SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 3:15 Min.
Recorded for 1983’s Superman III film soundtrack, Giorgio Moroder supplied its instrumental love theme utilizing synthesizer romantic pop.
Note: Helen St. John is officially credited on the soundtrack as the love theme’s performer, though Moroder produced much of the long-out-of-release album.
REVIEW:
Given how Superman III explores Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) & Lana Lang’s (Annette O’Toole) platonic Smallville reunion, this exuberant instrumental oddly has no place within the film’s storyline. At most, there may be a few faint strands briefly heard in the movie’s underwhelming background (or possibly it was meant for some subsequently deleted scene). More so, Moroder & St. John’s soaring tune doesn’t necessarily age well forty years later.
For its time, the theme’s lush sound serves up appealing ear candy, though nothing in the melody resonates with Reeve’s Superman whatsoever. Contemporary listeners, however, couldn’t be blamed for deeming this theme an excess of Early 80’s instrumental romantic drivel, as filtered through a synthesizer. Case in point: there’s at least on-line version (possibly a cover) credited to St. John that reeks of electronica dreck.
If one still wants to find a presumably authentic version, there’s an obscure source. Released in 1983, Meco’s Ewok Celebration disco novelty album includes Superman III’s dreamy love theme (credited to Moroder only) on its B-side. Unlike the on-line St. John track, this rare Moroder rendition is relatively enjoyable on its own merits – without linking it to the cinematic Man of Steel.
Notes: As of this writing, Ewok Celebration is still available as a vinyl. The album was also released in cassette form.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
