SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:43 Min.
It’s the sixth track on Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album.
REVIEW:
It’s beautifully performed by Enya. Simultaneously gentle and downbeat, Enya imbues the piano-driven “No Holly For Miss Quinn” with a wondrous feminine melody. It would make an ideal theme poignantly narrating a film or TV female character’s life in some form of solitary transition.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:59 Min.
For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 6). He is accompanied by vocalist Maria Nayler.
REVIEW:
Aside from the rudimentary math lesson, “One and One,” unfortunately, is Dreamland’s weakest track. Part of the problem is that Maria Nayler’s soft vocals, as pleasant as they are, don’t mesh well with the lackluster lyrics. Fiorella Quinn (the vocalist on Tracks # 2-3) would have likely sounded better, but the choice of guest vocalist wouldn’t have made enough of a difference.
The song’s mushy lyrics are frankly a detriment to a relatively good melody. Had it been been a pure instrumental, “One and One” might well have been an asset to Dreamland.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:44 Min.
It’s the title track of Enya’s 1992 same-named album.
REVIEW:
Featuring a serene piano-driven melody, this track is a first-class experience. Enya’s elegant vocals are so minimal that “Shepherd Moons” is practically a pure instrumental. For any relaxation-themed playlists, this tune makes an ideal download option.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 8:08 Min.
It’s the third track of South African operatic soprano Pretty Yende’s 2016 A Journey album. The piece’s full title is “Lakmé: Act II, No. 10: Où va la jeune Indoue.” The credited composer is Léo Delibes.
REVIEW:
Expressing a gamut of emotions, Pretty Yende’s energetic vocals bring this piece to life. At times hauntingly serene and other times curiously whimsical, her pristine voice can convince listeners that they are attending a live performance. It is opera’s form of magic. Highly recommended!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
Note: Track # 2 is a selection from “Lakmé, Act I.”
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:13 Min.
It’s the second track of South African operatic soprano Pretty Yende’s 2016 A Journey album. The piece’s full title is “Lakmé: Act I, No. 2: Viens, Mallika … Sous le dôme épais (aka “Flower Duet”).” The credited composer is Léo Delibes.
REVIEW:
Citing this charming track as evidence, Pretty Yende’s exquisite vocals are undeniable. Her youthful energy is a gift in making opera come to life. Definitely recommended!
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 10 Stars
Note: Track # 3 is a selection from “Lakmé, Act II.”
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:21 Min.
For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 7). The intro is reminiscent of inaudible background radio chatter, which resurfaces during the song multiple times.
REVIEW:
Aside from its odd sound effects, the upbeat “Princess of Light” is an endearing electronica melody with a thin undercurrent of poignancy. The song offers a solid option for workout playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:02 Min.
For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 4). Reminiscent of nature CD’s, the intro is chirping birds above rolling waves. However, the finish of Track 3: “Fantasya” starts this intro’s sound effects.
REVIEW:
Robert Miles does some intriguing work exploring “Landscape.” While its pulsating electronica sound is undeniable, the somewhat gentle melody isn’t meant to blast one’s ears out. This track is certainly a viable option for low-impact workouts.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:41 Min.
This instrumental track appears on Jan Hammer’s 1994 jazz fusion album, Drive.
REVIEW:
“Island Dreamer” is the romantic jazz equivalent of a breezy, low-key day chilling out somewhere on a Caribbean beach. The tune’s sole detriment is its mostly generic sound. Still, the track ‘s congenial vibe readily fits Jan Hammer’s Miami Vice style. Offering some classy mood music, “Island Dreamer” is a good supplement to any beach-themed playlist.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 7:59 Min.
For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 9). The song’s finish is an inaudible vocal clip, which sounds vaguely reminiscent of a James Bond villain making a threat.
REVIEW:
Let’s ignore the unnecessary gibberish at the end – it makes no sense for being there. Despite its over-indulgent running time, “In the Dawn” possesses an irresistible sound. The pulsating melody is so good that one can forgive that it’s close to eight minutes of repetition. Equaling Track # 1: “Children” (Dream Version) as the album’s best dual threat, “In the Dawn” is ideal for dance playlists and adrenaline-pumping workouts.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:14 Min.
For his 1996 dance-electronica album, Dreamland, composer-musician Robert Cocina (aka Robert Miles) performs this instrumental (Track # 5). Reminiscent of nature CD’s, the intro conveys the electronica equivalent of chirping birds.
REVIEW:
“In My Dreams” doesn’t stand out on Dreamland, but it sports a likable enough, almost jazzy sound. As part of the complete album, this track offer a solid choice to accompany workouts.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
