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

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 2:29 Min.

For the 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, actresses Jessica Keenan Wynn and Alexa Davies team up with Panos Mouzourakis for this cover of the ABBA tune.

REVIEW:

It’s definitely different.  Amusingly starting off like it’s a Neil Diamond tune (with a distinctively Greek flavor), Panos Mouzourakis is a hoot with his contribution. The baton then goes to actresses Jessica Keenan Wynn & Alexa Davies, as “Kisses of Fire” launches into a full-blown disco sound.  Wildly exuberant and wisely short, this somewhat wacky song somehow works as is.  In addition to a terrific instrumental performance, the song benefits from dynamic efforts by co-stars Jessica Keenan Wynn & Alexa Davies (not to mention, their back-up chorus). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7½ Stars

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Appearing as Track # 3, it’s the title cut off Mandisa Hundley’s 2017 album.      

REVIEW:

Mandisa Hundley’s sparkly vocals are ideal for this tune recalling vintage ‘80s dance/R&B.  With its brief hop-hop twist, the melody’s exuberance becomes remarkably endearing.  Mandisa’s classy “Out of the Dark” qualifies for any number of playlists, including dance, pop, and aerobic workouts.  It’s an underrated gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 5:05 Min.

Written by Peabo Bryson, “Feel the Fire” was first released as a 1980 duet between Bryson and Roberta Flack.  For her same-named 2005 R&B/Soul cover album, Maysa Leak revisits Bryson’s romantic ballad.     

REVIEW:

Talk about a dynamite cover!   Not only is the melody a terrific recreation of creative stylings from that era, vocalist Maysa Leak puts considerable heart into this soul classic.  Leak’s take on “Feel the Fire” is absolutely worth adding as a download to any R&B/Soul playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8½ Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

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:                     8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 5:47 Min.

From her 1988 self-titled album, Karyn White’s signature tune is co-written by Babyface, Daryl Simmons, and L.A. Reid.  The song’s lyrics narrate a suppressed woman’s epiphany — she’s trying too hard to please her significant other and not getting much in return, both romantically and domestically.    

REVIEW:

Sporting a solid 80’s R&B melody, the song’s excessive running time actually proves an asset for Karyn White.  With a gentle yet sultry sound similar to Jasmine Guy, it just takes White time to get warmed up.  Syncing well with her back-up singers, White’s vocals become increasingly appealing.  As for the song’s well-composed depth, it’s not a surprise that Toni Braxton emerged into stardom utilizing the same hip songwriting team a few years later.   

Judging by her classy performance on “Superwoman,” Karyn White is evidently an underrated talent.  Aging surprisingly well, this tune offers an ideal Late ‘80s R&B option for various playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:36 Min.

Australian performer Tina Arena recorded this upbeat pop tune for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.  Arena serves as one of the song’s three co-writers.  Notably, “Love’s Funny That Way” is among the album’s few original songs.

REVIEW:

As the classy album mostly consists of low-key jazz/pop covers and a few golden oldies, it’s really up to Tina Arena to bring the One Fine Day soundtrack to life.  In vibrant style, the Australian songstress accomplishes this task.  Even if her song isn’t a Grammy nominee, Arena’s energetic style is a welcome twist to the album’s sleepy ambiance.  By that reckoning, “Love’s Funny That Way” deserves a chance at re-discovery, as it’s the underrated gem of the One Fine Day soundtrack. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE