SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 2:36 Min.
This instrumental track appears on Disc 3 of Vanessa-Mae’s 2000 Classical Collection, Part 1 album.
REVIEW:
“Chinese Folk Tune” has a wonderful sound, courtesy of this orchestral interpretation and Vanessa-Mae’s serene violin work. As one of many low-key gems on this three-disc album, this track is recommended.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:31 Min.
It’s the fourth track off Blake Shelton’s 2011 album: Red River Blue.
REVIEW:
Until his back-up crew chimes in, Shelton’s low-key vocals don’t sound particularly appealing. The song progressively gets better, but the ultra-folksy “Get Some” is really more of an acquired taste. It’s an okay inclusion for the album – however, “Get Some” isn’t one of Shelton’s better download options.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:39 Min.
Recorded by The Flaming Lips, it’s the finale of 1995’s Batman Forever mostly ‘inspired’ movie soundtrack.
REVIEW:
Imagining “Bad Days” as a contemporary homage to The Beatles — mixed with R.E.M. — might be the most apt description. Tonally speaking, it’s bewildering why this ‘happy’ song (despite its title) is even on the Batman Forever album. If “Bad Days” had been recruited for a Ben Stiller romantic comedy, that would have made good creative sense. Both the song’s wonky lyrics and its jingly upbeat melody would fit that movie genre nicely. For that matter, the Friends TV series soundtrack would have made another ideal choice.
Otherwise, this unremarkable pop-rock tune is indicative that the Batman Forever album lacks logical rhyme-or-reason to its assorted line-up.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:39 Min.
‘Inspired’ by Young Guns II, this mid-tempo ballad is Track # 10 on Jon Bon Jovi’s 1990 Blaze of Glory album.
Note: If purchasing as a solo download, please beware it might not include the intro – it’s a tense dialogue clip of Kiefer Sutherland’s ‘Doc Scurlock.’ Otherwise, this clip comes at the end of Track # 9: “Bang a Drum.”
REVIEW:
Balanced by a spot-on melody, this ballad poignantly contemplates a tired gunslinger’s regrets, both past and present. Like “Miracle,” off this same album, its contemporary subject matter extends beyond Young Guns II. Still, “Miracle” is faintly optimistic, unlike the bleak self-loathing permeating “Dyin’ Ain’t Much of a Livin,’” Though this tune just as easily could fit aboard a present-day Bon Jovi album, it’s really more a second-tier option, in terms of download options.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:45 Min.
American Idol alum Kimberley Locke performs this pop/R&B track for her 2003 album, One Love.
REVIEW:
Further bolstered by an upbeat melody, Kimberley Locke’s confident vocals ensure that “Coulda Been” is a treat for fans. As a worthy sample of One Love, it’s a solid choice for contemporary pop/R&B playlists. This song also makes a tempting argument to obtain Locke’s complete album — frankly, it’s an underrated gem.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:32 Min.
It’s the fourth track off U2’s seminal 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.
REVIEW:
This moody rock tune is overshadowed by the album’s three classic tracks: “Where the Streets Have No Name;” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For;” and “With or Without You.” In comparison with some of U2’s best work ever, “Bullet the Blue Sky” benefits from a pulsating melody that reverberates Bono’s somewhat mumbling vocals. The overall effect is impressive, especially the instrumentals. Though purchasing the complete Joshua Tree album makes better sense, this thoughtful song is definitely a viable option for 80’s rock playlists.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:35 Min.
This dance tune is Track # 10 off C+C Music Factory’s 1990 album, Gonna Make You Sweat.
REVIEW:
Maybe “Bang That Beat” doesn’t age especially well, but its combination of clean rapping and a funky dance sound is still endearing. This light-hearted track could prove a good choice for a retro-90’s aerobics/cardio playlist.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
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SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:59 Min.
It’s the second track off Enya’s 1992 Shepherd Moons album.
REVIEW:
Working off a beautiful New Age melody, Enya sounds at the top of her game. This luxurious tune strikes an ideal balance between her voice and the melody. While this song isn’t necessarily among her all-time best, it’s still a high-caliber performance. For any home and work playlists, the subdued charm of “Caribbean Blue” is a worthwhile experience.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:59 Min.
After departing 10,000 Maniacs, its lead vocalist, Natalie Merchant, launched her solo debut with 1995’s Tigerlily album. This soft rock track, along with “Wonder” and “Jealousy,” were radio hits and inspired MTV music videos. Notably, the black-and-white music video conveys Merchant’s walk observing downtown New York City’s daily life. Merchant also wrote this song.
REVIEW:
Considering it was the lead-off radio hit for Tigerlily’s release, “Carnival” spells out why this album has aged remarkably well. Natalie Merchant’s intelligent commentary re: daily big city life sounds timeless – especially, as her poetic lyrics are in sync with an inspired, grunge-like rock melody. There’s no question that “Carnival” deserves its spot on any ‘90s soft rock playlists. Along with “Wonder,” this track is a persuasive advertisement for the Tigerlily album.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:02 Min.
After departing 10,000 Maniacs, its lead vocalist, Natalie Merchant, launched her solo debut with 1995’s Tigerlily album. Contemplating a lonely widower who is struggling to manage living life alone, this soft rock ballad appears as Track # 3.
REVIEW:
In a showcase of Natalie Merchant’s poetic talents, this soft-spoken (and bleak) portrait of life’s loneliness through the eyes of a grieving widower is an underrated masterpiece. Anchored by an ideally poignant melody, Merchant’s elegant lyrics convey the topic of life after ‘death do us part,’ with dignity and realistic optimism. “Beloved Wife” probably isn’t meant for any 90s’s soft rock playlist loops, but it is among several gems worthy of re-discovery on Tigerlily.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
