SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:38 MIN.
Faith Hill released this single in 2011.
REVIEW:
Overstaying its welcome a bit, this warm-hearted ballad rates as an average effort from Faith Hill. Still, the endearing-enough “Come Home” is worth adding to a favorite contemporary country playlist.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:28 Min.
Released by Portuguese composer, BrunuhVille, it’s the thirteenth track off his 2013 album, Aura.
REVIEW:
Perhaps predictably, this Celtic-themed track would be an ideal choice for an European medieval adventure film. One could easily imagine it in the background of a festive competition or underdog heroes training for an epic battle. It’s wonderfully entertaining.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:06 Min.
After the passing of fiery pro wrestling legend “Macho Man” Randy Savage in mid-2011, this Jim Johnston single was released by Savage’s former employer, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
REVIEW:
Reminiscent of Eric Clapton’s style, Johnston’s low-key acoustic tribute doesn’t reference Randy Savage by name. In that sense, this ballad is surprisingly generic, perhaps too much so. The simplistic lyrics could just as easily apply to anyone.
Still, this somber tune poignantly reflects Savage’s propensity for giving audiences everything he could throughout more than three decades of high-energy performances. More so, it gently conveys a repetitive reference about being fondly remembered after death and a thoughtful allusion towards Heaven: “still here … headed home.” Between its contemplative lyrics and a gentle melody, the end result is both elegant and intentionally ironic. “Here and Gone” comes off as the down-to-earth antithesis to Savage’s brash, larger-than-life persona.
As brief as this tune is, part of its subdued magic is that “Here and Gone” doesn’t waste time and is straight to the point. It would be an appropriate song for a funeral, wake, or posthumous video montage.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:29 MIN.
This 1990 song was among the tracks released for radio play from Winger’s second album: In the Heart of the Young. Its lead singer is Kip Winger. This track was later collected for the band’s 2007 Demo Anthology.
REVIEW:
Winger was among many Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era. Considering the group’s output, it isn’t surprising that Winger struggled amidst a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard. Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first effort and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well. The second album’s “In the Day We’ll Never See,” angles for a top spot on this hypothetical list.
While the apocalyptic lyrics infers some futuristic sci-fi rock opera, Kip Winger once indicated that this particular song was meant to reflect his environmental concerns. Either way, this pulsating track is well-played. Bringing its intriguing narrative to life, Kip Winger’s articulate vocals syncs well with the band’s loud instrumentals. The end result is some ideal lite metal. Considering its timely subject matter, “In The Day We’ll Never See” is ripe for another chance from rock fans.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:48 Min.
This instrumental track by composer-conductor Michael Giacchino was released on 2015’s Inside Out animated film soundtrack.
REVIEW:
Michael Giacchino’s serene musical gem describing a child’s sense of awe and wonder starting at birth is nothing short of phenomenal. For parents, this sentimental track make an ideal accompaniment for home movie montages.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:26 Min.
Performed by Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans, this track appears on 1995’s Waiting to Exhale film soundtrack. It’s one of Houston’s three tracks on this album, but “Count On Me” is her only duet among them.
REVIEW:
For an optimistic R&B ballad, Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans’ vocal harmony is splendid. The song’s appealing melody and soothing lyrics reiterating sisterly friendship send “Count On Me” soaring at just the right moments. This Houston-Winans team-up is an underrated gem worth re-discovery.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:44 Min.
This romantically upbeat Chiffons R&B classic dates back to 1963. The tune was co-written by Carole King. Natalie Merchant covers this song for the soundtrack for 1996’s same-named comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.
REVIEW:
Taking a self-reflective approach reminiscent of Norah Jones, Natalie Merchant’s low-key rendition would be ideal for an old school jazz nightclub. While Merchant’s somber approach is the opposite of The Chiffons’ peppy energy, her take on “One Fine Day” possesses a poignant sound that makes for a wonderful download equal to the original tune. Well-played!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
Note: The Chiffons’ original version is also on the soundtrack.
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:57 Min.
Pianist Michele Garruti contributes a rendition of Lalo Schifrin’s “Mission Impossible” opening credits theme, in homage to both the original TV series and Tom Cruise’s movie franchise. This tune is Track # 7 on Garruti’s 2016 Greatest Movie Soundtracks, Vol. 4: Best Movie Theme Hits for Solo Piano album.
REVIEW:
To his credit, Garruti’s cover of “Mission Impossible” delivers some classy ear candy. Emphasizing a timeless jazz-flavored ambiance, it’s more likely to convey visions of some caper-in-progress at a Roaring 1920’s nightclub rather than contemporary spy games. Making a terrific contribution to any home and work playlists, Garruti’s elegant take on this classic TV theme is worth checking out.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.
Covering The Weather Girls’ 1982 disco hit, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell performed this tune for 2001’s Bridget Jones’ s Diary movie soundtrack.
REVIEW:
While The Weather Girls’ vibrant original version is bright and sunny – Geri Halliwell, though faithful to the song’s melody, opts for something closer to scorching. Her performance impressively kicks this exuberant dance song up a few notches. Whether it’s for workouts or dance playlists, this guilty pleasure song is simply dynamite.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:33 Min.
The original Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart relic dates clear back to 1937. British performer Robbie Williams covers this romantic show tune for 2001’s Bridget Jones’s Diary movie soundtrack.
REVIEW:
Going into full-on, old-school Sinatra mode, Robbie Williams delivers a swing jazz-pop show-stopper. With ideal big band support, Williams transforms this song into an exuberant gem.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
Note: Williams goes two-for-two with the wonderful “Not of This Earth” (which he co-wrote) for the same soundtrack.
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE