Film,  Music

SONG REVIEW: “Ocean to Ocean” by Pitbull feat. Rhea

The most important thing to know about “Ocean to Ocean” is that “Ocean to Ocean” is not a song.

“Ocean to Ocean” is freedom. So says the song’s lead singer, Pitbull aka Mr. 305 aka Mr. Worldwide aka The Dale Llama.

In a statement to Billboard, the artist said, “The ocean, the sea and any body of water, to me, is true freedom. The ocean has always been the border from where my parents came from Cuba and the United States, which gives us freedom. That’s why I respect water. Bottom line: water gives us freedom.”

Okay, Mr. Bull! I’ll take your word for it.

….
….
….
….actually, no. No I won’t take your word for it, Mr. Bull. Because this song makes no sense. And I know it doesn’t have to make sense, because it’s just a song and if a song makes us happy and gets us in a dancing mood, then it’s accomplished its task.

But.

Do you wanna know WHY this song makes no sense?!

Because “Ocean to Ocean” is a cover of “Africa” by Toto.

It’s true: a film about an ocean man has a headlining track covering one of the greatest songs ever made. A song that never once mentions oceans or ocean people.

Sure, it’s plenty catchy. But it’s just plain bizarre.

To the film’s credit, Africa does come into play in the second act. But that connection is flimsy, and director James Wan wisely doesn’t linger on it. Honestly, the best thing I can say about “Ocean to Ocean” is that its usage in the movie…

*electronic drones swell*

…made… sense…

“They tried to get rid of me…”

…What? Who said that?

“…but from Ocean to Ocean…”

Mr. Worldwide?!

“…they gonna have to deal with me.”

OH NO! No, no, no…

*Dale yell*

WHY AM I DANCING NOW?! I BLESS THE RAINS DOWN IN AAAAAAFRICAAAAAA! OH DEAR HEAVENS, IT HAS BEGUN!!! THIS IS HOW MUSIC DIES, WITH THUNDEROUS RAIN BLESSING… SEND FIRST AID– I’M THE LIVING GREAT GATSBY…

WOBAM’s Score: 5/5 Stars

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