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

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 2:47 Min.

Recorded by Lindsey Buckingham, this upbeat soft rock tune is the second track off 1985’s Back to the Future film soundtrack.   

REVIEW:

At best, Lindsey Buckingham’s effort is an okay catch for anyone downloading the complete Back to the Future soundtrack.  Yet, it resembles Eric Clapton’s “Heaven is One Step Away” from the same album — there’s no mistaking that the song is meant as filler. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        4½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 3:56 Min.

For 1999’s The World is Not Enough starring Pierce Brosnan, this James Bond tune was recorded by Garbage.  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:

Garbage’s Scottish-born Shirley Manson imbues “The World is Not Enough” with considerable flair – just watch this song’s music video for convincing evidence.  Not only is the melody spot-on, this song’s lyrics cleverly allude to the credo held by the movie’s villainess. 

Like Tina Turner’s 1995 “Goldeneye,” this song accomplishes exactly what it’s supposed to do – work as an enticement to see the film.  Garbage’s work also accentuates the aura of sophistication in Pierce Brosnan’s third Bond film (that is, minus the preposterous casting of Denise Richards as a nuclear physicist).    

Comparatively speaking, Garbage’s classy operatic rock is a creative masterpiece vs. its dubious successor: Madonna’s 2002 “Die Another Day.”  Not only is Madonna’s techno-disco dreck a dubious farewell to Brosnan’s run as Bond, it doesn’t improve whatsoever over time.  Yet, after two decades, Garbage’s “The World is Not Enough” ages well for listeners.  In that sense, it’s a likable precursor to Adele’ award-winning “Skyfall” in 2012.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 2:35 Min.

Scottish singer Lulu recorded the title song for 1974’s The Man With the Golden Gun starring Roger Moore.  This song has subsequently been 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:

Prior to Madonna’s “Die Another Day,” in 2002, this Lulu misfire had the dubious distinction of being the least-impressive (and arguably worst) Bond theme song.  To Lulu’s credit, she presents a groovy 70’s disco tune where its lyrics define Golden Gun’s villainous assassin Scaramanga (actor Christopher Lee). 

Yet, aside from a decent melody, this tune is just as underwhelming as the movie itself is.  Considering Golden Gun’s pathetic reputation, Lulu’s quickly forgettable tune goes down with the ship, so to speak.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     4 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

The title song for Timothy Dalton’s 1987 James Bond movie debut, The Living Daylights, was recorded by Norwegian pop band, a-ha.  This song has since 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:

It was likely wishful thinking by the Bond film producers that a-ha’s similar pop sound could replicate the success of Duran Duran’s 1985 “View to a Kill.”  The problem is that a-ha’s tune isn’t nearly as catchy.  Despite some intriguing Cold War inferences, “The Living Daylights” at best makes a lukewarm impression. 

Included in the complete Best of Bond, this solid tune is worth catching.  Otherwise, as a solo track, it’s really just 80’s nostalgia for die-hard fans.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       6 Stars

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SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 3:55 Min.

By original artists Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams, this radio-length version is the theme song of NBC’s 1982-89 sitcom, Family Ties.  The track is # 7 on Rhino Records’ 1995 compilation album: Tube Tunes, Volume 3 – The 80’s. 

Note: The same album also offers the sunny contrast of B.J. Thomas & Dusty Springfield’s full-length Growing Pains theme: “As Long As We Got Each Other.”

REVIEW:

Nearly forty years later, the mellow “Without Us” remains one of the classiest TV themes ever.  Exhibiting terrific vocal chemistry, the duet between Deniece Williams and Johnny Mathis spells out the unity that devoted spouses share throughout the years  Definitely well-played! 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 3:31 Min.

Recorded by Queen, it’s the main anthem for the 1986 Highlander film starring Christopher Lambert & Sean Connery.  In 1991, this upbeat pop-rock track made its CD debut upon A Kind of Magic’s re-release.  A shortened version would be utilized as both the opening and closing theme for Adrian Paul’s Highlander TV series. 

REVIEW:

Queen’s exuberance is hard to surpass, especially with Freddie Mercury’s charismatic vocals cranking out the song’s mantra.   Along with “A Kind of Magic” and “Who Wants to Live Forever,” this song ideally defines Highlander.  “Princes of the Universe” is recommended for any number of playlists, i.e. soundtracks, workouts, & ‘80s rock.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Note: There’s a digitally-remastered rendition of this song on Queen’s 2002 Platinum Collection.

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:21 Min.

This pop tune was recorded by Mick Smiley for 1984’s Ghostbusters film soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

This song’s most appealing asset is its original melody.  Despite the instrumentals outshining him, Mick Smiley’s vocal performance fits this moody tune well.  In particular, Smiley’s low-key tone comes vibrantly to life in the song’s second half.  While “Magic” is overshadowed by bigger names on the Ghostbusters album, it’s an under-the-radar option for bolstering ‘80s pop-rock home and workout playlists.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6½ Stars

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