Songwriter Diane Warren has 17 Oscar nominations for Best Song, and no wins.
It’s become the inside joke of Hollywood. Diane is the Susan Lucci of the Oscars!
But she may have her winner at last. Her song, the title track from the new movie “By Any Means,” is a hit. “By Any Means” is performed by the famed Isley Brothers with Nashville artist David Kushner (no relation to the Trump people).
There are actually two versions. The film version is the ‘real’ one, the soundtrack one is edited. I like the first one better. In each, the production swells with blues and gospel, and is maybe Warren’s catchiest song in years — which is saying something!
Also anything with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers the Isley Brothers — now in business for over 60 years — is a treat.
“By Any Means” opens September, directed by Elegance Bratton and starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg. Also in the wildly talented cast are the great Giancarlo Esposito, Oscar nominee David Straithairn, Josh Lucas, Nicole Beharie, Tony winner LaChanze, Lisa Gay Hamilton, and Ethan Embry. Sounds promising!
