SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:02 Min.
Including an orchestral overture that lasts about ninety seconds, this upbeat pop-rock tune by British performer Murray Head headlines the mid-to-late 80’s stage musical, Chess. Its chorus is provided by Swedish performer Anders Glenmark. The tune’s celebrity writing team includes Tim Rice and two ABBA alums: Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus.
The soundtrack was re-released in 2014.
Note: The radio-length version (minus the overture) is available, for instance, on 2000’s Broadway Greatest Leading Men compilation album.
REVIEW:
Suffice to say, the grandiose overture is unnecessary. It only reminds listeners that the song is really a West End/Broadway show tune. As far as Murray Head’s actual contribution goes, it’s amusingly unique. Despite throwing shade at Thai culture, this track is an entertaining analogy to the show’s Cold War-era chess showdown. While Head delivers an excellent, semi-wacky performance, the song’s best component is its distinctive pop melody. Considering the extensive star power devising this tune, it’s no wonder that “One Night in Bangkok” is still a reliable 80’s gem.
If given a choice, the shorter of the two is the better download; the overture pretentiously turns “One Night in Bangkok” into an extended version.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
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