Category: Individual Tracks (CD’s)

SUMMARY:                        RUNNING TIME: 4:37 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Living for Loving You” is its eleventh track.  A subsequent music video was produced, including cameos by Estefan’s husband, son, and her two dalmatians.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Loaded with breezy exuberance, Gloria Estefan’s vocals are right on target making this dance tune a tropical pop gem.  Ideal for beach parties, the playfully romantic “Live for Loving You” makes a welcome addition to any summertime pop playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 4:46 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Heart With Your Name On It” is its sixth track.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Between its likable melody and Gloria Estefan’s endearing vocals, “Heart With Your Name On It” offers a solid pop track.  This upbeat tune isn’t remarkable, but the song, at a minimum, gives off a welcome vibe.  Suffice to say, it ages far, far better than Track # 7: the cringe-worthy “Sex in The 90’s,” which may well be Estefan’s career-worst tune. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          6½ Stars

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 5:21 Min.

From Coldplay’s 2014 studio album, Ghost Stories, “Oceans” appears as Track # 7.  

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

This ultra-low-key ballad has a nice sound, but it just drags on far too long.  The tune’s last several seconds as it slowly fades spells this criticism out.  The most practical use for “Oceans” would be for a sleep-aid playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     4 Stars

SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 4:15 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Can’t Forget You” is its tenth track.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

Though obscure after more than thirty years, the wistful “Can’t Forget You” is a classy tune.  Backed by an appealing melody, Estefan’s vocals are in terrific form.  This song is a hidden gem on Into the Light well worth re-discovery.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7½ Stars

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

From Gloria Estefan’s 1991 studio album, Into the Light, “Close My Eyes” is its eighth track.

Note: This track is also available digitally.

REVIEW:

This obscure ballad possesses a satisfying melody, but Gloria Estefan’s vocals is what makes this tune work.  Picking up some momentum in its second half, the tune sails into a nice finish.  Meant more as a filler track for Into the Light, “Close My Eyes” holds up well after more than thirty years. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              6 Stars

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 4:40 Min.

“Original of the Species” is Track # 10 of U2’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.  

REVIEW:

Too reminiscent of U2’s traditional sound, this likable ballad isn’t remarkable on its face.  The tune is simply filler material for the album. Yet, both the track’s melody and some thoughtful lyrics are still a cut above U2’s lesser competition in the alternative rock genre. 

“Original of the Species” won’t likely justify a solo download, but this song holds up alright nearly twenty years later.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5 Stars

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 5:06 Min.

Initially released in 1985, this tribute to late R&B vocalists Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson is the title track of The Commodores’ first post-Lionel Richie album.  Drummer Walter Orange tag-teams with J.D. Nicholas (the band’s replacement for Richie) on the track’s lead vocals.  “Nightshift” subsequently won a Grammy in 1986 for ‘Best Vocal R&B Performance by a Duo/Group.’ 

Among various compilation albums “Nightshift” has appeared on, one of them is 1999’s 20^th Century Masters: The Best of The Commodores – The Millennium Collection (Track # 10).

REVIEW:

Even without Lionel Richie, this poignant and ultra-classy Commodores track is timeless.  Nearly forty years later, “Nightshift” belongs on any definitive R&B/Soul playlist.  Highly recommended!     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    9 Stars

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME: 3:40 Min.

This popular Kansas rock tune was initially released on their 1983 studio album, Drastic Measures.  In addition to its music video, the track has subsequently appeared on numerous compilations (including live versions), such as 1984’s The Best of Kansas.   

REVIEW:

This pulsating rock track is ideal for pop-rock and workout playlists.  It was evidently ahead of its time given how “Fight Fire With Fire,” would have been ideal accompanying Hollywood dogfight sequences for either Top Gun or Iron Eagle in 1986.  Case in point: this Kansas tune is reminiscent of King Kobra’s subsequent title song, “Iron Eagle (Never Say Die).”  Either way, “Fight Fire With Fire” delivers a welcome download blasting forty years into the past.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                         7 Stars

SUMMARY:                      RUNNING TIME: 5:46 Min.

“City of Burning Lights” is Track # 5 of U2’s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. The song would later appear on the 2006 film soundtrack of The Devil Wears Prada.

REVIEW:

Combining an effervescent rock melody with intriguing lyrics conveying a sense of awe, “City of Burning Lights” is a dynamite U2 tune.  Definitely recommended!       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8 Stars