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

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: Approx. 78 Min.

Released in 2000 by Top Sail Productions through Time Warner, this collection assembles twenty vintage 80’s pop-rock hits by the original artists, as endorsed by legendary radio host Casey Kasem from America’s Top 40.  Not in any sort of continuity, the tracks are the following:

1. “Back on the Chain Gang”      The Pretenders             3:48
2. “Hungry Like the Wolf”          Duran Duran                3:23
3. “Hold Me Now”                     The Thompson Twins    4:45
4. “Call Me”                              Blondie                          3:31
5. “Heaven”                               Bryan Adams                  4:03
6. “The Living Years”                Mike & The Mechanics  5:00
7. “Need You Tonight”                INXS                                3:02
8. “Come On, Eileen”              Dexys Midnight Runners    4:11
9. “Love Song”                         The Cure                           3:25
10. “Electric Avenue”                  Eddy Grant                        3:48
11. “He’s So Shy”                      The Pointer Sisters            3:38
12. “At This Moment”              Billy Vera & The Beaters  4:13
13. “All Out of Love”               Air Supply                          4:00
14. “Shout”                             Tears for Fears                   4:04
15. “She Drives Me Crazy”      Fine Young Cannibals       3:36
16. “Another One Bites the Dust”   Queen                            3:37
17. “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” The Eurythmics  4:51
18. “Love Shack”                     The B-52’s                         4:16
19. “Rock This Town”             The Stray Cats                  3:23
20. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”   Simply Red         3:25

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of an 80’s Top 40 radio playlist without the commercial breaks, this album is pure nostalgia.  At nearly eighty minutes, consumers will certainly get their money’s worth and then some. In terms of a practical advantage, if one is looking for a particular 80’s radio hit by an 80’s artist, then this CD is a good place to start.

PACKAGING:

While my CD case, unfortunately, didn’t survive, it does have all the pertinent product information on the back cover.  The disc itself also lists all of the tracks, artists, and running times.  The album booklet-insert has the obligatory credits.

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                           10 Stars

SUMMARY:                    APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 68 Min.

As Adams’ second career compilation, this album was first released outside the U.S. in 1999.  It subsequently became available in the U.S. in 2001-2002 through A&M Records.  Best of Me consists of these fifteen tracks:    

                Track:                                             Running Time:

1. The Best of Me (1999)                                  3:33
2. Can’t Stop This Thing We Started (1991)          4:29
3. I’m Ready (1997)                                                4:29
4. Summer of ’69 (1984)                                         3:34
5. Let’s Make It a Night to Remember (1996)         6:19
6. All for Love (with Rod Stewart & Sting – 1993)  [The Three Musketeers]  4:36
7. Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman (1996)   [Don Juan DeMarco]   4:48
8. Run To You (1984)                                             3:54
9. Cloud Number Nine (1999)                                 4:11
10. (Everything I Do) I Do It for You (1991) [Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves]  6:34
11.  Back to You (1997)                                            4:30
12. When You’re Gone (with Mel C. – 1998)               3:25
13.  Please Forgive Me (1993)                                    5:58
14.  The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me is You (1996)   3:37
15.  Inside Out (1998)                                              4:43         

REVIEW:

Partially doubling up 1993’s rollicking So Far So Good, this second Adams greatest-hits experience is geared more towards his efforts from the latter 1990’s.  One can’t dispute including Summer of ’69 and Run to You, though Cuts Like a Knife from that same album would have been worthy, too.  Further, representation from 1991’s Waking Up the Neighbours (Tracks 2 and 10) and his soundtrack contributions (Tracks 6-7, and again 10) make perfect sense. 

As a movie love song, the flamenco-flavored Track 7’s originality is a welcome signal re: Adams’ versatility.  It certainly surpasses the syrupy Track 6, which is essentially a paycheck for its all-star trio.  Though All for Love is enjoyably catchy, its clichéd romanticism merely imitates Track 11’s timeless (Everything I Do) I Do It for You).  Perhaps there’s also a curious touch of irony, as the terrific Please Forgive Me (Track 13) was itself an original addition to So Far So Good. 

Still, what’s apparent is how Adams’ career prime levels off after 1996.  While his vocals remain consistently appealing, the bland post-1996 tunes represented here are often forgettable.  It’s like Adams is coasting on fumes, at least as compared to his inspired earlier works.  In terms of this collection’s value, if one doesn’t already have a copy of the far better Waking Up The Neighbours and/or So Far So Good, then this album is a solid purchase for a nearly seventy-minute album.  Yet, too much of The Best of Me recycles Adams’ lesser material.  As a mild disappointment, this album is a mixed bag sporting a ratio of nine great songs to maybe six in the otherwise so-so range. 

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times are listed on the CD case’s back cover.  Besides the obligatory credits, the booklet includes song lyrics and various black-and-white images of Adams.  One of these photos is a blurry, self-indulgent backside glimpse of Adams in the buff, as if in proximity to a hot tub.  The case itself is standard-issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 55 Min.

Released in 1991 by Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., this album represents Gloria Estefan’s triumphant return upon recovering from a traumatic back injury suffered in a tour bus accident the year before.  With most of these songs written or co-written by Estefan, the thirteen tracks are:

1. Coming Out of The Dark                              4:05
2. Seal Our Fate                                               4:25
3. What Goes Around                                      4:01
4. Nayib’s Song (I Am Here For You)                4:39
5. Remember Me With Love                              4:36
6. Heart With Your Name On It                       4:46
7. Sex in The 90’s                                            3:43
8. Close My Eyes                                             4:29
9. Light of Love                                               3:52
10. Can’t Forget You                                          4:15
11. Live for Loving You                                      4:37
12.  Mama Yo Can’t Go                                     3:33
13. Desde La Oscuridad (Coming Out of the Dark – Spanish Version)    4:09

REVIEW:

Into the Light doesn’t improve upon or even equal 1989’s high-caliber Cuts Both Ways, but it’s still a worthy sequel.  Book-ending her likable album between the poignant “Coming Out of the Dark,” and its Spanish-language counterpart, Gloria Estefan smartly balances Into the Light.  The pulsating, high-energy dance tunes burst with an infectious ambiance while solemn emotion anchors her ballads. 

The album’s most heartfelt vibe belongs to Track 4’s compassionate message to her son, Nayib, re: parenting him in a troubled world.  More so, the song is meant to inspire her young son to overcome life’s confusing obstacles. 

In contrast, however, the misguided Track # 7: “Sex in the 90’s” should be altogether avoided. While Estefan’s cautionary lyrics are seemingly good-intentioned, this dance song is ridiculously cheesy and comes off as badly outdated – even for that same decade. Its strangest element is adding an uncredited Pee-wee Herman (or perhaps a very convincing sound-alike) later in the song on recurring back-up vocals/giggles. Suffice to say, it adds an unwelcome layer of creepiness to Estefan’s likely career-worst tune.

Even if most of the other tunes (i.e. Track 9’s Light of Love) tread closer to classy filler material, Estefan’s charisma amply compensates at the right moments.  Notably, this album updates her ‘80s-style dance beats by infusing a more sophisticated approach compatible with the early ’90s.  Overcoming the likelihood of sounding hopelessly outdated (apart from the tone-deaf Track # 7), Into the Light remains a refreshing experience for Estefan’s fans.

PACKAGING:

The tracks are listed on the CD case’s back cover.  The inserted booklet includes: a track listing; each song’s lyrics; technical credits; and thank-you notes.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7½ Stars

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 79 Min.

Released in 2002 by Motown Records, this 21-track collection assembles Wonder’s best works dating back to 1963.  The Definitive Collection consists of these tracks:    

1. Fingertips (Part 2) [1963]                            3:11
2. Uptight (Everything’s Alright) [1965]            2:54
3. Hey Love [1966]                                          2:43
4. I Was Made to Love Her [1967]                    2:36
5. For Once in My Life [1968]                           2:50
6. My Cherie Amour [1969]                              2:52
7. Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours [1970]     2:39
8. You Are the Sunshine of My Life [1972-1973]  2:52
9. Superstition [1972]                                      4:05
10.  Higher Ground [1973]                                3:11
11.  Living for the City [1973]                            7:25
12.  You Haven’t Done Nothin’ [1974]                3:24
13.  Boogie on Reggae Woman [1974]                   4:11
14.  I Wish [1976]                                              4:09
15.  Sir Duke [1977]                                          3:54
16.  Master Blaster (Jammin’) [1980]                    4:51
17.  That Girl [1981-1982]                                5:09
18.  Do I Do [1982]                                           5:04
19.  I Just Called to Say I Love You [1983-1984]  4:22
20.  Overjoyed [1985-1986]                                 3:44
21.  Part-Time Lover [1985]                                3:42    

REVIEW:

All twenty-one tracks were evidently chosen with care, as this collection’s amazing sound is virtually flawless.  For Stevie Wonder fans or listeners interested in an amazing retrospective spanning 1963 to 1985, then The Definitive Collection is truly a can’t-miss proposition.  Highly recommended! 

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times are listed on the CD case’s back cover.  In addition to the obligatory credits (and album info re: each track), the classy booklet insert offers an insightful introduction from Motown-era disk jockey Scott Regan, as told to Harry Weinger.  The booklet provides several top-quality portraits of Wonder from over the years, as well as thumbnail images of his albums represented in this collection.  Track listings and running times are also included.  The CD case itself is standard-issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                10 Stars

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 42 Min.

Released by Island Records in 1984, this album consists of ten tracks, all written by U2.

1. A Sort of Homecoming                        5:28
2. Pride (In the Name of Love)                 3:49
3. Wire                                                  4:19
4. The Unforgettable Fire                        4:55
5. Promenade                                         2:34
6. 4^th of July                                         2:14
7. Bad                                                   6:08
8. Indian Summer Sky                           4:19
9. Elvis Presley and America                  6:22
10. MLK                                              2:32

REVIEW:

Although “Pride (In the Name of Love)” is vintage U2, most of this downbeat album sounds ordinary in comparison.  Making out Bono’s often faint vocals can also be problematic for those not accustomed to his performance style.  A few tracks (i.e. “Wire;” the haunting “MLK;” and “The Unforgettable Fire”) could merit slots representing U2 in any 80’s rock playlist, but the remaining six songs are essentially background noise.  As a primer to U2’s best albums, The Unforgettable Fire is a decent effort.  

PACKAGING:

The tracks are listed on the CD case’s back cover and the CD itself.  The bare-bones insert has the lyrics for Track # 1 and the obligatory credits.  Three black-and-white portraits help decorate the booklet.  The CD case is standard-issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6½ Stars

SUMMARY:                       APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 40 Min.

Released by ATCO Records in 1980, this album consists of ten tracks, which were produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange.

1. Hell’s Bells                                            5:09
2. Shoot to Thrill                                       5:14
3. What Do You Do for Money Money       3:33
4. Given the Dog a Bone                            3:30
5. Let Me Put My Love Into You                4:12
6. Back in Black                                       4:13
7. You Shook Me All Night Long             3:28
8. Have a Drink on Me                             3:57
9. Shake a Leg                                         4:03
10. Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution      4:12

REVIEW:

Leading off with an ominous bell tolling, AC/DC’s Back in Black album is a heavy metal time machine.  There’s no mistaking why it inspired a surge of countless 80’s imitators.  After roughly forty years, Tracks 1, 2, and 6, in particular, reverberate the band’s legacy for pioneering this kind of pulsating sound.  For anyone unfamiliar with AC/DC, Back in Black makes an excellent starting point.  Keeping in mind that this album isn’t kid-friendly due to profanity-laced and/or suggestive lyrics, its thunderous tracks have never sounded better.  

PACKAGING:

The tracks and running times are listed on the CD case’s back cover and the CD itself.  In addition to the obligatory credits, the bare-bones insert has black-and-white individual portraits of Cliff Williams; Angus Young; Brian Johnson; Phil Rudd; and Malcolm Young.  The CD case is standard-issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8 Stars

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 55 Min.

Released in 1991, this twelve-track album consists of: 

1. Zoo Station          4:36
2. Even Better Than the Real Thing                 3:41
3. One        4:36
4. Until the End of the World             4:39
5. Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses        5:16
6. So Cruel                5:49
7. The Fly                 4:29
8. Mysterious Ways               4:04
9. Tryin’ to Throw Your Arms Around the World      3:53
10. Ultra Violet (Light My Way)         5:31
11. Acrobat                 4:30
12. Love is Blindness               4:23

REVIEW:

In a drought, after 1987’s Joshua Tree album, U2 revamped their original sound to adapt to the approaching 90’s.  For better or worse, Achtung Baby smashes it out of the proverbial park.  Songs, like “One” and “Mysterious Ways,”  pave the way for U2’s new era, with an upbeat and more meaningful feel for the band and listeners alike.

In terms of a complete album, Achtung Baby, along with a few others from the 1980’s, tends to be looked upon as U2’s  best material amongst fans. “One” would actually top The Rolling Stone’s list of ‘Best U2 Songs,’ while “Mysterious Ways,” “Ultra Violet,” and “Better Than the Real Thing,” unsurprisingly, remain on the band’s touring playlist nearly thirty years after release.  Each song is imbued with a distinct sound and stands alone as an artistic success in its own right – even if not all of them were chart-topping hits.  Case in point: “Cruel,” despite not being played on tours, was re-recorded by Bono years later and is probably this album’s gem floating under the radar.  As is, Achtung Baby presents U2 in their prime and makes a definitive statement adding to their rock-and-roll legacy.

PACKAGING:

For the album’s standard edition, there’s an extensive booklet with credits, song lyrics, and rare photos of the band. A mix of color and black-and-white photos convey a sense that the band was making a transition, and this presentation works.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                      8½ Stars