Category: Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

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

BLACK MAGIC (by Little Mix: Get Weird)

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:31 Min.

Released in 2015 by Little Mix, it’s a track from their Get Weird album.

REVIEW:

Unlike the one-dimensional sound of Fifth Harmony’s similarly cheery 2016 “That’s My Girl,” this pop-dance tune from Little Mix is fully developed.  Instead of merely repeating a likable chorus verbatim and calling it a song, Little Mix’s vocals impressively deliver multiple verses — no matter how standard-issue the lyrics are.  While the end result is what one might expect from a Disney Channel soundtrack, “Black Magic” holds up well for this genre.

For pre-teen playlists, this bubble-gum tune would make a good option.    

 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

DON’T KILL THE MAGIC! (by Magic!: Don’t Kill the Magic!)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 3:37 Min.

As the title cut of their 2014 album, Don’t Kill the Magic!, Canadian reggae fusion band Magic! performs this track.

REVIEW:

This energetic tune’s dance-pop elements overwhelm any sense of reggae.  Still, the up-tempo sound infusing “Don’t Kill the Magic” makes it a terrific addition to any number of playlists, including workouts.  This entertaining track is certainly worth the price of a solo download.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

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

LITTLE GIRL BIG WORLD (by Magic!: Don’t Kill the Magic!)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 3:23 Min.

From their 2014 album, Don’t Kill the Magic!, Canadian reggae fusion band Magic! performs this track.

REVIEW:

Deftly blending high-octane, kid-friendly pop with shades of reggae, “Little Girl Big World” proves a dynamite dance tune.  Suffice to say, it’s ideal for any hyper-active, pre-teen girl’s playlist. 

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 Soundtracks (Digital)

COUNT ON ME (by Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans: Waiting to Exhale movie soundtrack)

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

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

ONE FINE DAY {Cover} (by Natalie Merchant: One Fine Day movie soundtrack)

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.

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

7 DAY WEEKEND (by Grace Jones: Boomerang movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 5:01 MIN.

In addition to appearing in a minor supporting role, Grace Jones contributes this upbeat cut to the soundtrack for 1992’s Eddie Murphy & Halle Berry-headlining romantic comedy, Boomerang. 

REVIEW:

Its main asset is a funky yet unremarkable melody consistent with the overblown style of the Late ‘80s-Early ‘90s.  However, despite a crew of good back-up singers, Grace Jones’ own vocal effort is strangely underwhelming.  Radiating a cool, almost menacing energy, her deep voice carries only a few sharp moments.  The problem can be attributed to the song’s potent chorus-driven melody drowning Jones out.  The middling“7 Day Weekend” is only worth checking out, if one purchases the complete soundtrack.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     4 Stars

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