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

(KEEP MY LOVE) ALIVE (by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band: Eddie and The Cruisers II movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 20, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:42 Min.

This rock tune was recorded by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band for 1989’s Eddie & The Cruisers II soundtrack. For the film, Cafferty provides the voice of ‘Eddie Wilson,’ while Michael Paré does the acting. This particular song appears only briefly as background music in the movie. Yet, it isn’t ever made clear if the song is material from Eddie’s new band or came off a ‘mystery tape’ Eddie had recorded more than twenty years before (presumably, one should think the former).

REVIEW:

Its assets are an upbeat rock melody tinged by R&B and John Cafferty’s energetic vocals. Yet, “(Keep My Love) Alive” just sounds very much like it’s filler material. The tune is still solid listening on the complete album — the track itself isn’t likely worth a solo download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's)

DYIN’ AIN’T MUCH OF A LIVIN’ {Young Guns II} (by Jon Bon Jovi: Blaze of Glory)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 19, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:39 Min.

‘Inspired’ by Young Guns II, this mid-tempo ballad is Track # 10 on Jon Bon Jovi’s 1990 Blaze of Glory album.

Note: If purchasing as a solo download, please beware it might not include the intro – it’s a tense dialogue clip of Kiefer Sutherland’s ‘Doc Scurlock.’ Otherwise, this clip comes at the end of Track # 9: “Bang a Drum.”

REVIEW:

Balanced by a spot-on melody, this ballad poignantly contemplates a tired gunslinger’s regrets, both past and present. Like “Miracle,” off this same album, its contemporary subject matter extends beyond Young Guns II. Still, “Miracle” is faintly optimistic, unlike the bleak self-loathing permeating “Dyin’ Ain’t Much of a Livin,’” Though this tune just as easily could fit aboard a present-day Bon Jovi album, it’s really more a second-tier option, in terms of download options.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

COULDA BEEN (by Kimberley Locke: One Love)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 19, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.

American Idol alum Kimberley Locke performs this pop/R&B track for her 2003 album, One Love.

REVIEW:

Further bolstered by an upbeat melody, Kimberley Locke’s confident vocals ensure that “Coulda Been” is a treat for fans. As a worthy sample of One Love, it’s a solid choice for contemporary pop/R&B playlists. This song also makes a tempting argument to obtain Locke’s complete album — frankly, it’s an underrated gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

BULLET THE BLUE SKY (by U2: The Joshua Tree)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 19, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:32 Min.

It’s the fourth track off U2’s seminal 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.

REVIEW:

This moody rock tune is overshadowed by the album’s three classic tracks: “Where the Streets Have No Name;” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For;” and “With or Without You.” In comparison with some of U2’s best work ever, “Bullet the Blue Sky” benefits from a pulsating melody that reverberates Bono’s somewhat mumbling vocals. The overall effect is impressive, especially the instrumentals. Though purchasing the complete Joshua Tree album makes better sense, this thoughtful song is definitely a viable option for 80’s rock playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

BANG THAT BEAT (by C+C Music Factory: Gonna Make You Sweat)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 19, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:35 Min.

This dance tune is Track # 10 off C+C Music Factory’s 1990 album, Gonna Make You Sweat.

REVIEW:

Maybe “Bang That Beat” doesn’t age especially well, but its combination of clean rapping and a funky dance sound is still endearing. This light-hearted track could prove a good choice for a retro-90’s aerobics/cardio playlist.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

CARNIVAL (by Natalie Merchant: Tigerlily)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 19, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:59 Min.

After departing 10,000 Maniacs, its lead vocalist, Natalie Merchant, launched her solo debut with 1995’s Tigerlily album. This soft rock track, along with “Wonder” and “Jealousy,” were radio hits and inspired MTV music videos. Notably, the black-and-white music video conveys Merchant’s walk observing downtown New York City’s daily life. Merchant also wrote this song.

REVIEW:

Considering it was the lead-off radio hit for Tigerlily’s release, “Carnival” spells out why this album has aged remarkably well. Natalie Merchant’s intelligent commentary re: daily big city life sounds timeless – especially, as her poetic lyrics are in sync with an inspired, grunge-like rock melody. There’s no question that “Carnival” deserves its spot on any ‘90s soft rock playlists. Along with “Wonder,” this track is a persuasive advertisement for the Tigerlily album.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic

BELOVED WIFE (by Natalie Merchant: Tigerlily)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 19, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:02 Min.

After departing 10,000 Maniacs, its lead vocalist, Natalie Merchant, launched her solo debut with 1995’s Tigerlily album. Contemplating a lonely widower who is struggling to manage living life alone, this soft rock ballad appears as Track # 3.

REVIEW:

In a showcase of Natalie Merchant’s poetic talents, this soft-spoken (and bleak) portrait of life’s loneliness through the eyes of a grieving widower is an underrated masterpiece. Anchored by an ideally poignant melody, Merchant’s elegant lyrics convey the topic of life after ‘death do us part,’ with dignity and realistic optimism. “Beloved Wife” probably isn’t meant for any 90s’s soft rock playlist loops, but it is among several gems worthy of re-discovery on Tigerlily.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's) Soundtracks (Digital)

IT’S RAINING MEN {Cover} (by Geri Halliwell: Bridget Jones’s Diary movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 18, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

Covering The Weather Girls’ 1982 disco hit, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell performed this tune for 2001’s Bridget Jones’ s Diary movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

While The Weather Girls’ vibrant original version is bright and sunny – Geri Halliwell, though faithful to the song’s melody, opts for something closer to scorching. Her performance impressively kicks this exuberant dance song up a few notches. Whether it’s for workouts or dance playlists, this guilty pleasure song is simply dynamite.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Individual Tracks (CD's) Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic Soundtracks (CD's) Soundtracks (Digital)

HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES? {Cover} (by Robbie Williams: Bridget Jones’s Diary movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date November 18, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:33 Min.

The original Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart relic dates clear back to 1937. British performer Robbie Williams covers this romantic show tune for 2001’s Bridget Jones’s Diary movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Going into full-on, old-school Sinatra mode, Robbie Williams delivers a swing jazz-pop show-stopper. With ideal big band support, Williams transforms this song into an exuberant gem.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

Note: Williams goes two-for-two with the wonderful “Not of This Earth” (which he co-wrote) for the same soundtrack.

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