Super Eurobeat 182
-
SuperEuroJimmy
- Mudkip Fan
- Posts: 1396
- Joined: 15 Feb 2006, 00:28
- Location: Netherlands
- Contact:
-
DJ Mike TJG
- Eurohero
- Posts: 847
- Joined: 10 Feb 2007, 12:44
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Woo! So my copy arrived this morning. Time for some reviewing, I guess:
A foreword about my review scores - an average song truly gets 5. Not 7. Not 8... 5. Moreover, I don't sugar coat SEB songs just because I love the genre. Ultimately, if I give every song I would listen to regularly an 8 or 9, it compounds my ability to distinguish songs that I enjoy, but are critically less enjoyable than stronger entries. I still get a great deal of enjoyment out of songs all the way down to a score of 5, just that I consider them to be songs I'd listen to on a less frequent basis.
01 Jeff Driller / Superfast Tokyo Drift [Hi-NRG Attack]
Nice use of electric guitars from Hi-NRG this time out. Nonetheless, I can't help but draw a lot of similarities between this song and Moo Moo Dollars from not so long ago. Not only does the general melody and chorus sound the same, but you could practically slip in the Fonzie 'Aaay!' from MMD into the end of the chorus, and a few repeated utterances of the word 'moo', and I doubt you could even tell the difference. I really, really hope that this is simply Hi-NRG experimenting with an alternate cut of a song, because if this is new material, I ain't biting.
7/10
02 Irene / Love Is The Name Of Love [SCP]
SCP seems to have found an answer to Lolita's incredibly high octave tones with Irene - she really can push her voice up quite high, certainly moreso than the other SCP femmes. This has a nice, nippy tempo, and the song flows much more nicely than 179's Let's Fly Together, perhaps just for the speed, but the lead synth in the instrumental has been toned down a little and blends in a much more natural way, and is ultimately quite catchy at this speed.
8/10
03 Magika / Planet Love [Time]
Hmm, another interesting case of re-using a song in close proximity - only this time it's just the drums (including the break-in) from Dancing To The Moon. The dynamic compression isn't quite so hefty this time out, either, which is a relief - I can't help but feel my eardrums take a real pounding whenever I listen to Magika's first outing. The vocal work is just as strong as before, and honestly, in spite of some earlier reservations, this is a really great second outing for the Magik girl.
8/10
04 Ace Warrior / Demon [A-Beat C]
If A-Beat C's output was starting to drag its heels a bit over the past few albums, there's a glimmer here that the creative energy may be starting to move with a positive force again. This track isn't up there with Ace Warrior's best, but there's a great electric guitar solo in the middle, and the chorus and instrumental ain't too shabby!
7/10
05 Fastway / Overdrive [SCP]
The title of this outing feels rather deceptive to me. Despite truly powerful tracks like Shock Out and Go Racin' Go, somehow this track feels like a step down in power. There's still a great deal of energy and catchiness, don't get me wrong - but this isn't up there with Fastway's best tracks.
7/10
06 DJ Force / On My Radio [Time]
A great intro build up leads to a really nice, and quite growling instrumental hook. The bass is really nice in this track - not overly abundant, it's quite a tight sound, but it's great to have such a punch in the low end instead of a rumble (as can be the case with songs like Speed Man or Heartbreaker 2007). Gambogi's track record on vocals is a bit of a hit and miss affair for me - nonetheless, there's some great vocal sound here, if a bit dragged out in places in the chorus.
8/10
07 Powerful T. / Fight All Night [A-Beat C]
A pleasant companion to 179's I Want You. Pleasingly consistent for the whole track, unlike earlier efforts in the 170s. It doesn't go and improve on the formula, and lacks any kind of strong hook to carry it into the realms of memory (even I Want You had a rather catchy chorus). But at least it doesn't grate for a change!
6/10
08 Miky MC / Because You Live [Time]
It's odd to hear Time covering pop songs - usually I expect to hear this kind of activity from A-Beat C or Delta. More unusual is they've taken the song and applied Eurobeat style to it far more adaptively than perhaps has often been the case (I cite some of Nuage's pop covers as opposing examples). Perhaps most unusual is the way the verse breaks on such an odd beat to go to the build up to the chorus. Truly this song sticks to its pop origins, right along to the key change upwards at the end (a trait I've barely ever heard in Eurobeat, bar maybe once or twice). Regardless, there's something a tad watery about this production. Perhaps its because I don't find De Leo's vocals that comfortable for a pop cover, or possibly it's just the slightly over-compressed sound in the track. An odd sort of cover, but a nice enough attempt.
6/10
09 Kelly T. / Shining Like A Lucky Star [A-Beat C]
A nice mellow break in what is quite an energetic album. Kelly T has a nice soothing voice, much the same as Norma Sheffield. Sometimes this gets wasted by lending it to a bland song which does nothing to support the softness that can make her sound ethereal. In this particular case we have quite a nice piece - not quite as strong as Take Me To Heaven, but the build-up to the chorus has a nice emotional tone, while the chorus itself has a good hook, which carries the song quite nicely.
7/10
10 Melissa White / Everlasting Love [SCP]
Melissa White has seldom had a poor quality track, and this is no exception. Strong vocals, once again, and a great chorus which has power behind it, but maintains a dreamier quality - somewhere between Lucya's dreamy style, and Christine's energetic pieces. The build-up to the chorus is especially of interest, with a softer use of the main instrumental synth counterpointing Mel's vocals.
8/10
11 Leslie Parrish / Paraboy [Delta]
This title is one with a rather turbulent history. Clara sounds a beaut, as always, but somehow, for me, the writing quality is always hit and miss. Back on 177 we had King Of Heart, which was quite the unexpected hit, and one which finds its way into my playlist rotation from time to time. While I like the vocals at play here, and not negating a rather fantastic guitar instrumental in the last third, there's something a bit lacking to give this song the real kick it needs.
6/10
12 Baby Gold / I Bet For Lovin' [Hi-NRG Attack]
In spite of all else, Hi-NRG can really crank the high pitch girls out when they want to! They've used one of my favourite synths from their past line-ups (I always did like that more chime-like sound). The verses have a nice hook to them. The let down, perhaps, is rather more in the chorus, which feels much less inspired than the rest of the song (and this is quite crucial for Eurobeat). The song also has a rather over high-pitched 'shrill' sound to it at times. Still, not quite as abrasive as certain releases from Hi-NRG have been recently.
6/10
13 Dany / Superman 2007 [Time]
I find myself treating these remakes with greater contempt as Time goes by. A-Beat C had the right idea by only doing the odd remake to celebrate a by-gone era - three songs at last count. Time, however, throws a new remake out with every single album. Sometimes even more than one (although only one is being badged with the original name and a current year moniker). I've enjoyed these on varying levels, but Doctor Doctor 2007 (back on 173) was the last remake I truly felt was an amazing song to the point that the remake was justified. Heartbreaker 2007 was like a rehash of Speed Man for repetition's sake. Love Desire 2007 was pretty horrible (not to mention the way over-saturated volume level, which to this day puts me off listening to it above all else simply because the volume is so much louder than every other track). Now with Superman 2007, we have Dany, a nicely established name on 179, being reduced to remake duty. Her voice was great for Love Is Like A Fever - this just sounds forced and peculiar. An uninspired and irritating remake. Time can do so very much better than this, and they proved it on 179.
4/10
14 King & Queen / Speedy Runner [A-Beat C]
And now we come to the crux of why levelling accusations of "way past their best" against such a pinnacle of Eurobeat's evolution are so unjust and uncalled for. Even with Annerley filling in for vocals on this rather traditionally Elena Gobbi title, the energy and quality synth and chorus hooks make this one the best highlights 182 has to offer. Even the verses have a spring to their step that convinces me that A-Beat C are starting to become comfortable in their new sound. Let's remember something crucial: Eurobeat evolution doesn't just happen magically. Eurobeat is where it is today because the big producers take chances with their sound, trying not to let the old sound grow stale. This is precisely what A-Beat C has been experimenting with - it just took some time. Now they've found a new sound that is not only comfortable and energetic, but shows the evolutionary minds of the genre's writers truly beginning to let their creative juices flow again. And here, even Annerley proves that she is a diva of Eurobeat who can match Elena for energy, in her own unique way.
9/10
15 Dave Rodgers & Kiko Loureiro / The Final Game [A-Beat C]
Much as A-Beat C is starting to prove that its new sound is worth its salt, we still have to endure misses like this. Dave is at his best when his voice is given a quality melody to ride against, and a good use of soundscape to back it up. Somehow, this track seems to be a mess of colliding sounds which just don't work together very well. On the plus side, Kiko's guitar playing shores up the track a little way, but sadly by the time his guitar solo arrives its all too late to bring some order to the chaos.
4/10
16 Mega NRG Man / Rock On Fire [A-Beat C]
If Dave is flounding a lot, lately, at least we can count on Marin's vocals to be consistently strong. I will confess, I've preferred his songs with GGM over the tracks A-Beat C have been giving him, but this is a pretty good track nonetheless. The chorus has a great hook, the synths are good, and there's something quite retro about this song, in spite of A-Beat C's recent sound evolution.
7/10
17 Cherry / Set Me Free [Delta]
If Leslie Parrish is a hard one to guage by name alone, then Cherry must surely be blessed. Recent releases have been such a powerhouse of awesome Eurobeat, time after time. The power in drums and full-on soundscape have been toned down a fair way, but Clara's vocals here are really strong, the synth in the instrumental is solid and catchy, and even the drums still have a nice, kicking feel to them. A true highlight for this album!
8/10
18 2 Fast / Burning Up The Night (Total Fire) [Delta]
So Delta decides to go quite maniacal for the final outing of 182 - a full 170 BPM! I love the speed, and there's a fair bit to like about the synths and melody. What the song lacks is real power - it feels like the song is tripping over itself constantly, trying to find a way to really harness the speed it has, but never really soaring beyond being an exercise in "how fast can we possibly make Eurobeat before it borderlines ultra hardcore?"
6/10
A foreword about my review scores - an average song truly gets 5. Not 7. Not 8... 5. Moreover, I don't sugar coat SEB songs just because I love the genre. Ultimately, if I give every song I would listen to regularly an 8 or 9, it compounds my ability to distinguish songs that I enjoy, but are critically less enjoyable than stronger entries. I still get a great deal of enjoyment out of songs all the way down to a score of 5, just that I consider them to be songs I'd listen to on a less frequent basis.
01 Jeff Driller / Superfast Tokyo Drift [Hi-NRG Attack]
Nice use of electric guitars from Hi-NRG this time out. Nonetheless, I can't help but draw a lot of similarities between this song and Moo Moo Dollars from not so long ago. Not only does the general melody and chorus sound the same, but you could practically slip in the Fonzie 'Aaay!' from MMD into the end of the chorus, and a few repeated utterances of the word 'moo', and I doubt you could even tell the difference. I really, really hope that this is simply Hi-NRG experimenting with an alternate cut of a song, because if this is new material, I ain't biting.
7/10
02 Irene / Love Is The Name Of Love [SCP]
SCP seems to have found an answer to Lolita's incredibly high octave tones with Irene - she really can push her voice up quite high, certainly moreso than the other SCP femmes. This has a nice, nippy tempo, and the song flows much more nicely than 179's Let's Fly Together, perhaps just for the speed, but the lead synth in the instrumental has been toned down a little and blends in a much more natural way, and is ultimately quite catchy at this speed.
8/10
03 Magika / Planet Love [Time]
Hmm, another interesting case of re-using a song in close proximity - only this time it's just the drums (including the break-in) from Dancing To The Moon. The dynamic compression isn't quite so hefty this time out, either, which is a relief - I can't help but feel my eardrums take a real pounding whenever I listen to Magika's first outing. The vocal work is just as strong as before, and honestly, in spite of some earlier reservations, this is a really great second outing for the Magik girl.
8/10
04 Ace Warrior / Demon [A-Beat C]
If A-Beat C's output was starting to drag its heels a bit over the past few albums, there's a glimmer here that the creative energy may be starting to move with a positive force again. This track isn't up there with Ace Warrior's best, but there's a great electric guitar solo in the middle, and the chorus and instrumental ain't too shabby!
7/10
05 Fastway / Overdrive [SCP]
The title of this outing feels rather deceptive to me. Despite truly powerful tracks like Shock Out and Go Racin' Go, somehow this track feels like a step down in power. There's still a great deal of energy and catchiness, don't get me wrong - but this isn't up there with Fastway's best tracks.
7/10
06 DJ Force / On My Radio [Time]
A great intro build up leads to a really nice, and quite growling instrumental hook. The bass is really nice in this track - not overly abundant, it's quite a tight sound, but it's great to have such a punch in the low end instead of a rumble (as can be the case with songs like Speed Man or Heartbreaker 2007). Gambogi's track record on vocals is a bit of a hit and miss affair for me - nonetheless, there's some great vocal sound here, if a bit dragged out in places in the chorus.
8/10
07 Powerful T. / Fight All Night [A-Beat C]
A pleasant companion to 179's I Want You. Pleasingly consistent for the whole track, unlike earlier efforts in the 170s. It doesn't go and improve on the formula, and lacks any kind of strong hook to carry it into the realms of memory (even I Want You had a rather catchy chorus). But at least it doesn't grate for a change!
6/10
08 Miky MC / Because You Live [Time]
It's odd to hear Time covering pop songs - usually I expect to hear this kind of activity from A-Beat C or Delta. More unusual is they've taken the song and applied Eurobeat style to it far more adaptively than perhaps has often been the case (I cite some of Nuage's pop covers as opposing examples). Perhaps most unusual is the way the verse breaks on such an odd beat to go to the build up to the chorus. Truly this song sticks to its pop origins, right along to the key change upwards at the end (a trait I've barely ever heard in Eurobeat, bar maybe once or twice). Regardless, there's something a tad watery about this production. Perhaps its because I don't find De Leo's vocals that comfortable for a pop cover, or possibly it's just the slightly over-compressed sound in the track. An odd sort of cover, but a nice enough attempt.
6/10
09 Kelly T. / Shining Like A Lucky Star [A-Beat C]
A nice mellow break in what is quite an energetic album. Kelly T has a nice soothing voice, much the same as Norma Sheffield. Sometimes this gets wasted by lending it to a bland song which does nothing to support the softness that can make her sound ethereal. In this particular case we have quite a nice piece - not quite as strong as Take Me To Heaven, but the build-up to the chorus has a nice emotional tone, while the chorus itself has a good hook, which carries the song quite nicely.
7/10
10 Melissa White / Everlasting Love [SCP]
Melissa White has seldom had a poor quality track, and this is no exception. Strong vocals, once again, and a great chorus which has power behind it, but maintains a dreamier quality - somewhere between Lucya's dreamy style, and Christine's energetic pieces. The build-up to the chorus is especially of interest, with a softer use of the main instrumental synth counterpointing Mel's vocals.
8/10
11 Leslie Parrish / Paraboy [Delta]
This title is one with a rather turbulent history. Clara sounds a beaut, as always, but somehow, for me, the writing quality is always hit and miss. Back on 177 we had King Of Heart, which was quite the unexpected hit, and one which finds its way into my playlist rotation from time to time. While I like the vocals at play here, and not negating a rather fantastic guitar instrumental in the last third, there's something a bit lacking to give this song the real kick it needs.
6/10
12 Baby Gold / I Bet For Lovin' [Hi-NRG Attack]
In spite of all else, Hi-NRG can really crank the high pitch girls out when they want to! They've used one of my favourite synths from their past line-ups (I always did like that more chime-like sound). The verses have a nice hook to them. The let down, perhaps, is rather more in the chorus, which feels much less inspired than the rest of the song (and this is quite crucial for Eurobeat). The song also has a rather over high-pitched 'shrill' sound to it at times. Still, not quite as abrasive as certain releases from Hi-NRG have been recently.
6/10
13 Dany / Superman 2007 [Time]
I find myself treating these remakes with greater contempt as Time goes by. A-Beat C had the right idea by only doing the odd remake to celebrate a by-gone era - three songs at last count. Time, however, throws a new remake out with every single album. Sometimes even more than one (although only one is being badged with the original name and a current year moniker). I've enjoyed these on varying levels, but Doctor Doctor 2007 (back on 173) was the last remake I truly felt was an amazing song to the point that the remake was justified. Heartbreaker 2007 was like a rehash of Speed Man for repetition's sake. Love Desire 2007 was pretty horrible (not to mention the way over-saturated volume level, which to this day puts me off listening to it above all else simply because the volume is so much louder than every other track). Now with Superman 2007, we have Dany, a nicely established name on 179, being reduced to remake duty. Her voice was great for Love Is Like A Fever - this just sounds forced and peculiar. An uninspired and irritating remake. Time can do so very much better than this, and they proved it on 179.
4/10
14 King & Queen / Speedy Runner [A-Beat C]
And now we come to the crux of why levelling accusations of "way past their best" against such a pinnacle of Eurobeat's evolution are so unjust and uncalled for. Even with Annerley filling in for vocals on this rather traditionally Elena Gobbi title, the energy and quality synth and chorus hooks make this one the best highlights 182 has to offer. Even the verses have a spring to their step that convinces me that A-Beat C are starting to become comfortable in their new sound. Let's remember something crucial: Eurobeat evolution doesn't just happen magically. Eurobeat is where it is today because the big producers take chances with their sound, trying not to let the old sound grow stale. This is precisely what A-Beat C has been experimenting with - it just took some time. Now they've found a new sound that is not only comfortable and energetic, but shows the evolutionary minds of the genre's writers truly beginning to let their creative juices flow again. And here, even Annerley proves that she is a diva of Eurobeat who can match Elena for energy, in her own unique way.
9/10
15 Dave Rodgers & Kiko Loureiro / The Final Game [A-Beat C]
Much as A-Beat C is starting to prove that its new sound is worth its salt, we still have to endure misses like this. Dave is at his best when his voice is given a quality melody to ride against, and a good use of soundscape to back it up. Somehow, this track seems to be a mess of colliding sounds which just don't work together very well. On the plus side, Kiko's guitar playing shores up the track a little way, but sadly by the time his guitar solo arrives its all too late to bring some order to the chaos.
4/10
16 Mega NRG Man / Rock On Fire [A-Beat C]
If Dave is flounding a lot, lately, at least we can count on Marin's vocals to be consistently strong. I will confess, I've preferred his songs with GGM over the tracks A-Beat C have been giving him, but this is a pretty good track nonetheless. The chorus has a great hook, the synths are good, and there's something quite retro about this song, in spite of A-Beat C's recent sound evolution.
7/10
17 Cherry / Set Me Free [Delta]
If Leslie Parrish is a hard one to guage by name alone, then Cherry must surely be blessed. Recent releases have been such a powerhouse of awesome Eurobeat, time after time. The power in drums and full-on soundscape have been toned down a fair way, but Clara's vocals here are really strong, the synth in the instrumental is solid and catchy, and even the drums still have a nice, kicking feel to them. A true highlight for this album!
8/10
18 2 Fast / Burning Up The Night (Total Fire) [Delta]
So Delta decides to go quite maniacal for the final outing of 182 - a full 170 BPM! I love the speed, and there's a fair bit to like about the synths and melody. What the song lacks is real power - it feels like the song is tripping over itself constantly, trying to find a way to really harness the speed it has, but never really soaring beyond being an exercise in "how fast can we possibly make Eurobeat before it borderlines ultra hardcore?"
6/10
Last edited by DJ Mike TJG on 04 Nov 2007, 23:58, edited 3 times in total.
-
drnrg
- Eurobeat Guru
- Posts: 6957
- Joined: 17 May 2005, 07:18
- Location: searching for missing Eurogrooves trax
Nice review so far. I should be getting mine this weekend(bites fingers in anticipation)From what you explain about your grades, you seem to be enjoying this one quite so 
I wrote
I wrote
Right off the back, I heard that similiarity on the preview. It's like looking in the mirror, but not1. Jeff Driller- Superfast Tokyo Drift- Rehashed "Moo Moo Dollars". Sounds great, but Jeff's vocals seem overcome by female backup
I think I'm the only one who disliked this album lol. I almost share the same feelings for this album that lebon feels for 179 (just not so obsessive to constantly post about my hatred for the album in seemingly every thread...hopefully haha)
though, I did like SupERman 2007 and Set Me Free. That's about it
(just not so obsessive to constantly post about my hatred for the album in seemingly every thread...hopefully haha)though, I did like SupERman 2007 and Set Me Free. That's about it
-
DJ Mike TJG
- Eurohero
- Posts: 847
- Joined: 10 Feb 2007, 12:44
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
I did not like 179 because there were absolutely no song I loved. SEB 176 & 177 were really not my favorite but they had at least 1 or 2 songs that I loved but not 179.Nine wrote:I think I'm the only one who disliked this album lol. I almost share the same feelings for this album that lebon feels for 179
though, I did like SupERman 2007 and Set Me Free. That's about it
I loved in 182 :
- Superfast Tokyo Drift
- Love Is The Name Of Love
- Planet Love
- Overdrive
- Everlasting Fire
- Paraboy
- Set Me Free
- Burning Up The Night (Total Fire)
More detailled review to come later.
椛ちゃん、助けてぇぇぇぇぇ！
1. Superfast Tokyo Drift / Jeff Driller: (10+)
Am I the only person with plenty of compliments to give to this track? It didn't even show up on The Best Of Super Eurobeat 2007. I thought it was completely awesome performance, and easily Jeff Driller's best track alongside Chica Loca. Fast, aggressive, full of distinct sounds, this is a definite standout in the HRG catalogue. The c-melody is very catchy, and the vocals fit the song's aggression perfectly. Excellent job, HRG! This label just keep getting better and better!
2. Love Is The Name Of Love / Irene: (10)
Irene presents us yet another fantastic performance after her impressive comeback on SEB 179. Both tracks are great, but this time the energy of the song doesn't sound like it's "falling" at any point, displaying just how tallented a vocalist this woman is. The synths are full and well-produced, and the singing works on just about all levels. If Irene keeps this pace going on, it won't be long before she becomes SCP's new top vocalist (next to Ace, of course).
3. Planet Love / Magika: (9-)
The solid level continues with this new track by Magika. While it doesn't stand out the way the first couple of tracks did for me, the structure and vocals are definitely a nice change from all of the Elena Ferretti productions we've gotten lately. Not amazing, but still different and quite satifying, proving that TIME still has what it takes to make great eurobeat.
4. Demon / Ace Warrior: (8+)
Ace Warrior seems like the type of eurobeat vocalist who should be singing hard rock and not eurobeat, so I was worried that this track would not turn out well at all, much similar to Powerful T.'s recent performances, but here A-Beat C fought hard to defend their classic, energetic image that seems to have faded lately. Good vocals, good lyrics, a nicely-crafted track that still makes the best out of Ace Warrior's vocals. Nothing new or innovative, but still a good track on all general levels.
5. Overdrive / Fastway: (9+)
After hearing the samples and reading Bore's review for the album, I honestly didn't have very high expectations for this track, but it honestly surprised me. I would definitely compare this to Crash Boom Burn Me Up, but this track someehow seems to have a lot more edge to it and comes off a bit better. With just as much punch as one can hope for from Ennio, this is a strong performance that should please anyone who enjoys his style.
6. On My Radio / DJ Force: (8.)
Gambogi returns after a short break (excluding ~ONE-EIGHT-OH~) under a new alias, with a performance that doesn't stick out at all but isn't bad by any means. A pretty average TIME performance with a rather mellow tone to it, but the melody works well and should give a warm feeling to anyone who enjoys slower eurobeat.
7. Fight All Night / Poweful T.: (6)
The glory of Powerful T. seems to have vanished with the decline of A-Beat C's quality. This track isn't horrendous and is definitely more standable than some of his other releases lately, but it just doesn't do anything to interest me. Powerful T.'s vocals work better than I stated in my first impression comments, but as a whole the song bored me quickly and sort of just washed away as the next track began.
8. Because You Live / Miky MC: (8+)
An alright eurobeat cover, not really exciting, but still decent. De Leo's vocalwork is quite good, and even though the production doesn't wow me, ultimately I got a warm feeling after hearing it.
9. Shining Like A Lucky Star / Kelly T.: (9+)
The sample didn't impress me, but as a full package I gotta say that it actually worked quite nicely. Kelly T.'s tender vocals put a smile on my face, as they flowed perfectly with the song's extremely light feel and succeeded to produce a great track for anyone who can enjoy this type of eurobeat.
10. Everlasting Fire / Melissa White: (10-)
This missed The Best Of Super Eurobeat 2007? I was on my heels when I originally heard the sample, and I'm still impressed upon hearing the full version. Even though the lyrics follow the common "fire, desire" theme, the track uses it far more logically than most eurobeat productions. Melissa's rich vocals fulfill the song's high potential, and the steady production keeps the fire lit for the entirety of the performance. Overall, it seems to me that SCP has done excellently so far throughout the 180's. Hopefully they will maintain this as the decade continues.
11. Paraboy / Leslie Parrish: (9)
Yet another fantastic performance by Delta's idol, Clara Moroni. Even though Leslie Parrish isn't the appropriate alias for this type of track, that's of no importance when you consider the catchiness and variety offered by the immense soundworld. Catchy and very fun to dance to, even though the c-melody could've been more exciting to perfect it.
12. I Bet For Lovin' / Baby Gold: (9+)
Hi-NRG Attack's second track is just as underrated as the first. What makes this such a memorable performance to me would be all those top-notch synths and fast pace to give it a very powerful atmosphere. Even though the vocals could've done without the pitching-up, they still represent the track's hyper nature. Could've been a little better, but still a very nice performance.
13. Superman 2007 / Dany: (9)
Well, I certainly don't think this song is that bad. In fact, to me it isn't even close. Just looking past the lack of Clara Moroni in the remake, it still has some very nice synths that modernize the original track without sounding bad, so Daniela's vocals actually fit it quite nicely. Maybe not as effectively adorable as Clara's original version, but I personally thought it came off nicely.
14. Speedy Runner / King & Queen: (9-)
Dance was one of the worst tracks A-Beat C managed to release over the past year, so I had little expectations for this, but fortunately I was surprised by its outcome. Production methods are still just as light as ever, but here they came up with an excellent melody that gives it a rather solid edge as it progresses. Not a tremendous standout, but still proof that A-Beat C still has what it takes to hold on.
15. The Final Game / Dave Rodgers and Kiko Loureiro: (9+)
I must say that I truly missed all of Dave Rodgers' fantastic releases during the 160's (Eldorado still deserves a 10+++ in my book without question), so once I saw Kiko Loureiro's name in the title, I got my hopes up for a major improvement, and surprisingly enough I was definitely satisfied. The production quality is loyal to A-Beat C's classic style used from Super Eurobeat 75 (Mirka's Hi Hi Baby would be the first example of a "modern" A-Beat C eurobeat track) to 173, and Dave finally musters some vocalwork just as powerful and effective as seen during the 160's. Oh yeah, the extra guitars by Kiko Loureiro just add on to that. Not Mr. Rodgers' best track ever, but it definitely succeeds in restoring my faith that he can still produce good music.
16. Rock On Fire / Mega NRG Man: (7½)
* Sigh *, this track is better than Catch My Fire, but it's still just nothing to get hyped over. It's not a bad performance in any major way, but everything present just feels so "been-there-done-that". A generally good song, but completely standard and unexciting. Take him back to GGM, it's the only place I want him to be.
17. Set Me Free / Cherry: (10+++)
This song was very, very surprising. I can easily regard Clara Moroni as one of my favorite females in the eurobeat scene, but it's not this often that you get something this groundbreaking from her. Delta's aggressive synths show up here with a vengeance and simply edge the track beyond standard limits. Clara's vocalwork is just wonderful from start to finish - she unleashes more spirit and energy than ever, and it all works out with the rest of the song marvelously. An extremely intense performance that clearly stands out over even some of the best eurobeat we've had over the past few decades.
18. Burning Up The Night (Total Fire): (10+)
After actually hearing the entire song from the compilation, I have to say that I'm completely shocked that this did not appear on The Best Of Super Eurobeat 2007, despite my comments made beforehand. This very hyper performance sounds a lot like something Maximum Power would do, but here Delta's superiority to Akyr clearly shows with this track. Fast-paced eurobeat is something we're clearly not used to, so to pull the throttle this far can only result in a major standout over general eurobeat standards. The vocalist is definitely a newcomer to the eurobeat scene, and he delivers plenty of power-packed energy into this groundbreaking performance. I still think the chorus is rather normal and uncreative, but it's still very easy to classify this track as yet another outstanding production that will surely be remembered for many years to come.
FINAL SCORE: (9+)
AVEX gives us yet another superb eurobeat compilation that surely proves how much the genre has improved over the years and continues to do so. Even without GGM, almost none of the selections didn't ultimately leave me satisfied, and the general level of the compilation is very much above-average and not without some major highlights. All 5 labels left us with outstanding performances, and even A-Beat C is clearly starting to show signs of recovery after a bit of a slump over the last several albums. Again, more label variety would be nice (I still want Asia back on the series, especially since they're apparently still associated with AVEX, considering they made some appearances on the Super GT 2007 albums; you can download their tracks, but putting their stuff on Super Eurobeat promotes it a lot better), but I can already say that the labels we got presented a very solid amount of that.
TOP 3 SONGS:
- Set Me Free / Cherry
- Superfast Tokyo Drift / Jeff Driller
- Burning Up The Night (Total Fire)
BOTTOM 3 SONGS:
- Fight All Night / Powerful T.
- Rock On Fire / Mega NRG Man
- On My Radio / DJ Force (still not a bad song, though)
HONORABLE MENTION:
- Love Is The Name Of Love / Irene
Am I the only person with plenty of compliments to give to this track? It didn't even show up on The Best Of Super Eurobeat 2007. I thought it was completely awesome performance, and easily Jeff Driller's best track alongside Chica Loca. Fast, aggressive, full of distinct sounds, this is a definite standout in the HRG catalogue. The c-melody is very catchy, and the vocals fit the song's aggression perfectly. Excellent job, HRG! This label just keep getting better and better!
2. Love Is The Name Of Love / Irene: (10)
Irene presents us yet another fantastic performance after her impressive comeback on SEB 179. Both tracks are great, but this time the energy of the song doesn't sound like it's "falling" at any point, displaying just how tallented a vocalist this woman is. The synths are full and well-produced, and the singing works on just about all levels. If Irene keeps this pace going on, it won't be long before she becomes SCP's new top vocalist (next to Ace, of course).
3. Planet Love / Magika: (9-)
The solid level continues with this new track by Magika. While it doesn't stand out the way the first couple of tracks did for me, the structure and vocals are definitely a nice change from all of the Elena Ferretti productions we've gotten lately. Not amazing, but still different and quite satifying, proving that TIME still has what it takes to make great eurobeat.
4. Demon / Ace Warrior: (8+)
Ace Warrior seems like the type of eurobeat vocalist who should be singing hard rock and not eurobeat, so I was worried that this track would not turn out well at all, much similar to Powerful T.'s recent performances, but here A-Beat C fought hard to defend their classic, energetic image that seems to have faded lately. Good vocals, good lyrics, a nicely-crafted track that still makes the best out of Ace Warrior's vocals. Nothing new or innovative, but still a good track on all general levels.
5. Overdrive / Fastway: (9+)
After hearing the samples and reading Bore's review for the album, I honestly didn't have very high expectations for this track, but it honestly surprised me. I would definitely compare this to Crash Boom Burn Me Up, but this track someehow seems to have a lot more edge to it and comes off a bit better. With just as much punch as one can hope for from Ennio, this is a strong performance that should please anyone who enjoys his style.
6. On My Radio / DJ Force: (8.)
Gambogi returns after a short break (excluding ~ONE-EIGHT-OH~) under a new alias, with a performance that doesn't stick out at all but isn't bad by any means. A pretty average TIME performance with a rather mellow tone to it, but the melody works well and should give a warm feeling to anyone who enjoys slower eurobeat.
7. Fight All Night / Poweful T.: (6)
The glory of Powerful T. seems to have vanished with the decline of A-Beat C's quality. This track isn't horrendous and is definitely more standable than some of his other releases lately, but it just doesn't do anything to interest me. Powerful T.'s vocals work better than I stated in my first impression comments, but as a whole the song bored me quickly and sort of just washed away as the next track began.
8. Because You Live / Miky MC: (8+)
An alright eurobeat cover, not really exciting, but still decent. De Leo's vocalwork is quite good, and even though the production doesn't wow me, ultimately I got a warm feeling after hearing it.
9. Shining Like A Lucky Star / Kelly T.: (9+)
The sample didn't impress me, but as a full package I gotta say that it actually worked quite nicely. Kelly T.'s tender vocals put a smile on my face, as they flowed perfectly with the song's extremely light feel and succeeded to produce a great track for anyone who can enjoy this type of eurobeat.
10. Everlasting Fire / Melissa White: (10-)
This missed The Best Of Super Eurobeat 2007? I was on my heels when I originally heard the sample, and I'm still impressed upon hearing the full version. Even though the lyrics follow the common "fire, desire" theme, the track uses it far more logically than most eurobeat productions. Melissa's rich vocals fulfill the song's high potential, and the steady production keeps the fire lit for the entirety of the performance. Overall, it seems to me that SCP has done excellently so far throughout the 180's. Hopefully they will maintain this as the decade continues.
11. Paraboy / Leslie Parrish: (9)
Yet another fantastic performance by Delta's idol, Clara Moroni. Even though Leslie Parrish isn't the appropriate alias for this type of track, that's of no importance when you consider the catchiness and variety offered by the immense soundworld. Catchy and very fun to dance to, even though the c-melody could've been more exciting to perfect it.
12. I Bet For Lovin' / Baby Gold: (9+)
Hi-NRG Attack's second track is just as underrated as the first. What makes this such a memorable performance to me would be all those top-notch synths and fast pace to give it a very powerful atmosphere. Even though the vocals could've done without the pitching-up, they still represent the track's hyper nature. Could've been a little better, but still a very nice performance.
13. Superman 2007 / Dany: (9)
Well, I certainly don't think this song is that bad. In fact, to me it isn't even close. Just looking past the lack of Clara Moroni in the remake, it still has some very nice synths that modernize the original track without sounding bad, so Daniela's vocals actually fit it quite nicely. Maybe not as effectively adorable as Clara's original version, but I personally thought it came off nicely.
14. Speedy Runner / King & Queen: (9-)
Dance was one of the worst tracks A-Beat C managed to release over the past year, so I had little expectations for this, but fortunately I was surprised by its outcome. Production methods are still just as light as ever, but here they came up with an excellent melody that gives it a rather solid edge as it progresses. Not a tremendous standout, but still proof that A-Beat C still has what it takes to hold on.
15. The Final Game / Dave Rodgers and Kiko Loureiro: (9+)
I must say that I truly missed all of Dave Rodgers' fantastic releases during the 160's (Eldorado still deserves a 10+++ in my book without question), so once I saw Kiko Loureiro's name in the title, I got my hopes up for a major improvement, and surprisingly enough I was definitely satisfied. The production quality is loyal to A-Beat C's classic style used from Super Eurobeat 75 (Mirka's Hi Hi Baby would be the first example of a "modern" A-Beat C eurobeat track) to 173, and Dave finally musters some vocalwork just as powerful and effective as seen during the 160's. Oh yeah, the extra guitars by Kiko Loureiro just add on to that. Not Mr. Rodgers' best track ever, but it definitely succeeds in restoring my faith that he can still produce good music.
16. Rock On Fire / Mega NRG Man: (7½)
* Sigh *, this track is better than Catch My Fire, but it's still just nothing to get hyped over. It's not a bad performance in any major way, but everything present just feels so "been-there-done-that". A generally good song, but completely standard and unexciting. Take him back to GGM, it's the only place I want him to be.
17. Set Me Free / Cherry: (10+++)
This song was very, very surprising. I can easily regard Clara Moroni as one of my favorite females in the eurobeat scene, but it's not this often that you get something this groundbreaking from her. Delta's aggressive synths show up here with a vengeance and simply edge the track beyond standard limits. Clara's vocalwork is just wonderful from start to finish - she unleashes more spirit and energy than ever, and it all works out with the rest of the song marvelously. An extremely intense performance that clearly stands out over even some of the best eurobeat we've had over the past few decades.
18. Burning Up The Night (Total Fire): (10+)
After actually hearing the entire song from the compilation, I have to say that I'm completely shocked that this did not appear on The Best Of Super Eurobeat 2007, despite my comments made beforehand. This very hyper performance sounds a lot like something Maximum Power would do, but here Delta's superiority to Akyr clearly shows with this track. Fast-paced eurobeat is something we're clearly not used to, so to pull the throttle this far can only result in a major standout over general eurobeat standards. The vocalist is definitely a newcomer to the eurobeat scene, and he delivers plenty of power-packed energy into this groundbreaking performance. I still think the chorus is rather normal and uncreative, but it's still very easy to classify this track as yet another outstanding production that will surely be remembered for many years to come.
FINAL SCORE: (9+)
AVEX gives us yet another superb eurobeat compilation that surely proves how much the genre has improved over the years and continues to do so. Even without GGM, almost none of the selections didn't ultimately leave me satisfied, and the general level of the compilation is very much above-average and not without some major highlights. All 5 labels left us with outstanding performances, and even A-Beat C is clearly starting to show signs of recovery after a bit of a slump over the last several albums. Again, more label variety would be nice (I still want Asia back on the series, especially since they're apparently still associated with AVEX, considering they made some appearances on the Super GT 2007 albums; you can download their tracks, but putting their stuff on Super Eurobeat promotes it a lot better), but I can already say that the labels we got presented a very solid amount of that.
TOP 3 SONGS:
- Set Me Free / Cherry
- Superfast Tokyo Drift / Jeff Driller
- Burning Up The Night (Total Fire)
BOTTOM 3 SONGS:
- Fight All Night / Powerful T.
- Rock On Fire / Mega NRG Man
- On My Radio / DJ Force (still not a bad song, though)
HONORABLE MENTION:
- Love Is The Name Of Love / Irene
Last edited by #Infinity on 04 Nov 2007, 03:03, edited 3 times in total.
-
Shinji-kun[NGE]
- Euro To B
- Posts: 47
- Joined: 02 Feb 2005, 16:51
- Location: Moscow
Seems that Delta isn't that bad at all, is it?Lebon14 wrote:I loved in 182 :
(...)
- Paraboy
- Set Me Free
- Burning Up The Night (Total Fire)
As far as my opinion goes, this album is easily the best since, hmm... 175, I guess.
Some GGM would certainly make it even better but hey, you can't have everything!
Whereas 181 had a few 'killer' tracks and a lot of mediocre-to-poor ones, this one is the complete opposite.
I may even post my first review if I have some spare time!
(I've never done reviews before, cause I don't really like rating or writing about tracks I don't like...)
-
KitsuneStar
- Eurobeat Fan
- Posts: 140
- Joined: 29 Jan 2005, 05:32
Love how you put it, and I totally agree. As I did point out, missing Elena does feel sad, but Annerley did one heck of a job on this one. The song is just so damn catchy, hoping for more similar stuff in the future as this does promise a lot for the future.DJ Mike TJG wrote: 14 King & Queen / Speedy Runner [A-Beat C]
And now we come to the crux of why levelling accusations of "way past their best" against such a pinnacle of Eurobeat's evolution are so unjust and uncalled for. Even with Annerley filling in for vocals on this rather traditionally Elena Gobbi title, the energy and quality synth and chorus hooks make this one the best highlights 182 has to offer. Even the verses have a spring to their step that convinces me that A-Beat C are starting to become comfortable in their new sound. Let's remember something crucial: Eurobeat evolution doesn't just happen magically. Eurobeat is where it is today because the big producers take chances with their sound, trying not to let the old sound grow stale. This is precisely what A-Beat C has been experimenting with - it just took some time. Now they've found a new sound that is not only comfortable and energetic, but shows the evolutionary minds of the genre's writers truly beginning to let their creative juices flow again. And here, even Annerley proves that she is a diva of Eurobeat who can match Elena for energy, in her own unique way.
9/10
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: Ahrefs [Bot] and 7 guests