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

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 4:46 Min.

Released as a single separate from the Skyfall soundtrack album, Adele performs the title tune for Daniel Craig’s 2012 James Bond film.  The song subsequently scored multiple accolades in the U.S. and the U.K., including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.   

Adele co-wrote this song with Paul Epworth, with orchestration from J.A.C. Redford.

REVIEW:

Judging by its slew of top awards, “Skyfall” is presumably the best-ever James Bond theme song.  Including her songwriting talents, the classiness Adele exudes on this track can’t be overstated.  Her sultry vocals rival that of Shirley Bassey, who holds the record of generating three Bond title songs.  Yet, short of John Barry’s original Bond instrumental, is Adele’s song now the definitive Bond song?  Or is it overrated among other Bond themes?

During its initial release, this song wisely didn’t overstay its welcome unlike Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic (i.e. hearing Dion’s pop ballad on the radio seemingly every five minutes for months on end).  Still, Adele’s “Skyfall” is borderline overrated.  This reality is mostly attributable to Adele’s vast star power.  Had any lesser performer rendered the song’s moody lyrics, this track wouldn’t likely have attracted nearly as much attention.  Suffice to say, Adele makes the song sound better than it really ought to — for instance, by deftly incorporating the movie’s title.

In terms of the last forty years, the short answer is that, yes, Adele’s “Skyfall” is indeed the best Bond tune.  The Bond movie franchise has enjoyed numerous big-name theme songs, but so few become a radio phenomenon, let alone claim awards. Going as far back as Sheena Easton’s “For Your Eyes Only” and Duran Duran’s “View to a Kill,” their 80’s airplay was considerable, but neither one resonates like Adele’s tune does. 

However, one could make persuasive claims for Bassey’s “Goldfinger,” and/or Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better” besting Adele’s song in long-term staying power.  As dynamite of a download as “Skyfall” is, it isn’t yet necessarily the best-of-the-best among Bond themes.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   8½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 4:17 Min.

After the cult favorite success of Caddyshack (including Kenny Loggins’ radio hit, I’m Alright), Caddyshack II would recruit Loggins eight years later for a sequel to his own song.  First released on 1988’s Caddyshack II movie soundtrack, the energetic “Nobody’s Fool” would later resurface on The Essential Kenny Loggins album in 2002. 

Identifying the song with Caddyshack II is a lyric early on about going “back to the shack!”  Another lyric slyly serves  homage to Chevy Chase’s Ty Webb and his Zen philosophy re: golf about how one must “learn to be the ball.”   

REVIEW:

The catchy up-tempo melody revving “Nobody’s Fool” to life is unmistakably Late ‘80s rock, as Loggins evidently has a blast with this song.  Unlike the hip-swiveling, laid-back slacker charm of “I’m Alright,” Loggins cuts loose (pardon the expression) on “Nobody’s Fool,” in the same fast-tempo style of his seminal ‘80s soundtrack hits, like “Footloose” and Top Gun’s “Danger Zone.” 

Having rented the putrid Caddyshack II not too long ago, there’s no mistaking that “Nobody’s Fool” is this disappointing rehash’s only asset.  Hence, the song is well worth adding to a road trip or workout playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 4:57 Min.

Covering ABBA, Meryl Streep performs this tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

This poignant take on “The Winner Takes It All” is definitely one of the soundtrack’s highlights.  Meryl Streep’s artistic versatility, not to mention her expressive vocal range, is most impressive here – it’s a similar gift that Helen Reddy had.  Gradually transforming this reflective ballad into a soaring pop tune is no easy task, but Streep accomplishes it with aplomb. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          9 Stars

Note: Streep’s dynamite rendition of “Mamma Mia” from the same album is also highly recommended.

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 3:34 Min.

Covering ABBA, Meryl Streep (as Donna Sheridan) performs the title tune off 2008’s Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

Along with excellent support from her back-up singers, Meryl Streep’s exuberant “Mamma Mia” is a dynamite cover.  It’s frankly hard to imagine what Streep doesn’t possess in her artistic repertoire.  Absolutely recommended!         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

Note: Streep’s “The Winner Takes It All” ballad is another winner from the same album.

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SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 3:19 Min.

Teaming up, co-stars Pierce Brosnan & Meryl Streep cover this ABBA tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

Sporting likable vocal chemistry, this full duet between Pierce Brosnan & Meryl Streep largely succeeds due to Streep’s magnetism.  In fairness, this tune is Brosnan’s best musical contribution, as he somehow holds his own with his co-star’s more accomplished vocals.  Between Streep’s classiness and a solid effort by their back-up singers, this sunny duet is well worth considering as a download option. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

Note: Their other Mamma Mia! duet: “When All is Said and Done” predictably falters, as it’s Brosnan struggling in a solo effort (since Streep barely contributes to the song).

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SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 5:02 Min.

Including an orchestral overture that lasts about ninety seconds, this upbeat pop-rock tune by British performer Murray Head headlines the mid-to-late 80’s stage musical, Chess.  Its chorus is provided by Swedish performer Anders Glenmark.  The tune’s celebrity writing team includes Tim Rice and two ABBA alums: Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus. 

The soundtrack was re-released in 2014.

Note: The radio-length version (minus the overture) is available, for instance, on 2000’s Broadway Greatest Leading Men compilation album.

REVIEW:

Suffice to say, the grandiose overture is unnecessary.  It only reminds listeners that the song is really a West End/Broadway show tune.  As far as Murray Head’s actual contribution goes, it’s amusingly unique.  Despite throwing shade at Thai culture, this track is an entertaining analogy to the show’s Cold War-era chess showdown.  While Head delivers an excellent, semi-wacky performance, the song’s best component is its distinctive pop melody. Considering the extensive star power devising this tune, it’s no wonder that “One Night in Bangkok” is still a reliable 80’s gem. 

If given a choice, the shorter of the two is the better download; the overture pretentiously turns “One Night in Bangkok” into an extended version. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7½ Stars

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