Category: Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles)

WHO’S THE FOOL NOW? (by Natalie Mendoza: Hall Music Productions: Home Grown, Volume 3)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 25, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:52 Min.

Released in 2013, Natalie Mendoza’s (aka Natalie Louise Mendoza) tune comes from the compilation album: Hall Music Productions, Home Grown, Volume 3.

REVIEW:

Well-played! This upbeat pop tune enjoys the benefit of Natalie Mendoza’s delightful vocals. While Mendoza’s folksy voice isn’t distinctive, it still imbues “Who’s the Fool Now?,” just as well as any A-List performer would have. To her credit, this entertaining song could easily fit a romantic comedy film soundtrack. Further, “Who’s the Fool Now?” deserves consideration for any contemporary soft rock/easy listening playlists.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars

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WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT SAVING THE WORLD? (by Hans Zimmer: Man of Steel movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 25, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:27 Min.

From the 2013 Man of Steel film soundtrack, this instrumental track is by composer-conductor Hans Zimmer. The theme also notably appears in trailers for the movie.

REVIEW:

Though it doesn’t by any means eclipse John Williams’s 1978 Superman theme, this epic track by Hans Zimmer is still a worthy-enough successor. Starting quietly ponderous on the piano, the theme builds into a full-blown orchestral crescendo that spells out this Man of Steel’s presence with a sense of awe and wonder. It’s not surprising that the film’s production team chose this theme to help sell Henry Cavill’s debut in trailers for the latest big-screen Superman.

The sole disappointment is Zimmer didn’t follow the Smallville TV score’s classy lead by incorporating even a brief homage reprising Williams’ theme. It would have been an invaluable move to link Cavill’s big-screen heroics to Superman’s definitive theme, like Christopher Reeve before him. In that sense, Zimmer’s track isn’t going to inspire casual listeners to instantly visualize the magic of a live-action Superman.

Still, “What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving The World?” is an excellent download option for super-hero-themed and epic instrumental playlists. It’s best meant for fans who prefer a fresh and perhaps darker take on Superman.

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)

I HAVE A DREAM {Cover} (by Amanda Seyfried: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 18, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:22 Min.

For the 2008 film, Mamma Mia!, actress Amanda Seyfried covers this classic ABBA hit.

REVIEW:

Judging by this tune, Amanda Seyfried is gifted with a Broadway-caliber voice. Her vocals prove wonderfully endearing. In comparison to Lily James’ 2018 version for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, it’s almost too close to call. It comes down to a preference in style. Projecting a softer tone, a serene James sounds the more polished of the two. Yet, Seyfried’s sparkly version prevails, as it has more of a stage musical vibe — she breathes some down-to-earth life into “I Have a Dream.”

If one likes this song, either version or really both are well worth downloading.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars

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

FOR THE FIRST TIME (by Kenny Loggins: One Fine Day movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 18, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

Kenny Loggins recorded this sentimental ballad for 1996’s One Fine Day comedy, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney. Notably, it’s among the album’s few original songs.

REVIEW:

While its mellow instrumentals are classy, Kenny Loggins faces the task of surpassing the mushy 70’s/Early ‘80s-style love song lyrics. In that sense, this gentle tune is reminiscent of his 1994 kid-friendly album, Return to Pooh Corner. The song isn’t romantic pap per se, but it won’t conjure up a rollicking Loggins delivering other movie hits like “Danger Zone,” “Footloose,” or “I’m Alright.”

If anything, “For the First Time” is meant for fans of Air Supply and Barry Manilow, among similar pop favorites during their prime.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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

IT’S NOT JUST MAKE BELIEVE (by Kari Kimmel: Ella Enchanted movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 18, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:06 Min.

This fairy tale-inspired pop tune by Kari Kimmel appears on Ella Enchanted’s 2007 film soundtrack.

REVIEW:

Accompanied by a relentlessly upbeat melody, Kari Kimmel’s bubbly effort makes “It’s Not Just Make Believe” a musical gem for any fairy tale fan. Kimmel is spot-on bringing to life the sheer jubilance propelling Anne Hathaway’s ‘Ella’ in her new romance. This catchy track is well worth capturing for any little girl’s playlist.

Note: For a terrific contrast, a recommended download would be Lily James’ serene “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the 2015 Cinderella live-action film soundtrack.

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)

THE LITTLE THINGS (by Danny Elfman: Wanted movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 18, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:26 Min.

Appearing on the movie soundtrack for Angelina Jolie’s 2008 Wanted, this rock tune is from Danny Elfman.

REVIEW:

Considering musician Danny Elfman’s expertise re: composing instrumental soundtracks, one might overlook that he was once a vital member of Oingo Boingo. Perfectly synched to a pulsating melody, Elfman’s high-caliber rock lyrics (reminiscent of the 1980’s) are ideal for the film’s heavily-armed mercenary themes. This grungy metal-like tune makes an ideal addition to any workout 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) WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

TOGETHER {Randy Savage & Elizabeth’s 1991 SummerSlam Wedding Montage} (by WWE & Jim Johnston: WWE – The Anthology Years, Volume 1)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 18, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:31 Min.

This uncredited (in terms of its actual performers) love song duet premiered at WWE’s SummerSlam in August 1991. It served as a musical narrative to a video montage of “Macho Man” Randy Savage & Miss Elizabeth’s on-screen romance before their ‘wedding ceremony.’ At the time, the WWE didn’t publicly acknowledge that the real-life couple had already been married for almost seven years. This track was subsequently collected for 2005’s WWE Anthology: The Federation Years, Volume 1.

Note: Evidently, Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart is among the song’s composers.

REVIEW:

No, “Together” doesn’t age well, as on-screen commentator Bobby Heenan’s mock gagging just before the Savage/Elizabeth video montage played at SummersSam 1991 may well attest to.

Still, despite its ultra-schmaltzy lyrics, one can appreciate this tune’s uncomplicated charm. There’s just something evocative in the unidentified duo’s voices that exudes a 70’s-style romantic melody. If the male vocalist isn’t Peabo Bryson, then his voice remarkably mimics Bryson’s. The female singer’s radiant voice also sounds vaguely familiar, but there’s really no way to place her specific name.

Regardless of these vocalists’ true identities, their nicely-synced chemistry delivers what this track is meant for — a nostalgic flashback to Savage & Elizabeth’s famous 1985-92 WWE run. In that sense, give the WWE some credit for a classy gesture.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars

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

LAY ALL YOUR LOVE ON ME {Cover} (by Amanda Seyfried & Dominic Cooper: Mamma Mia! movie soundtrack)

Post author By oddmoonmediareviews
Post date February 6, 2021

SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:29 Min.

For the 2008 Mamma Mia! Soundtrack, co-stars Dominic Cooper and Amanda Seyfried duet on this cover of the vintage ABBA hit.

REVIEW:

Over-indulging mid-80’s-style electronica at times, this tune is a mixed bag. As a result, Dominic Cooper’s contribution falls between an okay European disco tune and glorified karaoke. He sounds better blending in with his male back-up singers. Amanda Seyfried, however, is consistently terrific on this tune, both with and without her allotment of female back-up singers. “Lay All Your Love on Me” is by no means a must-have, but it delivers Seyfried’s sparkling pop vocals.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars

Note: The duo’s rendition of “One of Us” on 2018’s Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again soundtrack is preferable. Cooper’s vocals are improved, and the melody proves a better fit for them as a duet.

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