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

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE {Cover} (by Pierce Brosnan & Meryl Streep: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

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

DANCING QUEEN {Cover} (by Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, & Christine Baranski: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

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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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal Soundtracks (Digital)

WHEN THE RAIN COMES DOWN (by Andy Taylor: single)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

Initially released in 1986 for the Miami Vice II soundtrack album, Andy Taylor’s up-tempo, hard rock tune would resurface on the Miami Vice: The Ultimate Collection CD in 2004.  “When the Rain Comes Down” is also now available as a single.

Note:  Another option is Taylor’s extended-format version (running time: 4:55 min.) from his 1987 Thunder solo album.  This song’s hard-charging instrumentals get even more emphasis. 

REVIEW:

With Duran Duran’s Taylor in top form, it’s hard not to visualize a flashy Miami Vice speedboat chase hearing this mid-80s hard rock tune.  Aging surprisingly well, it makes a great download option for ‘80s dance-rock playlists and most certainly for workouts.  This Andy Taylor gem is well worth re-discovery.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal Soundtracks (Digital)

WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG (by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band: Eddie and The Cruisers – The Lost Tapes)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 4:11 Min.

Heard in 1989’s Eddie and The Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! this rock tune by John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band briefly accompanies a pivotal scene on a New Jersey beach late in the film.  While this song isn’t on the official soundtrack album, it was later released off 1991’s Eddie and The Cruisers: The Unreleased Tapes.  The hodgepodge Unreleased Tapes compiles the sequel’s five remaining tunes, as well as re-releases of other Cafferty/Beaver Brown songs from both films (i.e. On the Dark Side) by utilizing film dialogue clips as brief introductions.

REVIEW:

As utilized in the movie, its initially somber tone proves effective.  What isn’t revealed is the song’s transition into more of the up-tempo rock sound that The Beaver Brown Band is known for. 

Mirroring Eddie Wilson’s self-inflicted predicament, “When the World Was Young” contemplates middle-aged regret about one’s youthful prime.  More so, the song sells the inevitability of maturing and finally owning up to one’s past mistakes well enough.  In that regard, John Cafferty’s gravelly, semi-brooding vocal performance is spot-on. 

The detriment is that is the song doesn’t linger outside the film’s context.  In retrospect, “When The World Was Young” is at least good enough to merit inclusion on Eddie II’s soundtrack, mostly to signify why a haunted Eddie finally seeks out his old friend, Sal Amato.  Further, the tune’s moodiness would have supplemented the Eddie II soundtrack with extra depth.          

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

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

I’M ALRIGHT (by Kenny Loggins: Caddyshack movie soundtrack)

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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ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK – MAIN THEME (by John Carpenter: Escape From New York movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 3:53 Min.

From the 1981 film introducing Kurt Russell’s eye-patched rogue, Snake Plissken, this bleak theme appears on the 2005 CD release for the movie’s soundtrack.  The film’s director, John Carpenter ,is also credited for the film’s instrumental score. 

REVIEW:

Steadily propelled by an ominous beat, the track defines the film’s grim, futuristic tone. Even more so, John Carpenter ensures that this track is synonymous with ever-cool mercenary-convict Snake Plissken’s brand of reluctant heroism.  For fans of the movie, this instrumental is worth adding to any sci-fi/fantasy playlists.   

Note: As a suggestion, Brad Fiedel’s menacing instrumental for James Cameron’s 1984 Terminator main theme would be an ideal companion download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                7½ Stars

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DC-Related Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Soundtracks (Digital)

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT SAVING THE WORLD? (by Hans Zimmer: Man of Steel movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 5:27 Min.

From the 2013 Man of Steel film soundtrack, this instrumental track is by composer-conductor Hans Zimmer.  The theme also notably appears in trailers for the movie.

REVIEW:

Though it doesn’t by any means eclipse John Williams’s 1978 Superman theme, this epic track by Hans Zimmer is still a worthy-enough successor.  Starting quietly ponderous on the piano, the theme builds into a full-blown orchestral crescendo that spells out this Man of Steel’s presence with a sense of awe and wonder.  It’s not surprising that the film’s production team chose this theme to help sell Henry Cavill’s debut in trailers for the latest big-screen Superman

The sole disappointment is Zimmer didn’t follow the Smallville TV score’s classy lead by incorporating even a brief homage reprising Williams’ theme. It would have been an invaluable move to link Cavill’s big-screen heroics to Superman’s definitive theme, like Christopher Reeve before him.  In that sense, Zimmer’s track isn’t going to inspire casual listeners to instantly visualize the magic of a live-action Superman. 

Still, “What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving The World?” is an excellent download option for super-hero-themed and epic instrumental playlists.  It’s best meant for fans who prefer a fresh and perhaps darker take on Superman.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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I HAVE A DREAM {Cover} (by Amanda Seyfried: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

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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FOR THE FIRST TIME (by Kenny Loggins: One Fine Day movie soundtrack)

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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IT’S NOT JUST MAKE BELIEVE (by Kari Kimmel: Ella Enchanted movie soundtrack)

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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