Category: Music & Radio Shows

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

NEVER FORGET {Cover} (by Jehramae Trangia: 2017 single)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 3:49 Min.

In 2017, Filipino singer Jehramae Trangia (then a teenager) covered Michelle Pfeiffer’s ballad, “Never Forget,” from the soundtrack of the same-year film, Murder on the Orient Express.  From her ‘music video,’ it appears that Trangia is singing off a pre-recorded instrumental of “Never Forget” (possibly one from the film itself).   

REVIEW:

It is inevitable that the youthful Trangia would fall short of Pfeiffer’s mellow sound imbuing the song’s haunting context.  Still, Trangia’s likable vocals interprets “Never Forget” perhaps more as a tragically-fated young romance.  If so, her version would be hypothetically ideal to accompany a teenage ghost story film.

Overall, with this cover as evidence, then Trangia’s potential suggests a bright future in the recording industry.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7 Stars

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

THE BEST (by Tina Turner: Simply the Best)

SUMMARY:           RUNNING TIME: 4:10 Min.

This upbeat pop tune was initially recorded by Bonnie Tyler for her 1988 album, Hide Your Heart.  This version was composed by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman.  For her own 1989 album, Foreign Affair, Tina Turner covered the tune, with some creative changes (i.e., including a saxophone solo by Edgar Winter).  At the time, Turner’s track length was 5:28.

For her 1991 greatest-hits album, Simply the Best, “The Best” fittingly served as the album’s opening track.  It was also re-edited to its shorter and most popular length.  Synonymous with Turner, it is considered one of her most famous global hits.            

REVIEW:

Suffice to say, it remains timeless pop dynamite.  There is no mistaking how Tina Turner’s sultry vocals bring the endearing lyrics to life.  Well-synced with Winter’s saxophone wizardry, Turner’s energetic “Best” is absolutely recommended. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 10 Stars

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

VERTIGO (by U2: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 3:14 Min.

“Vertigo” is the opening track of U2’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.  Released as the album’s first cut in late 2004, the song later doubled as the band’s 2005-2006 worldwide tour name.    

REVIEW:

With an upbeat melody reminiscent of 80’s New Wave rock, there is no mistaking that “Vertigo” resonates as pure U2.  Suffice to say, Bono’s distinctively vibrant vocals are well-synced with the band’s instruments.  The energetic “Vertigo” is definitely worth adding to a favorite rock playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars

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CD's Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

LALAH HATHAWAY (by Lalah Hathaway)

SUMMARY:            RUNNING TIME: 44:00 Min.

In 1990, Virgin Records released second-generation performer Lalah Hathaway’s self-named debut album.  Music videos were subsequently produced for Tracks # 1-3.  Of songwriting note, Angela Winbush penned Tracks # 3 and 8. 

Ms. Hathaway’s ten R&B/soul tracks are: 

                                                   Running Time:

  1. Somethin’                                  3:38
  2. Heaven Knows                           5:17
  3. Baby Don’t Cry                       4:04
  4. Smile                                      4:54
  5. U-Godit Gowin On                3:27
  6. I’m Coming Back                      5:36
  7. Stay Home Tonight                   4:15
  8. I Gotta Move On                     4:45
  9. Sentimental                             3:41
  10. Obvious                                 5:15

Note: Hathaway is a daughter of R&B/soul singer Donny Hathaway. 

REVIEW:

Backed by slick instrumentals, an articulate Lalah Hathaway’s vocals pitch a terrific R&B/soul sound.  Too often sounding alike, the tracks themselves, however, are simply average in a crowded genre.  The last two tracks at least incorporate an up-tempo, more hip-hop approach that deliver welcome results. 

Though Hathaway’s first album doesn’t contain any surefire Top 20 radio hits, she displays considerable promise moving forward.   

PACKAGING:

The CD has standard-issue packaging, including the obligatory credits.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6 Stars

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CD's Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

FALLEN (by Evanescence)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 48:00 Min.

In 2003, Wind-up Records & Epic Records released Fallen as Evanescence’s debut album.  Fallen’s primary writers are lead vocalist Amy Lee and bandmates Ben Moody & David Hodges.  The trio was assisted on Track # 6 by Rocky Gray and John LeCompt on Track # 7.  As a duo, Lee & Moody co-composed Tracks # 8 and # 11-12. 

From 2004-2005, Fallen racked up six Grammy nominations: in 2004, for Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Rock Song (Track # 2), *Best Hard Rock Song (also Track # 2), and *Best New Artist (* = wins); and a 2005 follow-up nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals for Track # 4.

Fallen’s twelve tracks are:

                                                   Running Time:

  1. “Going Under”                             3:34
  2. “Bringing Me to Life”                    3:57
  3. “Everybody’s Fool”                        3:15
  4. “My Immortal”                           4:24
  5. “Haunted”                                  3:06
  6. “Tourniquet”                               4:38
  7. “Imaginary”                                4:17
  8. “Taking Over Me”                       3:50
  9. “Hello”                                      3:40
  10. “My Last Breath”                        4:07
  11. “Whisper”                                  5:30
  12. “My Immortal” (Reprise)             4:33

Note: The album’s Japanese release includes an additional track: “Farther Away.”  A live version of this tune is available on the band’s 2004 concert album, Anywhere But Home.

REVIEW:

Assuming one likes the first track, then Fallen is a welcome gem for the hard rock/gothic metal genre.  With Amy Lee’s eerie vocals resonating throughout the album, each melody’s ominously pulsating vibe far surpasses artistic versatility.  Evanescence’s songs, in that sense, tend to blend together as a haunting hard rock/metal answer to dark epic instrumental groups like Nox Arcana and Midnight Syndicate.  

Suffice to say, Fallen is a definite keeper for rock fans.    

PACKAGING:

All the relevant credits and technical information are provided.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                                8 Stars

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Music & Radio Shows Records/LP's Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

THE LOVER IN ME (by Sheena Easton)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 48:00 Min.

In late 1988, MCA Records released Sheena Easton’s ninth studio album, with producing firepower from L.A. & Babyface (Tracks 1-3), Angela Winbush (Tracks 4 & 10), Jellybean (Tracks 5-7), and Prince (Tracks 8-9).  Among the promotional efforts for the album was Easton’s sex-driven MTV video for the title song. 

Courtesy of her recurring guest stint late in Season 4 of Miami Vice, Easton’s presence as ‘Caitlin Davies-Crockett’ further hyped the album.  Notably, she performed Track 3: “Follow My Rainbow” in her last Vice appearance.  

The ten tracks are:

                                                                Running Time:

SIDE ONE

  1. “No Deposit, No Return”                              5:55
  2. “The Lover in Me”                                        5:00
  3. “Follow My Rainbow”                                   4:57
  4. “Without You”                                             5:38
  5. “If It’s Meant to Last”                                   4:09

SIDE TWO

6. “Days Like This”                                         5:09

7. “One Love”                                                 4:55

8. “101”                                                         4:06

9. “Cool Love”                                                4:04

10. “Fire and Rain”                                         5:58

REVIEW:

Evidently desperate for a Late 80’s makeover courting the MTV Generation, Sheena Easton trades her pop elegance for a sultry R&B sound that comes off, at best, as lukewarm.  The inherent weakness affecting The Lover in Me is Easton’s reliance upon far too many unremarkable tunes lacking any sense of artistic versatility.  More so, there is a credibility gap where her vocal classiness exceeds and doesn’t really mesh with the overt sex appeal/dance-pop material she is selling to listeners. 

Though Easton’s title track is enjoyable (as is “Days Like This”), the project’s standout is her soaring, gospel-like ballad, “Follow My Rainbow.”  Suffice to say, its poignancy is a welcome contrast, in terms of both depth and style, to the edgy, one-dimensional tracks trying too hard to be steamy (okay, even semi-trashy). 

As The Lover in Me is often a superficial and even monotonous album, Sheena Easton’s talents are squandered.  Still, at times, she makes a game effort trying to diversify her pop arsenal.  

PACKAGING:

The record cover lists the tracks, as well as acknowledging  the album’s high-profile producers.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              4½ Stars

Note: Easton’s serene duet with Prince entitled “The Arms of Orion” (appearing on 1989’s Batman movie soundtrack) is recommended.

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

BEND TIME BACK ‘ROUND (by Paula Abdul: Greatest Hits)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 3:56 Min.

First released in 1992 on the Beverly Hills 90210 TV soundtrack, this dance-pop tune was not a track on any original Paula Abdul album.  However, it has been subsequently included on at least two Abdul retrospective compilations: 2000’s Greatest Hits and 2007’s Greatest Hits: Straight Up!   

REVIEW:

It’s vintage Abdul, as far as this tune sounding like some lost relic from 1988’s Forever Your Girl album.  Both Abdul’s endearing vocal performance and a catchy Late 80’s dance melody make the most of the song’s unremarkable lyrics.  For Paula Abdul fans, the energetic “Turn Time Back ‘Round” is a nostalgic pop treat, in large part due to its relative obscurity.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5 Stars

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CD's Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Music & Radio Shows

WIDE OPEN SPACES (by The Chicks aka Dixie Chicks)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 43:00 Min.

In early 1998, Monument Records released The Chicks’ (then Dixie Chicks) first album with new lead vocalist/guitarist Natalie Maines.  Collaborating with Maines are sisters Martie Maguire (vocalist/fiddle/mandolin/guitar) and Emily Strayer (vocalist/guitar/banjo/Dobro). 

This album subsequently achieved 1999 Grammys for Best Country Album and, for Track 4: “There’s Your Trouble,” the Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal, among other accolades.  

The twelve tracks are:

                                                         Running Time:

  1. “I Can Love You Better”                       3:54
  2. “Wide Open Spaces”                             3:43
  3. “Loving Arms”                                    3:37
  4. “There’s Your Trouble”                         3:12
  5. “You Were Mine”                                 3:37
  6. “Never Say Die”                                  3:56
  7. “Tonight’s the Heartache on Me”         3:26
  8. “Let ‘Er Rip”                                      2:50
  9. “Once You’ve Loved Somebody”          3:28
  10. “I’ll Take Care of You”                         3:40
  11. “Am I the Only One (Who’s Ever Felt This Way)”  3:25
  12. “Give It Up or Let It Go”                      4:56

 Notes: Track 5 was written by The Chicks.  Bonnie Raitt wrote Track 12. 

REVIEW:

This album’s artistic pendulum favorably tilts towards being consistently entertaining vs. an abundance of genre versatility.  Listeners, in that sense, receive several poignant tunes (i.e. Track 5) after starting with a few up-tempo tracks. 

Enhanced by The Chicks’ first-class instrumentals, “Wide Open Spaces” ages remarkably well nearly a quarter-century later.      

PACKAGING:

The packaging delivers all the credits and necessary technical info.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7½ Stars

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Jazz & Blues Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (CD's)

SOMETHING FOR SELLERS (by Henry Mancini: 1963’s The Pink Panther movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 2:47 Min.

For 1963’s The Pink Panther film soundtrack, composer Henry Mancini devised and conducted this instrumental track, which serves as low-key background music during the film.  Per its title, the track is named for actor Peter Sellers (as the movie’s hapless Inspector Jacques Clouseau).    

REVIEW:

In spite of its semi-generic title, this easygoing slice of 60’s party jazz is delightful.  Very much evoking the period from which it originated, “Something for Sellers” is by no means distinctive, but such up-tempo classiness is unmistakable.  This track ought to be considered for any favorite jazz or soundtrack playlist.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6½ Stars

Categories
Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's)

RED LIGHT (by Linda Clifford: 1980 Fame movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 6:10 Min.

From 1980’s Fame film soundtrack, singer Linda Clifford performs this disco-funk tune.  Album composers Michael Gore & Dean Pitchford concocted the song.  Clifford’s track also appears on her own album, “I’m Yours,” released that same year.   

REVIEW:

Upon a first listening, one might assume it is Donna Summer singing.  Utilizing a similar pop playbook as Summer, vocalist Linda Clifford delivers an entertaining 1970’s disco-funk track.  Though this dance tune sounds awfully dated (case in point: the term “dyno-mite” is regularly used), “Red Light” is still a nostalgia treat to hear. Still, one might also conclude that the the song overstays its welcome. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars