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

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 3:16 Min.

Collaborating with Barry Manilow, Will & Grace TV series star Eric McCormack recorded this ballad for 2004’s Will & Grace: Let the Music Out! TV compilation soundtrack.  Manilow is the song’s pianist, as McCormack’s Will Truman vocalizes his self-deprecating point-of-view.

REVIEW:

Eric McCormack’s dual meaning re: grace  — specifically, an insecure Will quietly living his life with “grace” and his appreciative gratitude to roommate Grace Adler (Debra Messing) is remarkably well-played.  Further, there’s no mistaking “Living With Grace” as a poignant Barry Manilow-style love song. 

Not only he is also its songwriter, McCormack’s artistic versatility extends to a mellow vocal style worthy of Manilow’s prime.  As for Manilow’s elegant piano work, it’s deliberately reminiscent of the best kind of sentimental, mid-70’s love melodies.   Even for non-fans of the TV series, the low-key “Living With Grace” gives off a classy vibe.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        9 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 4:54 Min.

As Track # 7, this upbeat ‘inspired-by’ effort appears on Jon Bon Jovi’s 1990 Blaze of Glory soundtrack for the Young Guns II movie. 

REVIEW:

Despite its anachronistic reference to a ‘jukebox,’ this rollicking track is another quality effort from Jon Bon Jovi.  Conveying Billy the Kid and his pals’ shared attitude as fugitives/moving targets, this underrated rock tune gets lost behind Blaze of Glory’s higher-profile tracks as top-end filler.  If anything, the catchy “Never Say Die” ages well, as it’s worthy of any number of possible playlists, especially workouts.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7 Stars

SUMMARY:                                            RUNNING TIME: 4:27 Min.

Recorded by Queen for the 1986 Highlander film, this romantic pop ballad later made its CD debut in 1991 upon A Kind of Magic’s re-release.  Continuity-wise, a lyric re: “and pain is so close to pleasure” would inspire its own track on this same album.      

REVIEW:

Queen (especially Freddie Mercury’s sharp vocals) delivers a good ballad conveying Conner McLeod’s present-day romance in Highlander.  Including a satisfying sax solo, this contemplative love song blends low-key ambiance with wistful poignancy.  As a solo download option, “One Year of Love” is overshadowed by flashier tracks off the same album.  Yet, it’s still worth consideration for ‘80s soft rock playlists.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             7 Stars

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 4:21 Min.

Recorded by Queen as a background song for the 1986 Highlander film, this tune later made its CD debut in 1991 upon A Kind of Magic’s re-release.      

REVIEW:

Even Freddie Mercury in his prime and a nice melody can only do so much with this upbeat mush.  Much of the blame can go to some insipid lyrics.  Suffice to say, “Pain is So Close to Pleasure” is one of A Kind of Magic’s weaker efforts.  It’s okay to hear on the album, but the song is quickly forgettable filler.  Only for die-hards is this song worth the price of a download.  Considering the song’s title is also a lyric in “One Year of Love,” the latter song is a distinctly better bet on this same album.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          4 Stars

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 3:20 Min.

It’s an instrumental of Queen’s “Who Wants to Live Forever” from the 1986 Highlander film.  The piano-driven track made its CD debut in 1991 upon A Kind of Magic’s re-release.  Brian May performs the piano sections.  Notably, this remix runs two minutes shorter than the original song.      

REVIEW:

Even without Freddie Mercury’s haunting vocals, this poignant track is still potent.  For the ethereal “Who Wants to Live Forever” from this same album, the “Forever (Remix)” delivers a high-caliber reprise. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

Note: There’s a digitally-remastered rendition of “Who Wants to Live Forever” on Queen’s 2002 Platinum Collection.

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 3:36 Min.

Performed by Patti LaBelle, this upbeat track appears on 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop film soundtrack.  It’s one of LaBelle’s two tracks on this album; the other tune is “New Attitude.”        

REVIEW:

Patti LaBelle’s endearing vocals are matched with a wonderfully upbeat ‘80s R&B/pop melody.  The song’s instrumentals are definitely fun to hear, including some terrific saxophone work.  “Stir It Up” is a great option for up-tempo 80s’ playlists and for workouts.  The same applies to LaBelle’s other Beverly Hills Cop track, “New Attitude,” as these two songs work well in tandem.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

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