Category: Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles)

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

NOBODY’S FOOL (by Kenny Loggins: The Essential Kenny Loggins)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 4:17 Min.

After the cult favorite success of Caddyshack (including Kenny Loggins’ radio hit, I’m Alright), Caddyshack II would recruit Loggins eight years later for a sequel to his own song.  First released on 1988’s Caddyshack II movie soundtrack, the energetic “Nobody’s Fool” would later resurface on The Essential Kenny Loggins album in 2002. 

Identifying the song with Caddyshack II is a lyric early on about going “back to the shack!”  Another lyric slyly serves  homage to Chevy Chase’s Ty Webb and his Zen philosophy re: golf about how one must “learn to be the ball.”   

REVIEW:

The catchy up-tempo melody revving “Nobody’s Fool” to life is unmistakably Late ‘80s rock, as Loggins evidently has a blast with this song.  Unlike the hip-swiveling, laid-back slacker charm of “I’m Alright,” Loggins cuts loose (pardon the expression) on “Nobody’s Fool,” in the same fast-tempo style of his seminal ‘80s soundtrack hits, like “Footloose” and Top Gun’s “Danger Zone.” 

Having rented the putrid Caddyshack II not too long ago, there’s no mistaking that “Nobody’s Fool” is this disappointing rehash’s only asset.  Hence, the song is well worth adding to a road trip or workout playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars

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

MY LIFE (by Billy Joel: 52nd Street)

SUMMARY:                                 RUNNING TIME: 4:44 Min.

Originally, this radio hit came off Billy Joel’s 1978 album, 52nd Street.  It later served as the theme song for the Tom Hanks-Peter Scolari 1980-82 ABC TV sitcom, Bosom Buddies. 

REVIEW:

No matter how dated, “My Life” remains wonderfully vibrant.  In terms of some vintage Billy Joel, this feel-good download fits any home or work playlist. 

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)

THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL {Cover} (by Meryl Streep: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 4:57 Min.

Covering ABBA, Meryl Streep performs this tune for Mamma Mia!’s 2008 soundtrack. 

REVIEW:

This poignant take on “The Winner Takes It All” is definitely one of the soundtrack’s highlights.  Meryl Streep’s artistic versatility, not to mention her expressive vocal range, is most impressive here – it’s a similar gift that Helen Reddy had.  Gradually transforming this reflective ballad into a soaring pop tune is no easy task, but Streep accomplishes it with aplomb. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          9 Stars

Note: Streep’s dynamite rendition of “Mamma Mia” from the same album is also highly recommended.

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

THE WARRIOR (by Scandal featuring Patty Smyth: The Warrior)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.

As the lead cut off their same-titled 1984 album, “The Warrior” endures as Scandal’s signature radio hit.  Although credited as a featured vocalist, Patty Smyth was in fact the band’s lead singer.

Note: The song’s co-composer is Holly Knight.  Knight’s resumé includes writing/co-writing multiple Tina Turner hits, such as “The Best” and Grammy-winning “Better Be Good to Me;” Aerosmith’s “Rag Doll;” and Animotion’s “Obsession.” 

REVIEW:

The primary reason this energetic tune sounds so reminiscent of Pat Benatar and Joan Jett isn’t just Patty Smyth’s vocal style; rather, it’s attributable to songwriter/musician Holly Knight.  Having composed both 1985’s “Invincible” and, before that, 1983’s Grammy-winning “Love is a Battlefield” for Benatar, Knight’s assertive fingerprints are evident on “The Warrior.” 

Hearing the way Patty Smyth croons its aggressive lyrics, there’s no mistaking that this formulaic tune came from Knight’s arsenal of high-powered 80’s female empowerment rock.  While Scandal’s instrumentals are terrific, they are frankly indistinguishable from similar bands of this era.  What readily sells “The Warrior” is Smyth’s knockout delivery.  Even if the song falls short on originality, this track is still worth adding to any workout or dance party playlists.            

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars

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

THE HERO IN YOUR HEART (by Thomas Bergersen & Meredith Soltvedt: single)

SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 4:00 Min.

For this 2013 single, Norwegian composer-musician Thomas Bergersen creates a low-key ballad with one of his regular collaborators: vocalist Merethe Soltvedt.

REVIEW:

Thomas Bergersen delivers another terrific effort with “The Hero in Your Heart.”  His low-key instrumental work conveys a sense of calmness as if awaiting some undefined threat.  Representing one’s summoning of emotional courage, Soltvedt’s serene vocals further enhance this track’s classiness.  Considering how four minutes flies by surprisingly fast, the song is reminiscent of catchy instrumentals utilized for fantasy movie trailers.  Accordingly, “The Hero In Your Heart” makes a worthy contrast to Bergersen’s far bolder epic instrumentals.         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7½ Stars

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

SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS (by The Chainsmokers with Coldplay: Memories … Do Not Open)

SUMMARY:                                  RUNNING TIME: 4:07 Min.

For their 2017 album, Memories … Do Not Open, The Chainsmokers get an assist from Coldplay on this rock homage to super-heroes.  The credited composer is Guy Berryman.   

REVIEW:

Echoing the romantic analogy to play grown-up in a relationship vs. just reading kiddie comic books, it’s an excellent track.  Not only are the lyrics spot-on, The Chainsmokers & Coldplay take full advantage of this song’s appealing melody.  “Something Just Like This” is a worthwhile choice for any number of contemporary rock playlists.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

Note: Thematically, another download option is 2014’s “Superheroes” by The Script, from the album: No Sound Without Silence.

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

SPELL MY NAME (by Toni Braxton: Spell My Name)

SUMMARY:                                          RUNNING TIME: 3:12  Min.

It’s the title track (Track # 5) off Toni’s Braxton’s 2020 R&B album.  Johnny Yukon is credited for additional vocals.

REVIEW:

Leading off with a nice intro from Johnny Yukon, “Spell My Name” seeks to demonstrate that Toni Braxton is still on her game.  Despite its contemporary pop/R&B sound, this tune is frankly a disappointment.  Aside from seeking a Beyoncé-style radio hit, there’s nothing distinctive about the song itself.  Worst yet, the short running time doesn’t give Braxton’s smoky voice enough to do.  Hence, “Spell My Name” come off as if it’s glorified filler. 

Braxton’s best works (i.e. “Another Sad Love Song;” “Breathe Again;” and Love Shoulda Brought You Home” – all from her 1992-93 self-titled debut album) permit her vocals sufficient time (say, at least four minutes) to express and even transform a song’s lyrics into some high-caliber R&B/soul.  “Spell My Name” isn’t close to the same league; it’s really a sampler by comparison. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   5 Stars

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Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Rock & Symphonic/Metal Soundtracks (Digital) Video Games WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

SMOKE AND MIRRORS (by Jim Johnston: WWE single)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 3:07 Min.

This 2011 hard rock/metal track from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) was deployed at one time as wrestler Cody Rhodes’ entrance theme.  “Smoke And Mirrors” has appeared on some WWE multi-media projects, i.e. compilation CD’s and video games.

REVIEW:

Courtesy of a pulsating dance-rock beat and pitch-perfect vocals, “Smoke And Mirrors” is an underrated gem!  Its instrumental gimmickry is extensive, but the energizing end result pays off.  This track is well worth the download for rock playlists and definitely for workouts.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                           8 Stars

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

SHAKEDOWN {1987’s {Beverly Hills Cop II film} (by Bob Seger: Greatest Hits, Volume 2)

SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 4:03 Min.

Originally released as the lead cut off 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II movie soundtrack, this Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band pop-rock track would eventually resurface on their 2003 Greatest Hits, Volume 2.         

Note: Among the song’s composers is Harold Faltermeyer, who had previously scored 1986’s Top Gun.

REVIEW:

Still packing a wallop, “Shakedown”  is vintage, high-octane Seger!  The upbeat melody’s catchiness, some top-notch electric guitar work, and Seger’s energetic vocals makes it a terrific ‘80s tune.  The co-producers of Beverly Hills Cop II, Don Simpson & Jerry Bruckheimer, made a inspired choice recruiting Seger for this hard-charging track re: an L.A. cop tenaciously pursuing an elusive criminal’s arrest.  “Shakedown” is an ideal addition to any workout or road trip playlists. 

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

RAINY DAY (by 10,000 Maniacs: Love Among the Ruins)

SUMMARY:                               RUNNING TIME: 4:46 Min.

For their 1997 album, Love Among the Ruins, 10,000 Maniacs reinvented their MTV-friendly sound by promoting back-up singer/violinist, Mary Ramsey, to replace Natalie Merchant as lead vocalist.  Ramsey also plays the viola for this album.  The breezy “Rainy Day” serves as the album’s lead-off track.         

REVIEW:

One might well have preferred Natalie Merchant’s demure voice interpreting this upbeat tune.  Still, her replacement, Mary Ramsey, imbues “Rainy Day” with an endearingly sunny vibe.  Further, Ramsey’s gentle vocals are easily understood, which offers an asset over Merchant’s tendency to mumble lyrics.  “Rainy Day” isn’t a Top-Five 10,000 Maniacs gem, but it has instant appeal for any soft rock playlist. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  7 Stars

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