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

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 5:10 Min.

As the love song narrating the end credits of James Cameron’s 1997 Oscar-winning film, this poignant track was recorded by Celine Dion.  Among its numerous accolades are wins at the 1998 Golden Globes, the 1998 Oscars, and the 1999 Grammys.

Note: The song was simultaneously recorded for inclusion on Dion’s 1997 album, Let’s Talk About Love.

REVIEW:

In the context of the film’s closing credits, Celine Dion’s track is superb.  Unabashedly romantic (or sentimentally mushy, if you will), it’s up to the individual listener how well Dion’s signature hit has aged. 

Just hearing actress Kate Winslet’s public comments — suffice to say, she has allegedly has been subjected to this track far, far too often.  This dilemma stems not only from its overwhelming radio overexposure (much like Bryan Adams’ 1991 smash hit “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), but also perhaps from Dion’s own grandiose performance. 

To her credit, Dion’s voice gracefully ignites composer Will Jennings’ lyrics and James Horner’s gorgeous melody.  Its wistful spirit harkens back to the kind of heartfelt romanticism that powers Helen Reddy’s “Candle on the Water,” from the original Pete’s Dragon.  In that sense, hearing this track for the first time can be stunning.     

Even if Dion’s performance over-extends itself, “My Heart Will Go On” is still terrific when heard every once so often.  Much like Reddy’s timeless “Candle on the Water,” it’s an undeniable showstopper.          

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 2:57 Min.

Recorded by The Thompson Twins, this track from their 1983’s Quick Step & Side Kick album is heard in the 1984 Molly Ringwald film, Sixteen Candles.  Among other collections, the tune would subsequently resurface on 1998’s VH1: The Big 80’s – The Big Movies compilation album.

REVIEW:

As a New Wave pop equivalent of a cologne spritz, “If You Were Here” retains a timeless scent linking it to the mid-80s.  The song’s subtle charm and slightly quirky sound makes it a decent catch for ‘80s New Wave/nostalgia pop and/or soundtrack playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

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SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 3:51 Min.

For the 2018 sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the extended ensemble cast belts out this ABBA hit during the closing credits. 

Note: For the original film, the trio of Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski, & Julie Walters cover this same tune.

REVIEW:

Incorporating a dreamy, disco-flavored overture, ABBA’s melody is expanded into a more cinematic style to accommodate this large ensemble.  Hence, their energetic rendition of “Super Trouper” becomes a welcome treat.  With Cher leading off, the feminine vocal chemistry displayed by Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, and Meryl Streep, among others, is impressive.  Suffice to say, they effectively drown out their male counterparts relegated to the chorus.  Well-played! 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 8 Stars

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 3:03 Min.

From the soundtrack of 1965’s Thunderball starring Sean Connery, this James Bond tune was recorded by Welsh singer Tom Jones.  This song is also included on Best of Bond … James Bond  compilation albums (which includes the franchise’s theme songs to date).   

Note: Best of Bond .. James Bond includes a 40^th Anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.

REVIEW:

There’s no doubt that Tom Jones’ bombastic vocals deliver the first bigger-than-life Bond theme song.  The descriptive lyrics continue the formula from Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” by playing up the villain’s ruthless, bigger-than-life mentality.  Then again, Jones’ tune could just as well just as apply to Sean Connery’s macho interpretation of James Bond.  If anything, this nostalgic song is a fun three minutes from the Best of Bond compilations.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

Note: To hear Jones spoofing his own grandiose “Thunderball” style, recommended is his theme song for the animated Duck Dodgers (in the 24^th ½ Century) TV series.

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SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 2:34 Min.

From the soundtrack of 1963’s From Russia With Love starring Sean Connery, this James Bond tune was recorded by English singer Matt Monro.  Historically, it has the distinction of being the first Bond title song saved for the closing credits rather than the main credits.  Monro’s tune has been re-released on some compilation albums, primarily multiple updates of the Best of Bond … James Bond  (which includes the franchise’s theme songs to date).   

Note: Best of Bond .. James Bond includes a 40^th Anniversary edition in 2002 and a subsequent update in 2008 for Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” from Casino Royale.

REVIEW:

Within the film’s context, Monro’s “From Russia With Love” works beautifully spelling out Bond’s love affair with Daniela Bianchi’s Tatiana Romanova.  Yet, when heard separately, this low-key song (akin to Tom Jones Lite) doesn’t age particularly well.  Still, as part of the Best of Bond collections, this nostalgic treat is worth enjoying for its historic value.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6 Stars

Note: For a recommended “From Russia With Love” instrumental, try Lifestyles’ 2001 Night at the Movies two-disc set.  Its grand orchestral rendition (on Disc 2), which includes a brief homage to the instrumental melody narrating the film’s opening credits, offers a neat experience for Bond aficionados.

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SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 4:13 Min.

Co-written with David Foster, John Parr’s signature pop-rock tune first appeared as the central theme of 1985’s St. Elmo’s Fire movie soundtrack.  It has resurfaced on various ‘80s anthology albums since then, including Billboard Top Hits: 1985 and Atlantic Hit Singles: 1980-1988. 

REVIEW:

Bolstered by a catchy melody, hearing this tune’s occasional radio play remains a blast.  Surprisingly articulate for this style of song, the lyrics grasp facing life as a twentysomething.  Impressively, John Parr doesn’t just rehash a limited set of catchphrases over and over – his song continues building up to the end.  For any 80’s pop or soundtrack playlist, St Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) is well worth the download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7½ Stars

Note: An ideal companion download would be Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from 1985’s The Breakfast Club movie soundtrack.

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

Performed by Joe Cocker and Sass Jordan, this pop-rock tune appears on 1992’s The Bodyguard movie soundtrack.       

REVIEW:

Overshadowed by Whitney Houston’s five entries on the same album, “Trust in Me” has everything one hopes for in an underrated rock duet.  Primarily, the hard-edged melody enhances Joe Cocker & Sass Jordan’s vocal chemistry that the end result is nothing short of a dynamite track.  Definitely recommended!   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 3:29 Min.

Performed by Karla Bonoff, the song appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack, as well as its 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Dean Pitchford & Tom Snow co-wrote this song.   

REVIEW:

Considering how the Footloose soundtrack has a surplus of catchy mid-80’s pop-rock melodies, this track is really no exception.  Still, “Somebody’s Eyes” is unmistakably filler.  While it’s a decent catch as part of the full album’s download, the track isn’t likely worth a solo purchase.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5 Stars

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SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 3:47 Min.

This Moving Pictures rock tune appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack, as well as its 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Dean Pitchford & Michael Gore co-wrote the song.   

REVIEW:

Despite being overshadowed by higher-profile tracks from the same album, “Never” has its own appeal.  Between solid instrumental work and terrific rock vocals, this fast-paced dance track is worth considering for ‘80s rock and workout playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             6 Stars

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