Category: Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 3:49 Min.

In 2017, Filipino singer Jehramae Trangia (then a teenager) covered Michelle Pfeiffer’s ballad, “Never Forget,” from the soundtrack of the same-year film, Murder on the Orient Express.  From her ‘music video,’ it appears that Trangia is singing off a pre-recorded instrumental of “Never Forget” (possibly one from the film itself).   

REVIEW:

It is inevitable that the youthful Trangia would fall short of Pfeiffer’s mellow sound imbuing the song’s haunting context.  Still, Trangia’s likable vocals interprets “Never Forget” perhaps more as a tragically-fated young romance.  If so, her version would be hypothetically ideal to accompany a teenage ghost story film.

Overall, with this cover as evidence, then Trangia’s potential suggests a bright future in the recording industry.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          7 Stars

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SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 3:56 Min.

First released in 1992 on the Beverly Hills 90210 TV soundtrack, this dance-pop tune was not a track on any original Paula Abdul album.  However, it has been subsequently included on at least two Abdul retrospective compilations: 2000’s Greatest Hits and 2007’s Greatest Hits: Straight Up!   

REVIEW:

It’s vintage Abdul, as far as this tune sounding like some lost relic from 1988’s Forever Your Girl album.  Both Abdul’s endearing vocal performance and a catchy Late 80’s dance melody make the most of the song’s unremarkable lyrics.  For Paula Abdul fans, the energetic “Turn Time Back ‘Round” is a nostalgic pop treat, in large part due to its relative obscurity.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5 Stars

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SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 3:16 Min.

This offbeat pop tune by Murray Head was first recorded as a single for the 1984 concept album that preceded the high-profile stage musical, Chess.  The song’s chorus is performed by Swedish performer Anders Glenmark.  The tune’s  celebrity writing team includes Tim Rice and two ABBA alums: Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus.  “One Night in Bangkok” has occasionally resurfaced on compilation albums, including 2000’s Broadway’s Greatest Leading Men. 

Note: A five-minute version (which incorporates an orchestral overture) is also available on the official Chess soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Despite throwing shade at Thai culture, the song’s upbeat nature still delivers an entertaining analogy to the stage play’s Cold War-era chess match.  Notably, without its symphonic overture, the tune starts somewhat abruptly.  While Murray Head and Anders Glenmark deliver spot-on performances, the track’s best and most intriguing component is its distinctive melody. 

Considering the star power that composed this radio-friendly gem, “One Night in Bangkok” is a show tune worth re-discovery.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 3:16 Min.

This up-tempo dance track by Shakira appears on 2016’s Zootopia animated film soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Shakira’s vocals spelling out anthropomorphic rabbit Judy Hopps’ optimistic attitude exploring big city life exude a contagious charm.  Her song’s commendable message reiterates that mistakes will happen, but getting back up afterwards and trying again, no matter if one fails, is what really counts.  Not only is the melody undeniably catchy, Shakira’s energetic vocals prove a considerable asset. 

Though meant for youngsters, the sunny “Try Everything” might be an ideal choice for aerobic workout playlists.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8½ Stars

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