Month: August 2021

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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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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