Super Eurobeat Vol. 243

[Lebon14]

According to DHL, I'm going to have my copy on Tuesday. Heh. If it wouldn't have made that detour by Los Angeles, I would have had skips a lot of kilometers of travel for nothing.

[drnrg]

10. STAY TOGETHER NOW OR NEVER / DAVID DIMA [DIMA] ★★★★☆
Kudos to Dima for this one. A song so unique within this album and it makes me glad I was able to listen to it. One of his greatest recent works. I enjoy how it's so simple, instrumental-wise almost like a rock tune but also pop, also eurobeat.

Ditto my feelings on this one ❤ I got really heavy Max Martin/Taylor Swift vibes on it, save with a faster tempo & Dima's vox. If there's such thing as a Eurobeat Ballad ～ this is definitely it！

That makes me get my pop guard up. I do not like Taylor Swift one bit. Maybe only that song she sang with Def Leppard? I wish Dima would ressurrect some of those early Vibration or TIME synth riffs he wrote back then. "Hot Love Games", Dancing Into The Night", "That's Allright". This new style sounds a bit too aged.

[Tiger]

LOVE & DIAMONDS is top-notch

The riff for YOU MY EUROBEAT songs like CRAZY FOR LOVE / SARA more closely to me. There may be another song though.

[synthjunkie]

Those still waiting to get their copy of the album should check out the LENGTHY previews that are up on MORA:
https://mora.jp/package/43000002/AVCD-10243/

They are super long, and you can hear the ENTIRE verses and chorus. Much better than the other previews that were already linked up on this page.

[KiraTM]

I got my copy yesterday (Amazon ships so fast) and listened to the whole album once.

My very first impression: Meh. The trailer didn't catch me and so didn't the CD.
There are a few songs I like (Stay Together Now Or Never, War, Twist And Shake, Across The Rainbow) but not even a single song giving me a "Wow, this is so great! I love it." And each SEB usually has at least one of those songs on it...

[Lebon14]

I got my copy yesterday (Amazon ships so fast) and listened to the whole album once.

They shipped my copy on release day MY TIME (so Thursday Japan time) with DHL. DHL made my album make a detour by Los Angeles before going back to Canada yesterday >.> Oh and, they'll be taking a day off Monday to compensate for the Province-only holiday today. So, I'll get it Tuesday... when they could've got it to me yesterday. Easy.

[Crockett]

Well, for those who don't want to make their life difficult and discuss before every premiere how to get next SEB cheap, without middlemen and killing fees:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/V-A-SUPER-EUROB ... Sw0j9ZUH2n

24.50 + 5 USD.

[Bore]

Wow, SCP is doing a wicked job currently. It feels like the whole album would be a total lackluster if it wasn't for SCP's efforts. So many great tracks, Seastar is easily becoming the best thing to happen to eurobeat with the quality of her tracks.

[Lebon14]

Guess I won't be listening tonight. Might have to send it back to Japan.

I miss CDJapan already.

EDIT

Amazon packaging:

Contained factory wrapped CD and a receip. No, the CD wasn't protected further than with this stupid cheap bubble enveloppe.

I'm trying HMV next time.

[drnrg]

CD cases are standard size. I can't tell you how many times mine came in cracked. I just changed the Cd case. Now vinyl was a different story, but in about 10+ years of ordering from Europe, I only recieved one broken vinyl. Up to this date, I have not been able to find that particular record.

[Lebon14]

CD cases are standard size. I can't tell you how many times mine came in cracked. I just changed the Cd case. Now vinyl was a different story, but in about 10+ years of ordering from Europe, I only recieved one broken vinyl. Up to this date, I have not been able to find that particular record.

I much much much prefer keeping the OEM cases. They are usually much better quality than replacements.
Regardless, Amazon JP agreed to send me another free copy. Hopefully, they'll learn to use more protection but they usually do when they send replacements.

Oh, and also. I have a lot of experiences too. When shippers don't write "FRAGILE" or anything, there's a 50/50 chance that the CD case will arrive cracked. However, if there's a FRAGILE mention (like CDJapan does), I never got any cases where jewel case got broken in transit. True story.

[SuperEuroJimmy]

Hm, good to know they're sending you a free copy because of this. I was kinda concerned about a broken case when I saw the enveloppe as well. Luckily mine got in unharmed.

Now I need some time in a traffic jam, so I can listen to SEB in all calm.

[WNight]

Burning Inside Out / Seastar
Female SCP tracks that so skillfully blend an aggressive tune with a tinge of aishu in it's vocal melody are pretty rare to see nowadays, but seems to be gaining steam yet again with the debut of Seastar on 239who is fast becoming my favourite SCP female singer of all time. It definitely gives the label a more 3D feeling instead of their usual upbeat trance/pop they often do with their female tracks. The lyrics are good, and Seastar's pleasant yet powerful voice also gives this slightly melancholic song a lot more depth, and it may sound creepy but I am actually finding myself falling in love with her just by hearing her voice! Also, what's interesting is that there's actually a pretty mystical sounding opening here, again not something you see very often from SCP so the impact is twofold. It definitely is one of the more outstanding female SCP tracks so far, and it seems like a 3rd Seastar track is in the works so I am definitely looking forward.
Score : 5/5

Foxy Love / Manuel & Lolita
On paper, you have a perfect duet. Two of the most over the top singers, both male side and female side having a great time belting out to one another but this has got to be one of the most unmemorable song that Manuel is in recently. Mainly because this song has the structure of a typical "eurobeat style' love song" melody, and I really don't think both Lolita and Manuel are suited for this style of eurobeat. I'll say this though, the both of them have nice chemistry with each other and the chorus is actually pretty good because it's so lively and makes it seem like they are really having a whale of a time doing this piece, I know I had fun at least. Aside from that, the rest of the song just isn't that memorable, and at one point, the song even sort of made me wince from it's high level of shrillness. I know some people are going to TOTALLY love this duet just simply due to how chirpy it sounds (because Lolita), but I think it's only decent at best.
Score : 3/5

Never Know Why / Mela
The biggest issue with this song for me is that it came one album after "Under The Power Of My Heart", which is imho one of the best recent Saifam female tracks ever. This song is simply too weak sounding compared to the former. Now granted, it has a rather decent melody and it's still better than a lot of the generic stuff and the insufferably generic songs they put out before, but it just doesn't have any real oomph to standout among the other pieces on the album.
Score : 2.5/5

New Dirty Road / Ace
If you want a great track to head bang to, and I know we all do, this is the track for you! Is there anything Christian can't do and excel at? He is really on a roll as of late, and I seriously think every one of his songs starting from 'Brand New World' needs to join the list of SCP "classics" and be featured on every anniversary album ever. Think about it, he can do a real good duet with just about every female in SCP, channel positive vibes from songs like 'Brand New World', pull off an extremely melancholic piece like 'I'll Never Break' or just go pure NRG like 'Heavensent'. With that said, think of this track as the child if you took the high energy 'Heavensent' and the upbeat 'Brand New World' and breed them together, you get 4 minutes of non stop energy train from start to finish with a highly upbeat atmosphere that will have you on the edge of your seat and leave a big smile on your face after every single listen. Imagine how excited the crowd would get if this song is sung live by Ace! Words can't express how much I love this piece, but I think this is the best song on the album despite it's relatively short length.
Score : 5/5

Set My Love In Flames / Tora
In my 238 review, I mentioned how I wish Sinclaire would get around to making female epics once again and it seems I may have finally found what I wanted. This track right here is awesome, and it really deserves to stand toe to toe with Sinclaire's 'best of females'. The song begins with a very Sinclaire-ish chaotic sounding opening that might jolt some people at first. Give it some time though, and you'll realise that this is quite possibly one of the heaviest, most hard beating female Sinclaire song out there, beating out even 'Bang My Heart' just two albums ago, which is itself an already rather heavy song by itself. This fact alone should make some fans grin from ear to ear. This is not a song you want to listen to if you want to feel cheery and upbeat. The riff is one of the best things I've heard from Sinclaire, the vocal melody is easy to get carried away to and by the time the chorus begins, you won't even be able to resist belting alongside Grana, and you'd wheeze by the time it concludes because of the awesomeness you just heard. Not gonna lie, I'd go as far as saying that this is my new all time favourite Grana track ever, because, well ... it's sooo good!
Score : 5/5

One Night Driller / Claudia Vip
This is a fun song. Probably one of the most fun song on this album because it sounds kind of 'traditional Hi-NRG' as compared to the other female tracks on the past few volumes. Thing is, my favourite songs from the female Hi-NRG camp has mostly been songs that are not so traditional Hi-NRG melodically like 'Bed Girl' or 'Girl In The Night'. I am able to appreciate some interesting elements such as that quirky sounding descending synth riff at every mid verse but all in all, I find no reason to listen to this one over the above mentioned songs.
Score : 3/5

You My Eurobeat / Paul Harris
I find this song a significant improvement over 'Love Comes' because of it's more energetic and also it's sheer catchiness. It's funny though, because I have always associated this alias with being a male 'Cherry' with the aishu like 'You Are Not Alone' and 'Crazy Information'. That being said, this is a nice mid-tempo dance number that makes a great foot tapper if and whenever you need it.
Score : 4.25/5

War / Dream Fighters
Always count on this alias of Dima to bring out the epicness of the label. Look no further if you need a heavy dose of guitar and heavy atmosphere to counteract the generally light heartedness of the album so far. The only complain I have about this track, which also seems to be a rather universal complaint among most members is that we've heard countless variations of that same riff pattern for quite a few times now but actually, I personally don't have as much of an issue as others as long as the final product comes together nicely, and what I especially love is the echo-ey "You don't believe me" parts. I would kill to see Dima perform a live performance of this song just to see what can come out of it.
Score : 4.5/5

Twist & Shake / Dee Dee Wonder
Now this is something I can get by on, but again, might be too high expectations on my part, but it still isn't on the same level of 'Bed Girl' and 'Girl In The Night'. I'll say this though, the piano solo is good, and songs of this style from Hi-NRG is generally much closer to my personal preference than 'One Night Driller' or 'Across The Rainbow' per say. Not the best possible, but asking producers to make huge leaps in each successive album might be a tad bit too much to ask. I'll enjoy what I can for now.
Score : 3.75/5

Stay Together Now Or Never / David Dima
This song is lacking in speed and energy, but guess what? That's okay! Literally, this song is the best example of how you can put elements of rock, pop, eurobeat and movie OST into one picture perfect package and create fireworks out of it. It's also a great piece to throw the 'Dima is so generic and predictable' people off. The song starts off with some soft guitars and a calm opening for a while for warm up, and at this point, some people would most likely go 'Damn, Dima is making stupid pop again!' but that would be a huge mistake. From the guitar riff, you can tell this is a very heart warming piece of track, the kind which would make grown men cry tears of joy upon listening to because what you just heard is such a masterpiece. Dima in this song is not only masculine sounding, but also sings with immense emotion that is very rarely seen since most of his songs tend to be energetic pieces. All in all, a very refreshing track that really shouldn't be dismissed based on surface and certainly one of the most memorable piece from the Dima camp yet!
Score : 5/5

Love & Diamonds / Cherry
Ominous sounding openings has become sort of a trend for Cherry tracks, even when the tracks are not even in the least bit aishu. Somebody's been learning from Sun Fire I guess. Still, I think this is a great track simply because of the uplifting, beaty riff and also because it's Clara on vocals ! Also, this is a refreshing pace from the barrage of aishu the past few albums (not that I am complaining, aishu is Clara's specialty after all and I love them). Very cool sounding and amazing track overall!
Score : 5/5

Across The Rainbow / Louise
Before I sound like a broken record, I like the female Hi-NRG tracks here but I really would prefer listening to some other Hi-NRG female tracks in the 230's. Good melody on this one though.
Score : 3.75/5

One More Dance / Elly
My guess is that out of the four songs SCP has on this album, they heavily invested into the first two songs and decide to just go with a sort of decent song later. Elly's song is just like most average SCP female tracks, they sort of just pass and you move on to another (or in this case, a better SCP) song without actually remembering much of it. Like her previous song, this has a slightly more childish/playful vibe owing to her vocals mostly minus the more obvious pop elements that might have turned some people off, but like it or not, her former song was a little more 'special' than this one, which is much more standard SCP. I think this song is decent, but when the first two SCP tracks on top have been top gun material, it's hard to not have to take this one a couple notch down.
Score : 3.75/5

Rocket To New Planet / Bon
Bon goes back home to familiar territory in this one after a brief outing into super epic territory. The track begins with a fairly ominous sounding introduction, but compared to the movie trailer-ish 'Power Fighter', one might find this to be a little lacklustre considering it's song title. Expecting a new 'Power Fighter' would be a mistake, because while this song still has it's share of energy, it's not as in your face as the former track. Instead, this song is not about fighting a war but more of a hark back into normal Bon, meaning what you will hear is a somewhat quirky melody (but not as quirky as his earlier tracks like 'Toy For Love') and his trademark 'uhs' being thrown into the mix just so you get reminded that this is NOT a song you should really take more seriously than it has to be. Bon still sounds good as usual but as a whole, while I like this song, ‘Power Fighter' remains a tough nut to crack and will likely remain that way for a while
Score : 4.5/5

My Exit Heaven / Bamboo Bimbo
Actually a rather decent song despite my initial thoughts. The song starts with a rather dubstep-ish(?) introduction, which is fast becoming one of SCP's trademark and certainly much better than just beginning the song with the chorus per say, which is just kind of lame imho. The song's melody also treads on somewhat serious and slightly more chaotic sounding territory compared to his/her usual upbeat style like 'Go Kooky Go or 'Higher My Passion' which might interest some people as again, this isn't a style SCP is doing a lot nowadays among their female roster at least. Maybe they really do deserve the status as most innovative label in eurobeat now. The singer on this also definitely sounds much more feminine then previous works, which just makes me really interested to know who Bamboo Bimbo really is? All in all, the 4 SCP tracks presented here just seem to have much more effort put into them than most of their "normal" songs, and as much as this isn't my top SCP track on this album, I think it's a great enough song to end off the album on a high note on.
Score : 4.25/5

Top 3 :
New Dirty Road / Ace
Set My Heart In Flames / Tora
Burning Inside Out / Seastar

Bottom 3 :
Never Know Why / Mela
One Night Driller / Claudia Vip
Foxy Love / Manuel & Lolita

HM :
Love & Diamonds / Cherry

[Kat]

I'm back after a break and new album sounds so fresh and energetic
ONE MORE DANCE / ELLY

[Lebon14]

Saifam just released "Never Know Why" on Juno...

Link: http://www.junodownload.com/products/me ... 470962-02/