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

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:18 Min.

With brief help from co-star Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan covers this ABBA tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

Without advance knowledge, one might not guess they’re hearing Pierce Brosnan’s vocals.  Suffice to say, singing isn’t Brosnan’s forte. While the ballad’s genial melody makes up some of the difference, Brosnan isn’t able to convey the self-reflective lyrics, as well as they should have been.  Although Meryl Streep is credited, she is only briefly heard.  The former James Bond does get some support from the back-up singers, but it’s just not enough.  Unsurprisingly, this one is the soundtrack’s worst tune. 

BRIAN’S OOD MOON RATING:                        4 Stars

Note: Streep & Brosnan’s other Mamma Mia! duet: “S.O.S.” is preferable, as Streep is more involved.

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:04 Min.

Co-stars Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, & Christine Baranski recorded this ABBA cover for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

Going bolder and louder, ABBA’s signature tune energetically roars back to life.  Making the original version sound almost low-key by comparison, the trio of Streep, Walters, & Baranski sound like they’re having a blast on Ladies Night.  Impressively, the dazzling instrumentals even surpass the original’s classic sound.  Make no mistake: this cover was meant to be the movie’s first show-stopper, as this “Dancing Queen” transforms into a grand showtunes-by-committee performance. 

Consider it a mission accomplished, as the ladies (and their youthful back-up chorus) nail the song’s exhilarating party feel.  Definitely recommended!      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   9 Stars

Note: This track easily surpasses the ensemble cast’s obligatory rehash for 2018’s Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 3:46 Min.

Originally released by Kenny Loggins as the theme opening and closing out 1980’s Caddyshack film, this tune appears on the soundtrack’s 2010 CD release.  Identifying the song’s association with Caddyshack is a lyric referencing an amusing Zen-related golf strategy held by Chevy Chase’s Ty Webb re: how one must “learn to be the ball.”   

Note: Loggins’ song, “Nobody’s Fool,” is a ‘sequel’ of sorts to “I’m Alright,” as it accompanies 1988’s Caddyshack II film.   

REVIEW:

Loggins is in vintage form in an undeniably catchy ode to carefree slackers just wanting to chill out and be left alone.  Reminiscent of the movie’s hip-swiveling gopher (and his infectious boogie before the film’s closing credits), the laid-back charm powering “I’m Alright” should help put anybody in a good mood.  Offering a welcome antidote from the workday, this track is definitely recommended for a home or workout playlist.   

Note: For more fun with this song, an animatronic Caddyshack plush gopher (aka ‘Mr. Gopher’) on a pedestal was released several years ago that would swivel its hips to an included audio clip of Loggins’ song. Suffice to say, it’s a hoot to enjoy.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 4:22 Min.

For the 2008 film, Mamma Mia!, actress Amanda Seyfried covers this classic ABBA hit. 

REVIEW:

Judging by this tune, Amanda Seyfried is gifted with a Broadway-caliber voice.  Her vocals prove wonderfully endearing.  In comparison to Lily James’ 2018 version for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, it’s almost too close to call.  It comes down to a preference in style. Projecting a softer tone, a serene James sounds the more polished of the two. Yet, Seyfried’s sparkly version prevails, as it has more of a stage musical vibe — she breathes some down-to-earth life into “I Have a Dream.” 

If one likes this song, either version or really both are well worth downloading.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

Kenny Loggins recorded this sentimental ballad for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.  Notably, it’s among the album’s few original songs.

REVIEW:

While its mellow instrumentals are classy, Kenny Loggins faces the task of surpassing the mushy 70’s/Early ‘80s-style love song lyrics.  In that sense, this gentle tune is reminiscent of his 1994 kid-friendly album, Return to Pooh Corner.  The song isn’t romantic pap per se, but it won’t conjure up a rollicking Loggins delivering other movie hits like “Danger Zone,” “Footloose,” or “I’m Alright.”   

If anything, “For the First Time” is meant for fans of Air Supply and Barry Manilow, among similar pop favorites during their prime. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:06 Min.

This fairy tale-inspired pop tune by Kari Kimmel appears on Ella Enchanted’s 2007 film soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Accompanied by a relentlessly upbeat melody, Kari Kimmel’s bubbly effort makes “It’s Not Just Make Believe” a musical gem for any fairy tale fan.  Kimmel is spot-on bringing to life the sheer jubilance propelling Anne Hathaway’s ‘Ella’ in her new romance.  This catchy track is well worth capturing for any little girl’s playlist.

Note: For a terrific contrast, a recommended download would be Lily James’ serene “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the 2015 Cinderella live-action film soundtrack.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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