Erasure have had some cracking singles in the past, but does this new album have anything remotely comparable its past successes. Let's find out...
I have little to say about the lyrics for the first song, Love You to the Sky (just as much as Andy Bell has to say), but it has a decent beat and there are some generally unobtrusive synths that take part in the tune. It's just a shame that it is so formulaic. It's more annoying than listenable, and that's the best I can say about it. The second track takes it a bit slower with a more anthem-like tempo. The singing is much better, and the lyrics have more serious meaning. As I listen, in fact it's quite an amiable track that could grow on me, mixing some ambient pop and psychedelic vocals - it's almost dreamy. The title track definitely has more substance, giving me hope for the rest of the album. Unfortunately, it's let down by an unchanging rhythm - even though Bell tries his best to hold everything together with his sobering voice. It can't quite escape its circular beat, and never tries to shake up the format. A Bitter Parting delves into something a little different, relying more on a heavy drum beat to carry the song and a more African-style tempo. It has great potential, but once more it can't quite regenerate its sound to give the listener more variety. After a mixture of quality in the first four tracks, Still It's No Over promises something original. It builds well to a heart-warming crescendo and is complimented by some interesting electronic sounds - the lyrics are also commendable. Andy Bell doesn't let down the vocals either - it's the best song so far on the album. Track number six returns to a slow beat, but it fails to start the second half of the album well - more confused and over-complex. Sweet Summer Loving has all the hallmarks of a catchy dance pop track, controlled by some strong, high-pitched synths. Far more innovative than the rest of the album, but the lyrics disappoint again - too cheesy and obvious. Towards the end of the album, Oh What A World gathers a darker feeling, propelled by some hard chanting and a choral background. Inventive, yes, but perhaps the most appealing track in Erasure's bank - may be held back by being too robotic and unexciting. Lousy Sum of Nothing has a more uplifting message, but as the penultimate track, it doesn't have the impact or power to attract more listeners. I won't criticise the great synths that come and go in the background. Finally, Just a Little Love has a far more nostalgic element, even from reading the title. It's just a shame that it sounds too much like something from the 80s - it's not new and revolutionary enough. A disappointing ending to a relatively sub-par album from Erasure. 4.5/10
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AuthorA very passionate Welsh nerd... Archives
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