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

TRY EVERYTHING (by Shakira: Zootopia movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 3:16 Min.

This up-tempo dance track by Shakira appears on 2016’s Zootopia animated film soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Shakira’s vocals spelling out anthropomorphic rabbit Judy Hopps’ optimistic attitude exploring big city life exude a contagious charm.  Her song’s commendable message reiterates that mistakes will happen, but getting back up afterwards and trying again, no matter if one fails, is what really counts.  Not only is the melody undeniably catchy, Shakira’s energetic vocals prove a considerable asset. 

Though meant for youngsters, the sunny “Try Everything” might be an ideal choice for aerobic workout playlists.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

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

ONCE UPON A TIME … STORYBOOK LOVE (by Mark Knopfler: The Princess Bride movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.

Recorded by British musician Mark Knopfler, this low-key tune is the album’s first track defining the beloved 1987 fantasy film co-starring Robin Wright & Cary Elwes. 

Note: The soundtrack also includes its Academy Award-nominated version, “Storybook Love,” with vocals supplied by British singer Willy DeVille.  

REVIEW:

It’s a beautifully guitar-driven track by Mark Knopfler.  As an addition to any soundtrack, relaxation, sleep aid, or New Age-themed playlist, this gentle instrumental is high recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     9 Stars

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

STORYBOOK LOVE (by Mark Knopfler & Willy DeVille: The Princess Bride movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.

This Academy Award-nominated tune is a British collaboration between musician Mark Knopfler and vocalist Willy DeVille. 

REVIEW:

If any musical track defines The Princess Bride, it has to be this one. The teamwork between Mark Knopfler & Willy DeVille is superb.  As an addition to any soundtrack, relaxation, or sleep aid playlist, this gentle track is highly recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                9 Stars

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

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC {Cover} (by Amanda Seyfried: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:44 Min.

Actress Amanda Seyfried performs this piano-driven ABBA cover to conclude Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

It’s moody and low-key in an old-fashioned nightclub sort of a way.  As performed by Amanda Seyfried, this self-reflective epilogue is reminiscent of a Broadway solo.  The gentle piano melody is terrific, as Seyfried’s soft vocals exude a wonderful charm making this tune a keeper.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

Note: Even better is Seyfried’s similar rendition of “I Have a Dream” from the same album.  It’s a gem!

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

SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS {Cover} (by Meryl Streep & Amanda Seyfried: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 3:51 Min.

Covering ABBA, actresses Meryl Streep & Amanda Seyfried perform this mother-and-daughter ballad from Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

Describing the poignant bond between mother and a now-grown daughter, it’s perhaps the most eloquent track off the Mamma Mia!  album.  As a duet, Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried’s gentle chemistry is excellent.  “Slipping Through My Fingers” is highly recommended for any favorite soundtrack and/or pop playlist.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 9 Stars

Note: Streep’s “The Winner Takes It All” ballad is among other winners off this same album.

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

GUIDE MY SWORD (by Mark Knopfler: The Princess Bride movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 5:11 Min.

For a pivotal sequence in the beloved 1987 fantasy film, mercenaries Indigo Montoya {Mandy Patinkin} & Fezzik {André the Giant} desperately seek out ‘The Man in Black’ {Cary Elwes} to enlist his help.  British musician Mark Knopfler’s low-key instrumental accompanies the mood. 

REVIEW:

“Guide My Sword” is a storytelling gem, as Mark Knopfler’s classy instrumental sound is hard to match.  With well-timed dramatic undertones, this track makes a tranquil addition to any soundtrack or New Age-themed playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8½ Stars

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

PINK GORILLA (by HLM: Ant-Man movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 3:46 Min.

Released in 2015, electronic music composer HLM performs this dance instrumental for Marvel’s Ant-Man film starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Douglas.   

REVIEW:

It’s a full dose of funky electronica.  The pulsating sound is catchy – at times, it’s reminiscent of 80’s-style video arcade games.  Still, a little goes a long way.  Clocking in at nearly four minutes proves too much of a good thing, as HLM might have trimmed “Pink Gorilla” a full minute or so.  The familiar last few bars signaling that this tune is now over adds an amusing touch of whimsy for this fun tune.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   6½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) MARVEL-Related Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

SMOTE & MIRRORS (by Michael Giacchino: Doctor Strange movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 6:29 Min.

This track by composer/conductor Michael Giacchino appears on 2016’s Doctor Strange film soundtrack.   

REVIEW:

Simultaneously ominous and grandiose, “Smote and Mirrors” is a delight.  There isn’t anything distinctive about this darkly heroic track (including its back-up choral vocals), the track could fit any number of medieval fantasy-adventure films.  Yet, Michael Giacchino’s classical scoring instincts are admirable.  “Smote and Mirrors” is an ideal option for any epic instrumental playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital) STAR WARS-Related

REY’S THEME (by John Williams: Star Wars – The Force Awakens movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 3:11 Min.

From composer-conductor John Williams, this instrumental track introduces the pivotal character portrayed by actress Daisy Ridley in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

REVIEW:

Anchored by a youthful sense of adventure, this theme (with just the right tinges of New Age jazz) is a beautifully fresh supplement to John Williams’ Star Wars legacy.  While the melody isn’t instantly distinctive, its whimsical motifs are finely-tuned to reflect Rey’s years of self-reliance surviving on the desert planet, Jakku.  Williams ensures that this theme isn’t merely a retread of his work introducing Luke Skywalker nearly forty years before.  Recommended!   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

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

OUR LAST SUMMER {Cover} (by Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Pierce Brosnan, & Amanda Seyfried: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 2:57 Min.

As a trio, in solo turns, and with back-up help, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, & Pierce Brosnan cover this ABBA tune for 2008’s Mamma Mia! soundtrack.  Amanda Seyfried makes a late contribution (including on the chorus), and evidently Meryl Streep does, too, on chorus.

REVIEW:

The amateurism of Stellan Skarsgard and Pierce Brosnan fits the song’s corny lyrics – keeping in mind that their characters waxing middle-age nostalgia aren’t supposed to be polished vocalists.  Colin Firth’s presence stands out more, as he imbues this tune’s storytelling with some welcome poignancy.  Even better is how Skarsgard, Brosnan, and Firth surprisingly mesh as a trio – the end result is good as it could have been hoped for. 

As for Amanda Seyfried’s contribution, her assigned lyrics are slightly silly, but she adds welcome energy late in the song.  “Our Last Summer” is among the soundtrack’s weakest efforts, but the tune is still likable enough.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           6 Stars

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