SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.
Actress Christine Baranski, with some brief help from actor/singer Philip Michael as her youthful love interest, covers this ABBA tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack.
REVIEW:
In a mostly solo spotlight, Christine Baranski is dynamite on this tune. The high-octane melody and Baranski’s exuberant vocals mix with a top-caliber group of back-up singers for a rollicking good time. Highly recommended!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:04 Min.
For the 2013 cover album, Superheroes!, John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra bring to life composer-conductor Jerry Goldsmith’s concluding instrumental for the 1984 Supergirl film starring Helen Slater.
REVIEW:
To the credit of the Cincinnati Pops, this well-played cover sounds virtually identical to Jerry Goldsmith’s cheesy original theme. Unfortunately, it’s also a reminder why John Williams’ Superman instrumental work is immortal and Goldsmith’s fairy tale-like ode to Supergirl simply isn’t. This cover is recommended for purists only. Otherwise, Blake Neely’s 2015 opening theme for the Melissa Benoist-starring TV series is an ideal alternative.
Note: The Neely track is available on 2016’s Music of DC Comics, Vol. 2.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:01 Min.
As the film’s love song, “Give U My Heart” headlines the soundtrack for 1992’s romantic comedy, Boomerang, which co-stars Eddie Murphy and Halle Berry. Teaming up with Babyface for this duet is Toni Braxton, as it’s a prelude to her high-profile solo debut the following year.
REVIEW:
While this tune’s lyrics are standard-issue, the likable vocal chemistry between Babyface and Toni Braxton is a major asset. Though it now sounds rather dated, its funky R&B melody has a catchy charm. If anything, as smooth as Babyface sounds, Braxton’s supporting vocals effectively steal the song from him. Not only would “Give U My Heart” give her name recognition, Braxton’s sultry effort gives this song a boost above similar fare from that era. For both R&B and soundtrack playlists, this underrated duet makes a worthwhile treat.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
Note: Another track worth checking out is Braxton’s solo debut, “Breathe Again,” from her 1993 self-named album. Serving as Braxton’s signature hit, the song was penned by Babyface.
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:24 Min.
Originally from 1992’s Hero soundtrack, this upbeat, gospel choir-flavored tune sung by Luther Vandross is a pivotal theme for the film starring Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, and Andy Garcia. This song was later included on 1999’s All-Time Greatest Movie Songs compilation album.
REVIEW:
Luther Vandross, with back-up from a stellar gospel choir, unleashes an ode to the unselfish spirit of heroism. Including a reference to “It doesn’t take Superman” to be a real hero, the tune’s inspirational aura makes great use of a catchy melody. Its best asset is an exuberant effort by Vandross and the gospel choir delivering what this song needs at the right moments. Despite some clichéd lyrics, the rousing “Heart of a Hero” is a nice addition to any playlist (including workouts).
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:51 Min.
Also known as a ‘Top Model 2007 Remix,’ this dance reboot of Sylvester Levay’s Airwolf TV theme was utilized as a runway accompaniment by the Polish TV series, Top Model (Poland’s equivalent to America’s Next Top Model). This European house music remix is evidently credited to René de Versailles. This track was released as a single in 2007.
REVIEW:
Much like how decades ago Meco imaginatively remixed some of John Williams’ Star Wars themes into gimmicky disco classics, the same concept applies applies to René de Versailles’ snazzy reboot of Sylvester Levay’s Airwolf. Beginning with some brief sound effects, this six-minute reboot of Levay’s instrumental work offers undeniable fun. Upon hearing it, de Versailles’ version makes sense why this catchy, techno-flavored theme is an ideal accompaniment for glamour modeling. Beyond its appeal to Airwolf enthusiasts, downloading this “Theme from Airwolf (Dance & Disco Version)” makes a terrific addition to any electronica-themed playlist
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:58 Min.
Written by Billy Hill, this jazz standard dates back to 1936 where Benny Goodman first popularized it. For the 1996 One Fine Day comedy starring Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney, Keb’ Mo’ covers the tune for its soundtrack.
REVIEW:
Seamlessly blending jazz with R&B (including some great solo harmonica action), Keb’ Mo’ breathes fresh life into this oldie-but-goodie. Sounding at the top of his game, Keb’ Mo’ makes “The Glory of Love” a delight of a download.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:25 Min.
By the Jazz At the Movies Band, this instrumental jazz standard is from their 2005 album, White Heat: Film Noir. The theme dates back to composer David Raksin for extensive use in the 1944 romantic mystery film, Laura, starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, and Vincent Price.
REVIEW:
Lacking the lush Hollywood magic heard in the original’s haunting sound, this low-key tune is still a solid interpretation. Reminiscent of the classy jazz sound that Dave Grusin is known for, The Jazz at the Movies Band admirably breathes sp,e fresh life into the “Theme from Laura.” Their lounge style-effort is worth checking out as a supplement to any instrumental jazz playlists, including who have enjoyed The Fabulous Baker Boys soundtrack.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:47 Min.
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this jazzy pop tune was initially recorded by trumpeter Herb Alpert in 1968. For the 1996 One Fine Day comedy starring Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney, Harry Connick, Jr. steps up to cover the tune for its soundtrack.
REVIEW:
What a wonderful cover! What makes it a genuine treat is that Harry Connick, Jr. makes the tune sound like an original. In terms of vocals, he’s very much on his game here. Just as impressively, the instrumentals are up to matching him. For jazz enthusiasts, in particular, Connick, Jr.’s take on “This Guy’s in Love With You” is well acquiring as a download.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:17 Min.
Appearing on 2015 Home movie soundtrack, Jacob Plant’s electronica tune was devised by Plant and Rihanna.
REVIEW:
Despite its sheer repetitiveness, one can readily imagine this track narrating a sci-fi film/video game’s hot pursuit sequence. The ominously pulsating “Drop That” has a catchy dance/disco-style sound that should be a hit with electronica fans. It also has solid potential for workout playlists. For what this tune really is, “Drop That” is well-played!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 0:51 Min.
This wacky, clown-themed track by instrumentalist Matthew Harwood is Harley Quinn’s theme for DC Comics’ Infinite Crisis video game. In addition to the video game’s 2015 official soundtrack, this tune is also present on 2016’s Music of DC Comics, Volume 2 album.
REVIEW:
Lasting not even a minute, a little chaotic mayhem goes a long way. Well-played by musician Matthew Harwood, this instrumental goodie makes a fun download. It’s a treat for Harley Quinn fans.
Note: For a download double-feature, one might consider Henry Mancini’s silly, clown-themed instrumental, “Shades of Sennett,” from the soundtrack of the 1963 Pink Panther movie.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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