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

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 2:46 Min.

From the soundtrack of 1967’s You Only Live Twice starring Sean Connery, this James Bond tune was recorded by Nancy Sinatra.  This song has since been re-released on compilation albums — for instance, 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:

In comparison to other 1960’s Bond tunes, Nancy Sinatra’s low-key effort is overshadowed –primarily by Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger.”  Yet, this dreamy tune serves as a precursor for Bassey’s own 1979 “Moonraker” and Rita Coolidge’s leisurely 1983 “All Time High.”  Of its creative components: Sinatra’s alluring vocals, endearing lyrics, and the gentle melody — all are solidly executed, but they’re not particularly memorable. 

If anything, “You Only Live Twice” is a welcome change of pace on Best of Bond, particularly after bombastic themes like Tom Jones’ “Thunderball.”      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        6 Stars

Note: For an instrumental cover, one might try finding Lifestyles’ 2001 Night at the Movies 2-disc set.  Emphasizing more the film’s Japanese setting, its orchestral rendition of “You Only Live Twice” (on Disc 2) makes a great addition to relaxation/sleep-aid playlists.  

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SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 5:50 Min.

Performed by Bonnie Tyler, this glittery dance track appears on 1984’s Footloose movie soundtrack, as well as on its 15^th Anniversary edition released in 1998.  The song was composed by Jim Steinman & Dean Pitchford.         

REVIEW:

Bonnie Tyler’s vocals still sound great, but this relentlessly up-tempo (and overproduced) tune overstays its welcome by at least ninety seconds.  Still, listeners get their money’s worth, especially with the multiple instrumental choruses.  There’s no doubt that the track’s distinctive dance melody is one of the most memorable of the mid-80’s.  “Holding Out for a Hero” is at least a fun choice for any mid-80s playlists and/or for workouts.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            6½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 5:05 Min.

This upbeat rock tune was recorded by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band for 1989’s Eddie and The Cruisers II soundtrack.  For the film, Cafferty handles actor Michael Paré’s on-screen vocals. 

REVIEW:

“Open Road” isn’t spectacular, but it resonates with an entertaining, wide-open sound.  If one obtains the complete Eddie II album, this catchy track won’t disappoint listeners.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         6½ Stars

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 3:29 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 handles actor Michael Paré’s on-screen vocals.  The song itself is performed ‘in concert’ during the movie’s closing credits.    

REVIEW:

Coming alive with the fictional Eddie Wilson’s down-to-earth sense of stardom, this rollicking tune proves among the soundtrack’s better options.  It has a great sound that showcases John Cafferty’s teamwork with The Beaver Brown Band.  For those seeking a boost for a favorite rock or workout playlist, the upbeat “Pride & Passion” might well fit the bill.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7 Stars

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 3:08 Min.

Performed by Whitney Houston (as singer-actress Rachel Marron), this track appears on 1992’s The Bodyguard film soundtrack.  It’s among her five tracks on the album.       

REVIEW:

Melding R&B with pop-rock, this up-tempo dance track is reminiscent of Tina Turner and Chaka Khan.  That isn’t surprising since Whitney Houston also exuberantly covers Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” on the same album.  Suffice to say, this uncharacteristic tune is a sharp contrast to Houston’s gentle Bodyguard ballads: “Jesus Loves Me;” “Run to You;” and obviously her immortal cover of “I Will Always Love You.”  Unlike those four other Bodyguard tunes, the disco-style funkiness of “Queen of the Night” wouldn’t likely appear on a standard Houston album.    

Taking an admirable creative risk, Houston’s rare flirtation with an edgy upbeat tempo isn’t as awkward as it might have been.  More specifically, the pulsating melody and Houston’s effervescent vocals (let alone hearing her throw in a mild profanity per the song lyrics) combine for an entertaining three minutes. 

Of her Bodyguard song contributions, “Queen of the Night” is the most unique, as its semi-suggestive lyrics fall outside her pop/R&B comfort zone.  Though it doesn’t merit placement on any ‘Best of Whitney Houston’ collections, this energetic tune is ideal for workout playlists. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             7½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 4:14 Min.

This original pop-rock tune was recorded by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band for 1989’s Eddie & The Cruisers II film soundtrack.  Cafferty handles actor Michael Paré’s on-screen vocals.  The upbeat song is performed ‘in concert’ during the movie for a Canadian college gig by Eddie’s fictional new band.

REVIEW:

Exuding an ‘80s rock take on pop-swing jazz, “Some Like It Hot” comes off better than expected.  In that sense, John Cafferty’s rollicking old-school dance hall answer to groups like The Brian Setzer Orchestra isn’t all that remarkable.  Still, this tune’s energetic vibe is undeniably fun, making it one of Eddie II’s more entertaining tracks. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           7 Stars

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 4:01 Min.

The track is likely best remembered from Lionel Richie’s 1986 album, Dancing on the Ceiling.  As the theme of the 1985 film, White Nights, starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines, it won Best Original Song at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. 

Inevitably, this song appears on various collections, among them are the 20^th Century Masters: The Best of Lionel Richie – The Millennium Collection and Richie’s double-disc Definitive Collection – both albums were in 2003.  

REVIEW:

Few tunes epitomize ultra-mellow mid-80’s R&B like this one does.  Pitching some intriguing lyrics, Lionel Richie’s smooth delivery doesn’t falter when the melody’s subdued R&B later detours into sparkling pop.  Rightfully ranking among Richie’s career best, “Say You, Say Me” ages surprisingly well.  This classy ballad is well worth adding to 80’s easy listening playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               8 Stars