Category: Gospel & Holidays

LEAD ME ON (by Amy Grant: Greatest Hits, 1986-2004)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:36 Min.

“Lead Me On” is the title track from Amy Grant’s same-named 1988 Contemporary Christian album. The song subsequently appears on Grant’s 2004 Greatest Hits: 1986-2004 album. Grant and Michael W. Smith are among the co-writers of “Lead Me On.”

REVIEW:

Anchored by a dynamite up-tempo pop melody, the soaring “Lead Me On” delivers a passionate Amy Grant. Her classy vocals are well-matched by dramatically poetic lyrics and near-unbeatable instrumentals. Carrying a timeless Contemporary Christian sound, “Lead Me On” easily holds up today. The track is definitely worth re-discovery as a download option.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 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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Digital Songs & Albums Gospel & Holidays Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

CHRISTMAS TIME TO ME (by Jordin Sparks: The Best Man Holiday movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 20, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:53 Min.

Featured as its first track, American Idol alum Jordin Sparks recorded this tune for 2013’s The Best Man Holiday movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Jordin Sparks’ bubbly dance-pop effort suspiciously sounds a lot like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” The copycat similarity might even fool some listeners into initially believing that it’s a Carey song. One difference is that “Christmas Time to Me” is actually over a minute shorter than Carey’s tune. Still, Jordin Sparks’ vocals absolutely shimmer on this track.

With that in mind, Sparks’ voice and the track’s upbeat classiness makes “Christmas Time to Me” a worthwhile download option. The song, however, won’t score points for originality.

BRIAN’S OOD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Country, Folk, & Bluegrass Digital Songs & Albums Gospel & Holidays Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows

BACK TO GOD (by Reba McIntire & Lauren Daigle: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 3, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:03 Min.

After performing this song together at 2017’s American Country Music Awards ceremony, Reba McIntire & Lauren Daigle subsequently issued an official duet single. McIntire had previously released a solo version of “Back to God” from her 2017 album: Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope.

REVIEW:

Seamlessly blending country-rock with contemporary Christian pop, Reba McIntire and Lauren Daigle nail this song. Their soaring vocal chemistry is impressive, as they bring this track’s poignant lyrics to life. Anchored by an inspired melody, “Back to God” is a gem well worth considering as a download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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

CHRISTMAS/SARAVEJO {INSTRUMENTAL} (Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Christmas Eve & Other Stories)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date October 27, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:25 MIN.

From their 1996 holiday album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra exuberantly re-imagines “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” with a heavy metal instrumental riff.

REVIEW:

Pulsating with a catchy metal melody (including the use of ominously-tolling bells), “Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24” deserves its annual radio play amidst the holiday season. Considering the track doesn’t wear out its welcome, one just wishes that this musical gem would last at least another minute. Hearing The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s mini-masterpiece reinvigorating “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” as a rock anthem is well worth the download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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