Category: Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles)

HOLD ON (by Wilson Phillips: Best of Wilson Phillips)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 17, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:27 Min.

Initially released in 1990 as the lead track off Wilson Phillips’ self-titled album, “Hold On” remains the signature tune of Chynna Phillips and The Wilson Sisters (Carnie & Wendy). It also serves as the group’s debut MTV/VH-1 music video. The track has been subsequently re-released on a 2005 ‘Best of’ release and a ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation for this group. This particular song features Chyna Phillips’ lead vocals.

REVIEW:

Accompanying by a gentle melody, this upbeat track advocating emotional resiliency in a troubled relationship delivers Wilson Phillips at their best. The effervescent vocals of Chyna Phillips, Wendy Wilson, and Carnie Wilson are superb. “Hold On” is well worth downloading for Best-of-the-90’s pop playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance

HONEST FACE (by Liam Finn featuring Eliza Jane: Champagne in Seashells EP)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:42 Min.

Released in 2009, this duet pop track is performed by Liam Finn & Eliza Jane. Finn composed the song.

REVIEW:

Initially bolstered by a fine melody, the breezy vocal chemistry between Liam Finn and Eliza Jane is entertaining enough. That distinction at least applies to the song’s first half. Later in the song, however, the squeaky background instrumentals are increasingly distracting and even higher-pitched, to the point that it just becomes noise.

Unfortunately, this unforced error sabotages Finn’s decent solo vocals. Another factor is that Finn’s song sounds better with Eliza Jane, as this track is really only a partial duet. “Honest Face” is a modest coffee house tune worth hearing once, but it isn’t worth a download.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Jazz, Blues, & New Age Music & Radio Shows

HEAVEN & HELL (by BrunuhVille: Aura)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:26 Min.

Released by Portuguese composer, BrunuhVille, it’s the second track from his 2013 album, Aura.

REVIEW:

The serenity emanating from “Heaven & Hell” is masterfully balanced by a melancholic undercurrent. It’s really a gorgeous instrumental piece by BrunuhVille that could serve as background music for an epic European romantic film. For fans of Secret Garden and similar New Age musical artists, “Heaven & Hell” is well worth the download, as BrunuhVille is at the top of his game here.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Electronica & Epic Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows

HEART OF POISON (by Leah: Kings & Queens)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:08 Min.

Canadian songstress Leah McHenry (aka Leah or LEAH) released this alternative rock/electronica track off her 2015 album, Kings & Queens.

REVIEW:

“Heart of Poison” sounds reminiscent of Evanescence, but this higher-pitch melody is noticeably louder. Leah McHenry’s rock vocals provide the song’s best asset, though they might be hard to decipher over the pulsating symphonic metal. The song itself merits a definite ‘maybe’ as far as a single download, but exploring the Kings & Queens album further seems a given after hearing this track.

BRIAN ’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

HEADED FOR A HEARTBREAK – LP VERSION (Winger: Winger)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:15 Min.

This 1988 song was the initial track released for radio play (including an MTV video) promoting Winger’s self-named debut album. Its lead singer is Kip Winger.

REVIEW:

Winger was among many Late ‘80’s-Early ‘90s lite metal rock bands that briefly caught fire in the ‘big hair, even bigger sound’ MTV video era. It also isn’t surprising that Winger struggled amidst a glut of competition seeking to be the next Bon Jovi or Def Leppard. Still, some of this group’s tunes from their 1988 self-titled first album and 1990’s In the Heart of The Young hold up surprisingly well. The debut album’s big hit, “Headed for a Heartbreak,” is one of them.

The excessively soaring melody dominates the limited lyrics, but credit must go to the band’s high-caliber instrumental work. One might even deem this song a fair assessment of Winger’s legacy from that era: it makes for great ear candy, but the song is soon forgettable considering the vast number of similar bands.

More specifically, there isn’t any asset distinctive enough to resurrect “Headed for a Heartbreak” as some long-forgotten metal classic. If one is seeking a decent metal ballad, this track exudes it, including a long non-vocal stretch for its finale. Kip Winger’s hauntingly eloquent vocals are an added bonus.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

HUNTING THE DREAMER (by Dark Sarah: Behind the Black Veil)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 14, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:31 Min.

For their 2015 album, Behind the Black Veil, Finnish metal band Dark Sarah recorded this upbeat track (Track # 7). Heidi Parviainen is the soprano lead vocalist.

REVIEW:

Sounding as if it’s ominous epic metal meets Andrew Lloyd Webber, the pulsating “Hunting the Dreamer” is a terrific showcase for Heidi Parviainen’s operatic voice. Impressively, the intriguing instrumentals sync to her vocals instead of drowning her out. Well-played!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

FOREVER – I AM ALL YOURS {Rejected Theme Song for 2008’s Quantum of Solace} (by Eva Almér: single)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 10, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:20 Min.

This stylishly upbeat love song by vocalist Eva Almér wasn’t used as the opening credits theme of Daniel Craig’s 2008 James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. Its introspective lyrics serve as a flashback to Bond’s doomed romance with Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd in 2006’s Casino Royale, as the song reflects both of their viewpoints. In 2010, “Forever” was separately released as a single.

REVIEW:

The song effectively bridges Casino Royale to Quantum of Solace. Fully exploiting a luminous melody, Eva Almér’s sultry delivery (reminiscent of a young Shirley Bassey) is nothing short of superb. Accordingly, “Forever” sounds like what a mellow James Bond theme song should be. It even miraculously incorporates the nebulous Quantum of Solace title into the song lyrics, which must have been a thankless task.

Other than this elegant song sounding perhaps reminiscent of a mid-to-late ‘90s style, it doesn’t make sense why the Bond production team rejected “Forever.” Even if Almér isn’t a big-name star, her sparkling effort certainly merits re-discovery. It’s an absolute gem!

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 10 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW {Cover} (by Christine Baranski featuring Philip Michael: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:01 Min.

Actress Christine Baranski, with some brief help from actor/singer Philip Michael as her youthful love interest, covers this ABBA tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack.

REVIEW:

In a mostly solo spotlight, Christine Baranski is dynamite on this tune. The high-octane melody and Baranski’s exuberant vocals mix with a top-caliber group of back-up singers for a rollicking good time. Highly recommended!

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal

FIX YOU (by Coldplay: X & Y)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:55 Min.

This Coldplay track is from their 2005 album: X & Y.

REVIEW:

Hauntingly poignant, “Fix You” should inspire anyone not to give up on an uphill battle re: physical limitations, no matter the odds. Imbuing listeners with a sense of courage and renewed willpower, this thought-provoking song is an ideal addition to workout playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MON RATING: 10 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Pop, R&B, Soul, & Dance Soundtracks (Digital)

GIVE U MY HEART (by Babyface featuring Toni Braxton: Boomerang movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date December 9, 2020

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:01 Min.

As the film’s love song, “Give U My Heart” headlines the soundtrack for 1992’s romantic comedy, Boomerang, which co-stars Eddie Murphy and Halle Berry. Teaming up with Babyface for this duet is Toni Braxton, as it’s a prelude to her high-profile solo debut the following year.

REVIEW:

While this tune’s lyrics are standard-issue, the likable vocal chemistry between Babyface and Toni Braxton is a major asset. Though it now sounds rather dated, its funky R&B melody has a catchy charm. If anything, as smooth as Babyface sounds, Braxton’s supporting vocals effectively steal the song from him. Not only would “Give U My Heart” give her name recognition, Braxton’s sultry effort gives this song a boost above similar fare from that era. For both R&B and soundtrack playlists, this underrated duet makes a worthwhile treat.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

Note: Another track worth checking out is Braxton’s solo debut, “Breathe Again,” from her 1993 self-named album. Serving as Braxton’s signature hit, the song was penned by Babyface.

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