Category: Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 2:21 Min.

As its finale, actress Minnie Driver performs this short ballad for 2004’s Phantom of the Opera movie soundtrack.  The tune is heard in the film’s closing credits. 

REVIEW:

Though young Emmy Rossum became the instant star of 2004’s Phantom, Rossum’s co-star, Minnie Driver, delivers a knockout tune on her own.  Boosted by a lullaby-like melody and poignant lyrics, Driver’s low-key track transforms “Learn to Be Lonely” into an underrated gem.  Not only is this song the soundtrack’s sole original tune, Driver confirms that she’s one of this Phantom’s best creative elements.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

Note: Michelle Pfeiffer’s “Never Forget” from the 2017 Murder on the Orient Express movie soundtrack is also highly recommended.

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 4:11 Min.

Initially released as the theme song for 1985’s The Jewel of the Nile film, it has resurfaced as one of Billy Ocean’s greatest hits/best-of tunes.  As a familiar mid-80’s radio hit, the song appears on the Billboard Top Hits:1986 album.  Of note is that Ocean and the prolific Robert “John Mutt” Lange are among those credited with co-writing this pop/R&B-blended tune. 

Also, the rollicking music video features the movie’s stars: Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito clad in matching all-white tuxedos lip-synching as Ocean’s ‘back-up singers.’  Wearing sunglasses, DeVito even throws in a supposed ‘sax solo’ for good measure.     

REVIEW:

This effervescent tune is about the only positive coming out of Jewel of the Nile – the lackluster and totally unnecessary sequel to 1984’s Romancing the Stone.  Undoubtedly, this track also must rate among the most cheerfully upbeat show tunes of the era.  Even if certain spots of the melody don’t age well, Ocean and his back-up singers imbue this song with a playfully endearing approach.  For that alone, “When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” is worthy of downloading to any number of playlists.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7½ Stars

IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 2:55 Min.

This track is the theme to the same-named CBS 1978-82 sitcom.  As sung by its original artist, Steve Carlisle, this radio-length version leads off Rhino Records’ 1995 album: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The ‘80s.  The song, as if he is writing a letter to a ex-girlfriend, reflects the perspective of WKRP’s program director/restless industry journeyman, Andy Travis (actor Gary Sandy).   

Note: Coincidentally, Carlisle’s singing voice resembles that of actor Richard Sanders (aka WKRP’s nebbish news director, Les Nessman).

REVIEW:

For loyal fans of the 1978-82 TV series, Carlisle’s rendition offers a wonderful three-minute dose of nostalgia.  It’s a tune well worth adding to any TV soundtrack playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

SUMMARY:                                            RUNNING TIME: 1:46 Min.

Retiring Jack Jones’ original lounge act-style version, Love Boat producers recruited Dionne Warwick to cover his familiar tune for the show’s final season (1985-86) on ABC Television.  Paul Williams wrote the song’s lyrics while veteran TV composer Charles Fox supplied the melody. 

REVIEW:

Even if this particular gig was just a paycheck to her, give Dionne Warwick credit where it’s due.  She imbues fresh energy into a comatose theme song.  Especially today, for serial channel-surfers, hearing a snippet of Jack Jones’ snooze-inducing rendition of The Love Boat will conjure up visions of stale re-runs from decades ago.  Warwick’s breezy cover is somehow exhilarating enough to consider catching a Love Boat episode in syndication — just for old time’s sake. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars

SUMMARY:                                           RUNNING TIME: 2:35 Min.

By original artist/co-writer Gary Portnoy, it’s the extended theme song of NBC’s 1982-93 sitcom, Cheers.  The track is # 9 on Rhino Records’ 1995 compilation album: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The 80’s. 

REVIEW:

While the minute-long version for the TV series is fine as is, it’s practically bland in comparison.  Gary Portnoy’s witty, full-length version sprinkles in cynical tidbits of timeless, everyday humor that any beleaguered adult can relate to.  The familiar Cheers melody holds up remarkably well, but the additional verses Portnoy subtly includes in the lyrics are a hoot.  Definitely well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.

For the 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, actors Jeremy Irvine & Pierce Brosnan contribute past and present-day vocals as ‘Sam Carmichael.’  Covering the classic ABBA tune, the quartet is completed by Lily James (as a young Donna Sheridan) and Amanda Seyfried (as her adult daughter, Sophie).

REVIEW:

It’s not a gem like the original ABBA tune is.  Still, this cover-by-committee is good enough, considering it’s hard to miss with such a wonderful melody.  Jeremy Irvine keeps up relatively well with Lily James and Amanda Seyfried after he leads off this tune with an appealing solo.  Suffice to say, Irvine’s amateur vocals readily surpass this cover’s glaring weakness: Pierce Brosnan’s mercifully brief solo, which is heard later on.   

Yet, it’s no shocker that the song’s co-MVP’s are James and Seyfried.  Make no mistake: the two actresses share splendid vocal chemistry worthy of ABBA’s version. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7½ Stars

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 4:23 Min.

By original artists B.J. Thomas and Dusty Springfield, this radio-length version is the theme song of ABC’s 1985-92 sitcom, Growing Pains.  The track is # 14 on Rhino Records’ 1995 compilation album: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The 80’s. 

REVIEW:

Even if one isn’t a fan of Growing Pains, this upbeat pop tune retains its sunny brand of charm.  Aside from the saccharine melody, “As Long as We Got Each Other” delivers a solid duet from B.J. Thomas & Dusty Springfield that won’t likely bore listeners.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars