 Stars

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

DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW {Cover} (by Christine Baranski featuring Philip Michael: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Actress Christine Baranski, with some brief help from actor/singer Philip Michael as her youthful love interest, covers this ABBA tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack.

REVIEW:

In a mostly solo spotlight, Christine Baranski is dynamite on this tune. The high-octane melody and Baranski’s exuberant vocals mix with a top-caliber group of back-up singers for a rollicking good time. Highly recommended!

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

FIX YOU (by Coldplay: X & Y)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:55 Min.

This Coldplay track is from their 2005 album: X & Y.

REVIEW:

Hauntingly poignant, “Fix You” should inspire anyone not to give up on an uphill battle re: physical limitations, no matter the odds. Imbuing listeners with a sense of courage and renewed willpower, this thought-provoking song is an ideal addition to workout playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MON RATING: 10 Stars

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

GIVE U MY HEART (by Babyface featuring Toni Braxton: Boomerang movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:01 Min.

As the film’s love song, “Give U My Heart” headlines the soundtrack for 1992’s romantic comedy, Boomerang, which co-stars Eddie Murphy and Halle Berry. Teaming up with Babyface for this duet is Toni Braxton, as it’s a prelude to her high-profile solo debut the following year.

REVIEW:

While this tune’s lyrics are standard-issue, the likable vocal chemistry between Babyface and Toni Braxton is a major asset. Though it now sounds rather dated, its funky R&B melody has a catchy charm. If anything, as smooth as Babyface sounds, Braxton’s supporting vocals effectively steal the song from him. Not only would “Give U My Heart” give her name recognition, Braxton’s sultry effort gives this song a boost above similar fare from that era. For both R&B and soundtrack playlists, this underrated duet makes a worthwhile treat.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Note: Another track worth checking out is Braxton’s solo debut, “Breathe Again,” from her 1993 self-named album. Serving as Braxton’s signature hit, the song was penned by Babyface.

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

HALO (by Beyoncé Knowles: I Am … Sasha Fierce)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:21 Min.

For her 2008 album, “I Am … Sasha Fierce,” Beyonce Knowles recorded this pop track.

REVIEW:

Beyoncé Knowles delivers a knockout vocal performance, as her voice sends “Halo” soaring above the simplistic lyrics. Further bolstered by an uplifting R&B/gospel melody, “Halo” is an ideal sample of Knowles’ capabilities as a solo pop artist following her run with Destiny’s Child

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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

HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY (by Van Morrison: One Fine Day movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:20 Min.

First released in 1989 by Van Morrison, his song subsequently appears on the 1996 One Fine Day movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Unlike Rod Stewart’s radio-friendly cover, Van Morrison’s low-key original sounds like it’d more likely be heard in a church. Very much resembling a hymn, the instrumentals (including a wonderful piano accompaniment) are timeless. Judging by its artistic style, one might guess this song was recorded in the ‘60’s or ‘70s rather than 1989. For easy listening and/or gospel-themed playlists, Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” is a gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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