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

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 3:46 Min.

It’s the second of two songs that Kenny Loggins recorded for 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack.  This tune is included on the album’s 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Loggins co-wrote the track with collaborator Dean Pitchford.   

REVIEW:

Considering the popularity of Kenny Loggins’ title track, it’s not a surprise that “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” has long been overshadowed.  Yet, this track possesses some Loggins magic, even if “Footloose” is undeniably far catchier.  Curiously, history would repeat itself as 1986’s Top Gun soundtrack also double ups on Loggins.  Like before, his energetic “Playing With the Boys” wouldn’t prove nearly as popular as “Danger Zone.,” though it’s still a good song.

In this instance, too, “I’m Free (Heaven Helps the Man)” merits a fair shot at re-discovery.  Proving better than mere filler, it’s a likable addition for ‘80s rock-pop, soundtrack, and workout playlists.        

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     6 Stars

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SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 5:09 Min.

Recorded by Air Supply for 1984’s Ghostbusters film soundtrack, it serves as the movie’s love theme.

REVIEW:

It’s hard to fathom this poignant track belongs to Ghostbusters, but “I Can Wait Forever” delivers high-caliber Air Supply.  To its credit, Ghostbusters’ love theme holds up in spite of its obviously mid-80’s melody and, more potently, an overdose of schmaltzy lyrics.  

If anything, this Air Supply tune balances spot-on vocals with sharp instrumental work (i.e. the piano accompaniment) making a welcome addition to easy listening playlists.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:13 Min.

Written and recorded by Eric Clapton, this soft rock tune is the fourth cut on 1985’s Back to the Future film soundtrack.   

REVIEW:

Clapton is in decent form.  Still, like Lindsey Buckingham’s paycheck-cashing “Time Bomb Town,” Clapton’s “Heaven is One Step Away” is utterly no match for Huey Lewis & The News on this same album.  Even the tracks by the movie’s fictional ‘Marvin Berry & The Starlighters’ sound far more alive than either Clapton or Buckingham.  

Instantly forgettable, “Heaven is One Step Away” is a demure filler tune that is best enjoyed as part of the complete soundtrack.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      5 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 4:01 Min.

From Jamiroquai’s 2005 album, Dynamite, “Seven Days in Sunny June” was recruited the following year for The Devil Wears Prada movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

It’s got a pleasantly funky sound.  Jamiroquai’s “Seven Days in Sunny June” also deftly incorporates British R&B and jazz, with a twist of dance/electronica.  This lively musical cocktail should make a welcome option for various home playlists (including workouts & dinner parties). 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 3:23 Min.

Performed by Sammy Hagar, the song appears on 1984’s Footloose film soundtrack.  The tune is included on the album’s 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  Hagar collaborated with composer Dean Pitchford creating this rock tune.   

REVIEW:

Considering Footloose’s storyline is about high school kids, it’s probably best not to contemplate this song’s insinuated context.  Still, if one likes old school Sammy Hagar, then “The Girl Gets Around” is a potential keeper.  Loud and loaded with top-notch instrumental work, this catchy tune is worth adding to hard rock playlists.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 3:24 Min.

Performed by Phil Collins, this pop track was initially recorded for the 1989 film, Buster, which Collins also starred in.  The song inspired a music video that was in regular rotation for months on VH1 after its release.  Collins composed the tune with Lamont Dozier.  “Two Hearts” notably appears on Collins’ 1998 Hits album.

REVIEW:

Upon first impression, it’s Collins at his exuberant best. The bubbly, retro-jazzy pop sound powering “Two Hearts” is an instant antidote for gloom. In that sense, it’s a deliberately opposite mood shift away from the downbeat “A Groovy Kind of Love,” which Collins also performed for Buster. 

The song, style-wise, recalls a previous Collins hit: “You Can’t Hurry Love,” as far as its upbeat vibe grabbing listeners. Though the tune tends to overindulge on pop fizz, it’s still a refreshing option for ‘80s pop, soundtracks, or British-themed playlists

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 3:15 Min.

British performer Gabrielle recorded and co-wrote this romantic tune for 2001’s Bridget Jones’s Diary movie soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Seamlessly blending R&B and pop, Gabrielle’s engaging vocals make this tune a semi-gem.  Between the spot-on instrumental work and its classy lyrics, “Out of Reach” offers a welcome addition to R&B and soundtrack playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:           7½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 5:15 Min.

Recorded by Queen as a pivotal theme narrating the 1986 Highlander film, this epic ballad later made its CD debut in 1991 upon A Kind of Magic’s re-release.  The same album sports an instrumental remix entitled “Forever,” though it runs two minutes shorter.    

REVIEW:

Other than “Princes of the Universe,” no other Queen track is more closely associated with Highlander.  Wistfully defining Connor McLeod’s immortality, the ethereal “Who Wants to Live Forever” merits recognition as among Queen’s finest works.  Freddie Mercury’s haunting vocals resonate long after the song ends.  Even for non-Highlander fans, this poignant track is highly recommended.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     10 Stars

Note: There’s a digitally-remastered rendition of this song on Queen’s 2002 Platinum Collection — it’s about twenty seconds shorter.

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 4:17 Min.

Before re-inventing himself as a film composer, Danny Elfman was the heart of 80s New Wave group, Oingo Boingo.  Written by Elfman, this Oingo Boingo tune is the title track for the same-named 1985 sci-fi/comedy film starring Anthony Michael Hall & Kelly LeBrock. 

Elfman’s song was later utilized for the USA Network TV series adaptation from 1994-98.  Since the movie soundtrack’s release, “Weird Science” occasionally resurfaces on pop or soundtrack compilations, including 1998’s VH1: The Big 80’s – The Big Movies.

REVIEW:

Including a homage to Universal’s original Frankenstein film, this wacky New Wave tune accomplishes exactly what it’s supposed to do.  Not only inspiring enthusiasm to see the movie, Danny Elfman’s band is the 80’s radio-friendly answer to Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash.”  Paired with Pickett’s cult classic, “Weird Science” is a wacky add-on for any Halloween party-themed playlist.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7 Stars

Note: Worth catching is another Elfman movie tune featuring his vocals: “The Little Things,” from 2008’s Wanted soundtrack.

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