Category: Soundtracks (Digital)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 2:09 Min.

This upbeat Shirelles R&B/pop tune dates back to 1961.  It subsequently appears on the soundtrack for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.

REVIEW:

“Mama Said” remains a terrific tune.  It just tends to have a cookie-cutter formula sound for the genre of that era.   Frankly, it’s perfect creative sense pairing this tune with The Chiffons’ peppy “One Fine Day,” which predictably appears on the same soundtrack.  Adding this Shirelles track to a favorite oldies playlist makes a good investment.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 3:13 Min.

From Moby’s 2005 album, Hotel, “Beautiful” was utilized the following year for The Devil Wears Prada movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Though Moby is in fine form, the one-dimensional “Beautiful” is really too repetitive to make a lasting impression.  Still, its catchy sound, with just the right measure of electronica, makes this tune worthy of soundtrack and/or contemporary dance-pop playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 2:09 Min.

This romantically upbeat Chiffons R&B classic was first released in 1963.  The tune was co-written by Carole King.  It subsequently appears on the soundtrack for 1996’s same-named romantic comedy starring Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney.

REVIEW:

Very much a product of the Early ‘60s, it’s an engaging R&B gem well worth re-discovery.  Absolutely entertaining! 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          9 Stars

Note: Natalie Merchant also provides a contemporary cover of “One Fine Day” (as a ballad) on this same soundtrack.

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SUMMARY:                                            RUNNING TIME: 3:24 Min.

Recorded by Bobby Alessi for 1984’s Ghostbusters film soundtrack, it appears late in the movie, as the Ghostbusters are cheered on by New York City’s public before heroically entering the haunted high-rise apartment building.

REVIEW:

Between its well-written lyrics and a fun pop melody, this lightweight theme is ideal for Bobby Alessi’s solid vocals.  Sporting a catchy up-tempo vibe, Savin’ the Day makes a nice little gem for various playlists, including workouts. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 3:04 Min.

Recorded for 1987’s Moonlighting TV series soundtrack, this is the full-length version of Al Jarreau’s opening credits theme song.  This jazzy tune was later included as a 2009 track for the late Jarreau’s The Very Best of: An Entertaining Adventure album.

Note: Please note that Moonlighting’s opening credits version has a minute-length running time.  That version is available on 1996’s Television’s Greatest Hits, Volume 6: Remote Control album in both CD and cassette formats.    

REVIEW:

Epitomizing jazzy romantic pop, the smooth magic of hearing Jarreau croon this tune never grows old.  With a silky tone reminiscent of Nat King Cole, Jarreau imbues this upbeat tune with a sense of classiness that so few vocalists can replicate.  Not only for TV nostalgia aficionados, this high-caliber track proves ideal for any home or work playlist.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        9 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 2:52 Min.

Released in 2001 off Moulin Rouge’s Volume 2 movie soundtrack, the song’s credited performers are Nicole Kidman, Natalie Jackson Mendoza, Caroline O’Connor, Lara Mulcahy, & Jim Broadbent.  The Broadway-like song is a fast-paced medley of sorts, including portions of 1949 pop standard “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” and a homage to Madonna’s 1984 hit, “Material Girl.”  

REVIEW:

There’s no mistaking this high-energy collaboration is meant as a show-stopper.  Its flamboyant big band sound alone screams old-school cabaret on a stage as big as life.  With Nicole Kidman leading this team effort, “Sparkling Diamonds” is a surefire download option for movie/Broadway tunes and/or big band jazz-themed playlists.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

Note: As a download double-feature, it makes sense to go with Shirley Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever.” 

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