So I guess noone did a review on this volume. It really wasn't that bad and actually features some great Eurobeat material, so I've decided to post my review. Better late than never.
Super Eurobeat 209 review
1.Go2- Samurai Blue (SCP)
So Go2 are back with another Soccer themed song, the funny thing is how late they show up to the game. The world cup has been over for more than a few months already, but somehow at AVEX ,someone thought it would be a good idea. In the past Eurobeat has had many of these Soccer themed songs. We have had Go Say Goal, Soccer Soccer Soccer, Go Nakata, just to name a few. This is the second one from SCP and while the melody surpasses the one of the first, it doesn’t live up to the production of Super Striker. This song sounds more like a preview of what the song should sound like. Kind of like a promotional min song that would have actually sounded pretty good if used to promote the games a few months back. After a few plays, I’m really trying to like the song, but the main beef for me would be, the song’s length. It seems that SCP is even forgetting how to create a proper intro for a song. It’s a really a pity, because by the time I’m really starting to get the tune, it’s over before I know it and that is not a good sign. Go2 themselves sound really great. Especially, Fastway. Ace just provides back up, but does do it effectively. The riff is also the kind I like in Eurobeat. A recognizable bass melody; that is easily accepted by the fans, and keeps the energy of the song at a high level. In the end; I’m forced to treat the song the same way I did Invisible Touch, by giving it a grade lower than I would have if the song actually had a proper intro and break. This song is a perfect example as to why I like those Instrumental versions are being offered as well and I’m definitely going to do a remix of my own. I think AVEX should let the fans submit their home made remixes and feature the winners as a third cd on the Best of series. Anyway, that’s just an idea that would surely arise the popularity among the Eurobeat community, but AVEX won’t take it into consideration, because it gives equal rights to the fans and we can’t have that, can we? LOL!
8+/10
2.Mari San- Change(GO GOs music)
I will say that Mari- San is a perfect vocalist to feature on a label like GGMs. Her vocal style sounds just like the spokes person of that label. I guess this would be considered her 3rd song at the label. I particularly do not care for her vocal style at all. She sounds too much like those English Euro dance vocalists of the 90s. I know some of you probably go nuts for her singing style, but not me. What this song has going for it; is a pretty decent sounding riff and exceptional back up work in the chorus. I do recognize that; and far as intros are concerned, the song also delivers a pretty good one. I also like the melody in the bridge to the chorus. The chorus itself is just all right; mainly because this is where she emphasizes on that singing style, that I don’t really like. So, I’m sitting here waiting for the break that arrives at the 3:00 minute mark. Not too much going on, except the dropping of the music as she repeats the chorus. I like the use of that same effect throughout the 3rd verse and chorus and frankly; since I’ve never really been too fond of GGM synth sounds; this for me, is where the song sounds its best. With the use, of less sound worlds. To end things, the song has a pretty little neat mini outro, which makes this song her best effort yet and pushes into the 7s in my Eurobeat grading scale.
7/10
3.DJ Moonraker- Bad (Saifam)
Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for this next song. Here is one of two songs; besides the last two tracks, that sound totally misplaced on this compilation and the only reason I can see for its placement would be that, Saifam is too lazy to produce new Eurobeat music? As for the song itself; it’s trying desperately to fit in the Eurobeat world. The intro features the musical style of Bobby O and the synths are played like the Divine song, Step By Step. The idea; in itself are not terrible sounding, but not for some pop Michael Jackson song. The vocals actually sound like a speeded up M.J and they might as well given him the artist name of DJ Moonwalker. Where has all the originality in aliases gone to now days? There is really not too much more to say about this song, except that, after a few extraordinary showings from Siafam, this just takes them down a step in originality. There is definitely something wrong when a Mari- San song sounds better than a Saifam song?
5/10(for Bobboy O old school effects)
4.Manuel- Mad Man (Dima music)
Here we have the first and only Dima showing on this compilation. That in itself is a travesty, because I rely on Dima for some powerful melodies in the synth riff. This song really has that, and is a very entertaining song created under the hand of Manuel himself. The song also fits in nicely into the Halloween spirit with its very spooky intro. You got the chimes, the organ and Manuel’s trademark screams just seems to give the song the precise atmosphere to give it that Halloween feel. After that cool intro, the song goes off in another direction, but it still delivers in the craziness and energy that Manuel is so notorious for now a days. The synth riff is very good and sounds like one you would hear in a Dima production, but the other ingredients kind of have a GGMs sound to them, making this production sound like a sort of collaboration between the two labels. I gotta say that with each listen, the chorus is really sounding great and will be the reason this song gets a higher grade than I would normally give it. The absolute part that wins me over is the last chorus and guitar solo which follows it, but the outro; man o man, that’s what I call A Eurobeat outro.
8+/10
5.Ken Blast- New Horizon (DELTA)
Up next is one of my favorite tracks off the cd. It’s no doubt that it’s from one
of Eurobeat’s newest artists. I still think When The Sun Goes Down is his best, cuz it’s the first one and had that unmistaken able Phil & Stan vibe from TIME, but this one is a really great follow up and I can only see his songs getting better as his talent progresses. We also have another exceptional Capaldi intro that breaks away from the norm. You still hear a hint of it in the guitars, but the addition of the other soundworlds gives it a fresh sound. The whole song; in my opinion, sounds like what Kiven Johnson would, if was doing vocal work for a Capaldi production. A feeling I get when I hear that riff , as well. It’s one of those songs that doesn’t add too many new sounds to the genre, but still sounds great on all levels. The one constructive critisim,
I would have for Ken, is too work a bit on the levels of his vocal work. Especially;in the last note,right before the chorus. You really gotta belt that note without holding anything back to maintain the power of the song, but aside from that you he really is sounding better with each release. On a side note; I would like to add your vocals sound even better on the song Faithful Heart. Maybe something along those lines would sound cool on SEB too.
9-/10
6.Momo- One Heart One Soul (SCP)
Up next, is the song that grows on me with each listen. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that it’s run TIME is actually way over that 4:00 minuet mark and I can actually conceder it an extended version. It still needs about a minute or so, but for now the final package is effective enough. The intro is kind of acapella- like; which right off, is a great start and by the TIME, those piano beats arrive, I’m really getting the reaction I like for a riff introduction. Her vocals are actually sounding better with each release. I especially like the way she sounds like in the verses. It probably helps the matter more, that the surrounding sound worlds much resemble those you would hear in a Jay Lehr song. It doesn’t offer too much in the energy department, but its aishu- like melody is soothing enough and doesn’t venture too much into the trance realm of other SCP songs in the past. Infact, it has more of that Promised Discoland vibe. This is also really evident in the breakdown. It rather short, but feature a great buildup effect and I really get that “edge of your seat” moment when she does little scream right before the chorus. Nice song ,that will probably be overlooked by a lot of members, but for me it’s a perfect way to forgive the label for the catastrophe that will show up a little later on.
8+/10
7.Mega NRG Man- Japanese Girl (GGMs)
The second showing for GGMs label; who so far, has not sounded too bad on this compilation. I’ll go as far as to say, that this round, the label provides the most NRG filled number on the cd. Right from the start of the intro, you already know what you are in for and Thomas does know how to deliver in the NRG department. There is no doubt in one’s mind, that this is a GGMs production, as is clearly evident in the synth riff. The key change; for once actually gives more power to the song, than it usually does when used in other songs. It’s that synth riff, that also immediately gives the song a nice place in traditional Eurobeat territory. The lyrical work is providing the sing along factor and as I mentioned before, Thomas does seem to be in top form on this song and provides 0% of that feminine vibe most Kiaoh songs give off. There are really so many special parts in the song. Playing around with the melodies and words is just the chip off the block. It also has the perfect bridge to introduce that NRG filled chorus. Really can’t get it into words, but with this song, GGMs is giving me that feeling I get when hearing a killer Eurogrooves track for the first TIME. The replay factor is on a very high level and I can only guess that Thomas and everyone behind this production can pat themselves on the back and say “Hi Five”! I just hope this powerful high level continues at the label.
10+/10
8.Tora- Call My Name (Sinclaire Style)
Now we are up to Bratt’s latest Eurobeat addition. As far as I can remember ,the word Tora has not given me any good memories. Not as a song and not as an alias. I believe this was the artist that totally raped the classic King & Queen song from the 90s’? Anyway; as of late, Sinclaire has been getting back into form. I haven’t written off any of his latest productions, so lets hear when this song has to offer? Interesting intro. I like the melody as she begins to sing. It’s kind of short, but effective enough to introduce the riff. It’s that riff that takes you back to Bratt’s DELTA days! Uplifting and powerful. “ Love As A Weapon” comes to mind and that’s a really good memory. I also kind of get the “Kiss My Boo Boo” feeling from the way her vocals are being presented. It’s sounds sort of echo-ish. I wonder if she is the same vocalist? As I listen to the song, I realize how easy it really was to tell a Newfield and Bratt production apart back in the day. This song does have a lot of that DELTA old school sound to it. I guess the only real difference would be in the effect the song has. Sounds like it’s being played in a big hall or something. The music settings are at a very high level, but one eventually gets used to it. A nice song, F**king boogie and all.7+/10
9.Cy-Ro- Rainy Days (HRG Attack)
It’s TIME for our monthly dose of Italo Disco heaven and HRG Attack are here to provide that with this latest Cy-Ro offering. I’m still very high on Pretty Woman and Magic Of Sunshine, but I can really never get enough of that Italo vibe. As I am listening to this song, I’m really trying to picture the whole process of how this song was born. Are they sitting around playing some classic Italo vinyls on their tables and picking out melodies and ideas from their own favorites. I’m sure Claudio Accantino has a lot of say in this process and that riff melody sounds like it comes right from some classic Farina/Accantino collaboration. It sure would be a slice of heaven to be present at one of these recordings. I also think it’s a great idea to reintroduce the Italo roots of Eurobeat to the newer generation of Eurobeat fans. If this was indeed AVEX’s idea, than I can almost forgive them for the travesties of the past, but I think LMS had more in the say than they would have us believe. Anyway, to get on with the review of the actual song; as soon as this song starts playing, I’m immediately entering a different Eurobeat world and TIME. The song is very relaxing in bpms, but has enough power to contend with any of its much speedier rivals. Those synths alone, have the “medieval” sound that many Italo classics have. That alone won my heart. Roberto Festari gets better vocally with each song he is featured in and right here he nails the notes on target. I’m kind of wishing the song was a tad longer in length, because I feel it just needed one more verse after the break, but the song comes as close to perfection as any HRG Attack song can. As always, you can enjoy many different instruments in that last verse and some raw guitar notes right before the last breakdown. To give the song a perfect grade is not a big stretch at all , since we are dealing with very high Eurobeat quality. I can only hope that this streak of hit after hit will continue at LMS and, just when will Federicco take a shot at one of these Italo style productions?
10/10
10.Dave Rodgers feat Futura- Just Another Day With You (Sun Fire)
Another song that has the growing effect on me is the latest from Sun Fire records. It is one of those songs that carries the writing talents of Futura herself. I guess it’s her first TIME taking the reigns at Sun Fire? The song sounds so much better than the last Rich Hard song featured on SEB 208. The drum style at the intro closely resembles that of Fire Dragon, so there we showcase power, but there is also a lot of Ashuness in the “doodoodups”. What I always enjoyed in any Eurobeat song is that effect of the church choir sound. You hear it right before the doodups and have always sounded especially captivating to my ears. It was used a lot in the breakdowns for songs from the 90s and I thought I would mention it, cuz it’s just those little parts here and there that make me enjoy a song so much more. We also get a lot of the Flea syndrome. That was the sound Giancarlo used a lot in the 90s and became the backbone of his aishu style tracks for AbeatC, so we are surely in familiar territory when listening to this song. If you are a fan of his Aishu Duet style form ABeatC,then you should have no trouble liking this song. My one gripe would be that I don’t really think Dave & Futura make a good duet singing duo. Maybe Futura needs a bit of work, but the tone of her vocals doesn’t give me the same soothing vibe as his Dave’s duets with Domino, Nuage, nor Analise. Futura’s vocals are better suited for the HRG Attach high pitch era and she clashes with Dave’s more mature style of singing. The One part; that I really can’t get enough of, is that middle eastern style breakdown. At least, that’s the feeling I’m getting when I hear it, and it gives the song a fresh sound that is not used too often in Eurobeat. I’m still hoping that Futura’s vocals will only improve with TIME.
8+/10
11.Eliza- Fly(DELTA)
Are we up to song 11 already? That means we are up to DELTA’s second showing on the cd. The title Fly is one very heavily used in an aishu song and I think DELTA has used it a few TIMES already? We also get a new alias; who I suspect, could be the young lady who does Queen 26. I’m not 100%, but the fact that she uses the name Eliza, gives me that feeling. This song is nice, but I can almost recall 5 other ones that sound the same and are also from DELTA, so this TIME around the deja-vous vibe is not as positive as it is for me in other instances. I can almost picture this song coming out as one of those unreleased songs on one of those Eurobeat Masters compilation on Juno a few years back. There just seems to be something missing from the total package and I think it might very well be in the chorus. The key change just kinda sounds bland. It’s not a bad song, but doesn’t leave me with any real high after it ends.
7-/10
12.Jager- What D’you Want From Me (SCP)
Now we are up the “Expiremental” track off the cd. The one; causing the fans,to once again, choose sides. I’ll just go on record and say it’s probably the worst Eurobeat track I’ve ever heard. And I use the term Eurobeat loosely, because this song pushes it’s boundaries so far off the Eurobeat map, that it can only be considered Eurobeat for it’s synth riff. There are many reasons that attribute to me not liking this song on any Eurobeat level and here are all of them. Let’s begin with a crucial part of a song, the intro. This sounds like a hybred M.J. style beatboxing. I remember Gino Caria sometimes using this beat box style in songs like “High Energy” and “Flippin Out”. Those songs were 100% high Energy Eurobeat, so it sounded fresh, but on this Jager song; the effect just gives the song a more pop flavor and that’s no way to start of a Eurobeat track. What follows are soundworlds one would much rather expect to hear in a Tiao Cruz song. The total lack of Eurobeat soundworlds, in exchange for urban top 40 vibes is no road for a Eurobeat song to take. The vocal work is another turn off. Jager’s vocals have never really been my favorite, but he sounded ok on Blast. Anyway, his vocals really aren’t the problem; it’s more the singing style and tone
he uses on this song. I don’t know, but it seems he tries to insert too many words into one line. Therefore; making his voice sound like a chipmunk on certain parts of the song.
SCP is also using some weird musical device that makes his vocal tone sound like a lot of those urban dance music artists.Robotic. It’s not a vocoder, but I suspect it might be auto tune devices that Timabland and other pop producers are using a lot more of now a days.
I’m sorry, but I don’t hear anything even remotely Eurobeat about this song, besides the riff; which in itself isn’t too bad and would have sounded better on another song, and I will say ,that this is not the direction I would ever want Eurobeat to go into. I won’t even grade it on a Eurobeat scale. I’ll grade it as a top 40 pop song, which when viewed as that, is much better than what the radio actually has to offer.
N/A/10(Eurobeat scale)7+/10(as a top 40 radio song).
13.Kiss Me- Eurogrooves remix (Eurogrooves)
I usually end the cd’s review after track 12, but the Sergio Dall Ora remix for this song is so very well produced that it deserves honorable mention. I have to add that as soon as the track started ,I completely forgot I was listening to SEB 209, and was in fact readying myself for some new Chris Stanton song. I can’t really explain, but it had me at the edge of my seat. That feeling completely left me once the vocal work began. I do not think Japanese vocals are suited for Eurobeat, but I guess the original version of this song wasn’t meant to be eurobeat, so it doesn’t really matter. I’m pretty sure the song would sound so much better as an instrumental version. Sergio Dall Ora’s magic sounds would come alive; not only during the intro, but throughout the whole song. Anyway, even though I couldn’t enjoy the song to the fullest, its nice to know that Eurogrooves hasn’t lost the touch.
14.Alexis- Bye Bye Japan(Healing version)
Without realizing it, Dall Ora had two songs featured on this cd. Bye Bye Japan is an original Dall’Ora/Degani classic. As much as I love the original; this new healing version has none of the magic of a Eurobeat song. Well, except for Elena’s vocals. I think the original was Manuela Gubillini, but I’m not 100% sure, so I won’t even enter the terrirtory. I think it’s TIME that AVEX realizes that we are cured and no longer need any healing. What we do crave, is an original new Sergio Dall Ora production to once again grace the series.
Super Eurobeat 209
Since it's the final entry this year, might as well think up something for it.
01. SAMURAI BLUE / GO 2
Giving a detailed opinion of Go 2's presentations can be a tough thing to do sometimes, most of their songs tend to have very similar vibes that are more often than not, just a clear hit or miss for me. I haven't enjoyed a Go 2 song since Blood On Fire and fortunately, that time to enjoy is here once again, well ... slightly. For anyone that has heard at least three or more Go 2 presentations, the masculinity and power that the duo delivers is definitely no stranger and in this song, it's backed by a cool football atmosphere, just like Super Striker that proves to heat things up even more. The verse plays a major part in me liking this track and is really the only part of the whole song that I look forward to the most with every play. Vocals are business as usual for the duo, no complaints there. All in all, it's not a great song but definitely one of the duo's best in quite a long time.
GRADE : 7.5/10
02. CHANGE / MARI-SAN
It's Mari-San and that's pretty much all about it. The usual stuff I praise and criticise in all of her tracks so far can be applied here as well : Awesome melody, annoying vocals. Though okay, she actually doesn't sound half as annoying as she did in the previous track but put Giorgia V and perhaps, just perhaps, a ten.
GRADE : 5/10
03. BAD / DJ MOONRAKER
Whose bad idea was this ? This is the kind of song that I don't even need to listen once to know for sure that it's going to fall over. To be fair though, it's probably not the fault of the producers who made this song, but the people who thought that covering any of MJ's songs is a good idea ... Blood shall be spilled. I am not saying these because I consider MJ's songs too classic to be covered by the way. It's the opposite, I dislike every single one of his songs and no amount of covers or remakes can make up for the insufferable originals ever. Though I am just another eurobeat fan, I still hope never to hear another cover of any other MJ's songs on SEB ever again.
GRADE : -10/10
04. MAD MAN / MANUEL
Thank the heavens for a great Manuel song again! As a fan of the castlevania series and it's dark as hell background music, this track is almost like a god, wait no, devil-sent in eurobeat form. For a start, this track is nigh intense, that means it is DARK, SINISTER and primarily the reason why I love this track as it just reminds me of the days of thrilling, scary and dark boss battles. The various creepy elements and the guitar provides a nice touch to the song, giving the song added intensity. Manuel's vocalwork here has got to be one of his best in quite a while, his gothic style vocals suits such grim songs perfectly and the chorus where he screams "MAD MAN, BABY I'M YOUR MAD MANNNNN!" is just undeniably awesome. Long story, it's one of Manuel's best since Adrenaline and also a definite inclusion into one of my top tracks this year. Manuel, you're indeed the (Mad) Man!
GRADE : 10/10
05. NEW HORIZON / KEN BLAST
At first listen, this track screams quality and Ken certainly did a really good job on that suspenseful hi-impact intro which is definitely the highlight of the entire track. After that however, the build up just vanished, and suddenly, the entire song just sounded a lot "friendlier" as compared to whatever it built in the beginning. It's mildly disappointing - to me at least - but does that constitute a bad song ? Not at all, in fact, if I were to look past that minor fall, the package as a whole sounds really good, and is a MAJOR step up from the amazingly bland and underwhelming debut feature back on 201. Aside from the intro/outro/break, another part of this song that is quite shockingly good is it's chorus, it has great sing-along value and also fits the setting of the lyrics extremely well. Last but not least, speed, it has certainly been the longest time since I have seen a 162 BPM track and that alone is worthy of some bonus cookies itself. All in all, it's not a perfect song but for what it is, I'll take it.
GRADE : 9/10
06. ONE HEART ONE SOUL / MOMO
After a tiny misstep in the previous track, I'm once again thrown into grade ten territory and what a surprise, because I am talking about Momo here and never has she once impressed me with any of her mediocrity so far, but here she is, with a song so perfect that it makes me shiver with excitement. First of all, I sure hope that no vocal chord surgery was involved, because her bland and monotonous singing in her previous works are now taken over by sheer excellence and by that, I also mean that she now sounds way better and more powerful than most of the SCP veterans like Pamsy or Christine - Yes, I honestly think this way. The melody can be aptly sum up in one word : AMAZING, and even that word itself probably isn't enough to describe the verses and choruses, which are hands down the clear highlights of the entire song and especially the latter for it's sheer power. Overall, it's a stellar production and if more of those trancey tracks could be produced like this then perhaps, they might earn their own place in my books.
GRADE : 10/10
07. JAPANESE GIRL / MEGA NRG MAN
Speaking for anyone who has heard a lot of Mega NRG Man's tracks, there's really not much new going on here but to some people like me, this style of macho, energetic presentation by Tomas never gets old for some reason. Domino's background vocals can be annoying at times with the constant repetition of the word "Japanese" but on the whole, there's really not much to say about this track. It's just good ol' Mega NRG Man.
GRADE : 8/10
08. CALL MY NAME / TORA
There's good stuff and there's bad stuff about this track. Tora is as awesome as ever on vocals, the bridges and verses are insanely addictive, and that's pretty much all about it. The bad thing involves the sounds used, I don't like the synths used in this track, the riff especially grates on my ear and just sounds so b-grade that it makes WTSGD sound godly and what's with the snoring sounds throughout the song ? Did they think it was a pleasant thing to hear ? Gosh. The pitch up songs in the middle of nowhere for no reason gimmicks must be mentioned as well, because at this point of time, they are really annoying now and must be stopped by hook or by crook. Final verdict : Not good but is it a god awful song ? No.
GRADE : 5/10
09. RAINY DAYS / CY-RO
Admit it now, Hi-NRG Attack and Avex, there's more of these coming up and there's probably also a whole special collection dedicated to these old-skool style tracks right ? Seriously though, at this point of time, I just don't care for these tracks anymore and whatever I said about TMoS being the last tracks of these type that I will like wholeheartedly takes effect from here. If you are a die hard italo-fan or are just in for your own nostalgia or label bias, have fun. For the rest of us, get refreshed or perhaps just skip it over entirely.
GRADE : --/10
10. JUST ANOTHER DAY WITH YOU / DAVE & FUTURA
This track isn't my top Dave & X duet but it's certainly in my top five, the reason : Sun Fire. This track is the best example of why Sun Fire kicks even more ass than A-Beat-C does. Even as an A-Beat-C/Sun Fire fanboy myself, most of the duets in the A-Beat-C era were either bland or just generally uninspiring to listen to due to the lack of appealing elements. Over here, the package itself isn't a hell lot different from the typical A-Beat-C style duet but with updated production sounds and the epic intro/outro/break that are so ingeniously made up, it just sort of levels up a whole lot more and the quality-impaired style now suddenly has a lot going for it. Nothing much else to say here besides : Four in a row and still going! At least, I hope.
GRADE : 8/10
11. FLY / ELIZA
This track is another review-proof track, not because it's bad but because there's honestly nothing much to be said of this track. There isn't anything extraordinary nor does it have any "more outstanding the rest elements" to be found in here. Basically, it starts beautifully, flows like calm and soothing river water and then finally ending gracefully. Eliza herself also sounds goddess level beautiful and I guess that also applies towards how I feel when listening to this track as well : Just beautiful. Oh and might I add, this is one of Delta's more major hit this year.
GRADE : 9.5/10
12. WHAT D'YOU WANT FROM ME / JAGER
Whether you are a long time eurobeat fan or not, this track is bound to affect you in some ways. Good or bad, it mostly depends on who you are. Those who were into eurobeat slightly longer than the rest have been pretty quick to diss this song off for it's unorthodox production methods while others have cheered on for what seems like a potential new eurobeat sound. I personally fall into the lover's side, and why wouldn I ? This track makes Jager looks ten times cooler than he was back in IWFA with gimmicks such as the MJ impression at the start, the quick repeats just after the first chorus and the high voice right before any chorus. The poppish-clubbish, or popclub as I like to call it, works perfectly fine and is actually darn addictive to my ears and every element in here just oozes the words "Catchy" all over. Some may have issues with the auto-tune used but again, my personal opinion is if it makes the song sound better, then by all means do it. If it's true that SCP's future routes may trot along this path, they definitely have my full support. A marvellous close up to the main part of the album.
GRADE : 10/10
13. KISS ME [EUROGROOVES REMIX] / U SCREAM
Best J-Euro track to be featured on SEB this year.
GRADE : 9/10
14. BYE BYE JAPAN [HEALING REMIX] / ALEXIS
Best healing remix to be featured on SEB this year. They sure saved the best for the last.
GRADE : 9/10
Top three tracks :
Mad Man / Manuel
One Heart One Soul / Momo
What D'You Want From Me / Jager
Bottom three tracks :
Bad / DJ Moonraker
Change / Mari-San
<strike>Rainy Days / Cy-Ro</strike>
HM :
Fly / Eliza, and the last two tracks for being awesome.
01. SAMURAI BLUE / GO 2
Giving a detailed opinion of Go 2's presentations can be a tough thing to do sometimes, most of their songs tend to have very similar vibes that are more often than not, just a clear hit or miss for me. I haven't enjoyed a Go 2 song since Blood On Fire and fortunately, that time to enjoy is here once again, well ... slightly. For anyone that has heard at least three or more Go 2 presentations, the masculinity and power that the duo delivers is definitely no stranger and in this song, it's backed by a cool football atmosphere, just like Super Striker that proves to heat things up even more. The verse plays a major part in me liking this track and is really the only part of the whole song that I look forward to the most with every play. Vocals are business as usual for the duo, no complaints there. All in all, it's not a great song but definitely one of the duo's best in quite a long time.
GRADE : 7.5/10
02. CHANGE / MARI-SAN
It's Mari-San and that's pretty much all about it. The usual stuff I praise and criticise in all of her tracks so far can be applied here as well : Awesome melody, annoying vocals. Though okay, she actually doesn't sound half as annoying as she did in the previous track but put Giorgia V and perhaps, just perhaps, a ten.
GRADE : 5/10
03. BAD / DJ MOONRAKER
Whose bad idea was this ? This is the kind of song that I don't even need to listen once to know for sure that it's going to fall over. To be fair though, it's probably not the fault of the producers who made this song, but the people who thought that covering any of MJ's songs is a good idea ... Blood shall be spilled. I am not saying these because I consider MJ's songs too classic to be covered by the way. It's the opposite, I dislike every single one of his songs and no amount of covers or remakes can make up for the insufferable originals ever. Though I am just another eurobeat fan, I still hope never to hear another cover of any other MJ's songs on SEB ever again.
GRADE : -10/10
04. MAD MAN / MANUEL
Thank the heavens for a great Manuel song again! As a fan of the castlevania series and it's dark as hell background music, this track is almost like a god, wait no, devil-sent in eurobeat form. For a start, this track is nigh intense, that means it is DARK, SINISTER and primarily the reason why I love this track as it just reminds me of the days of thrilling, scary and dark boss battles. The various creepy elements and the guitar provides a nice touch to the song, giving the song added intensity. Manuel's vocalwork here has got to be one of his best in quite a while, his gothic style vocals suits such grim songs perfectly and the chorus where he screams "MAD MAN, BABY I'M YOUR MAD MANNNNN!" is just undeniably awesome. Long story, it's one of Manuel's best since Adrenaline and also a definite inclusion into one of my top tracks this year. Manuel, you're indeed the (Mad) Man!
GRADE : 10/10
05. NEW HORIZON / KEN BLAST
At first listen, this track screams quality and Ken certainly did a really good job on that suspenseful hi-impact intro which is definitely the highlight of the entire track. After that however, the build up just vanished, and suddenly, the entire song just sounded a lot "friendlier" as compared to whatever it built in the beginning. It's mildly disappointing - to me at least - but does that constitute a bad song ? Not at all, in fact, if I were to look past that minor fall, the package as a whole sounds really good, and is a MAJOR step up from the amazingly bland and underwhelming debut feature back on 201. Aside from the intro/outro/break, another part of this song that is quite shockingly good is it's chorus, it has great sing-along value and also fits the setting of the lyrics extremely well. Last but not least, speed, it has certainly been the longest time since I have seen a 162 BPM track and that alone is worthy of some bonus cookies itself. All in all, it's not a perfect song but for what it is, I'll take it.
GRADE : 9/10
06. ONE HEART ONE SOUL / MOMO
After a tiny misstep in the previous track, I'm once again thrown into grade ten territory and what a surprise, because I am talking about Momo here and never has she once impressed me with any of her mediocrity so far, but here she is, with a song so perfect that it makes me shiver with excitement. First of all, I sure hope that no vocal chord surgery was involved, because her bland and monotonous singing in her previous works are now taken over by sheer excellence and by that, I also mean that she now sounds way better and more powerful than most of the SCP veterans like Pamsy or Christine - Yes, I honestly think this way. The melody can be aptly sum up in one word : AMAZING, and even that word itself probably isn't enough to describe the verses and choruses, which are hands down the clear highlights of the entire song and especially the latter for it's sheer power. Overall, it's a stellar production and if more of those trancey tracks could be produced like this then perhaps, they might earn their own place in my books.
GRADE : 10/10
07. JAPANESE GIRL / MEGA NRG MAN
Speaking for anyone who has heard a lot of Mega NRG Man's tracks, there's really not much new going on here but to some people like me, this style of macho, energetic presentation by Tomas never gets old for some reason. Domino's background vocals can be annoying at times with the constant repetition of the word "Japanese" but on the whole, there's really not much to say about this track. It's just good ol' Mega NRG Man.
GRADE : 8/10
08. CALL MY NAME / TORA
There's good stuff and there's bad stuff about this track. Tora is as awesome as ever on vocals, the bridges and verses are insanely addictive, and that's pretty much all about it. The bad thing involves the sounds used, I don't like the synths used in this track, the riff especially grates on my ear and just sounds so b-grade that it makes WTSGD sound godly and what's with the snoring sounds throughout the song ? Did they think it was a pleasant thing to hear ? Gosh. The pitch up songs in the middle of nowhere for no reason gimmicks must be mentioned as well, because at this point of time, they are really annoying now and must be stopped by hook or by crook. Final verdict : Not good but is it a god awful song ? No.
GRADE : 5/10
09. RAINY DAYS / CY-RO
Admit it now, Hi-NRG Attack and Avex, there's more of these coming up and there's probably also a whole special collection dedicated to these old-skool style tracks right ? Seriously though, at this point of time, I just don't care for these tracks anymore and whatever I said about TMoS being the last tracks of these type that I will like wholeheartedly takes effect from here. If you are a die hard italo-fan or are just in for your own nostalgia or label bias, have fun. For the rest of us, get refreshed or perhaps just skip it over entirely.
GRADE : --/10
10. JUST ANOTHER DAY WITH YOU / DAVE & FUTURA
This track isn't my top Dave & X duet but it's certainly in my top five, the reason : Sun Fire. This track is the best example of why Sun Fire kicks even more ass than A-Beat-C does. Even as an A-Beat-C/Sun Fire fanboy myself, most of the duets in the A-Beat-C era were either bland or just generally uninspiring to listen to due to the lack of appealing elements. Over here, the package itself isn't a hell lot different from the typical A-Beat-C style duet but with updated production sounds and the epic intro/outro/break that are so ingeniously made up, it just sort of levels up a whole lot more and the quality-impaired style now suddenly has a lot going for it. Nothing much else to say here besides : Four in a row and still going! At least, I hope.
GRADE : 8/10
11. FLY / ELIZA
This track is another review-proof track, not because it's bad but because there's honestly nothing much to be said of this track. There isn't anything extraordinary nor does it have any "more outstanding the rest elements" to be found in here. Basically, it starts beautifully, flows like calm and soothing river water and then finally ending gracefully. Eliza herself also sounds goddess level beautiful and I guess that also applies towards how I feel when listening to this track as well : Just beautiful. Oh and might I add, this is one of Delta's more major hit this year.
GRADE : 9.5/10
12. WHAT D'YOU WANT FROM ME / JAGER
Whether you are a long time eurobeat fan or not, this track is bound to affect you in some ways. Good or bad, it mostly depends on who you are. Those who were into eurobeat slightly longer than the rest have been pretty quick to diss this song off for it's unorthodox production methods while others have cheered on for what seems like a potential new eurobeat sound. I personally fall into the lover's side, and why wouldn I ? This track makes Jager looks ten times cooler than he was back in IWFA with gimmicks such as the MJ impression at the start, the quick repeats just after the first chorus and the high voice right before any chorus. The poppish-clubbish, or popclub as I like to call it, works perfectly fine and is actually darn addictive to my ears and every element in here just oozes the words "Catchy" all over. Some may have issues with the auto-tune used but again, my personal opinion is if it makes the song sound better, then by all means do it. If it's true that SCP's future routes may trot along this path, they definitely have my full support. A marvellous close up to the main part of the album.
GRADE : 10/10
13. KISS ME [EUROGROOVES REMIX] / U SCREAM
Best J-Euro track to be featured on SEB this year.
GRADE : 9/10
14. BYE BYE JAPAN [HEALING REMIX] / ALEXIS
Best healing remix to be featured on SEB this year. They sure saved the best for the last.
GRADE : 9/10
Top three tracks :
Mad Man / Manuel
One Heart One Soul / Momo
What D'You Want From Me / Jager
Bottom three tracks :
Bad / DJ Moonraker
Change / Mari-San
<strike>Rainy Days / Cy-Ro</strike>
HM :
Fly / Eliza, and the last two tracks for being awesome.
Last edited by WNight on 09 Dec 2010, 11:57, edited 1 time in total.
This was a bit harsh, not even awarding a grade. You may not like the style, but can't you hear the melodic merits in the song? I adore the vocal and synth melodies, not only because they capture the spirit of the 80's Italo style, but also because they stray from the bog-standard Hi-NRG Attack melodies that we've been subjected to for years now. I'd much rather listen to these tracks that show some initiative and variation than the last god-knows how many years of copy-cat cut-and-paste efforts that the label pumped out.WNight wrote:09. RAINY DAYS / CY-RO
Admit it now, Hi-NRG Attack and Avex, there's more of these coming up and there's probably also a whole special collection dedicated to these old-skool style tracks right ? Seriously though, at this point of time, I just don't care for these tracks anymore and whatever I said about TMoS being the last tracks of these type that I will like wholeheartedly takes effect from here. If you are a sucker for such type of 80's style tracks or are just in for your own nostalgia or label bias, have fun. For the rest of us, get refreshed or perhaps just skip it over entirely.
GRADE : --/10
Good for HRG for changing it up
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drnrg
- Eurobeat Guru
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WNight
WNight
I'm actually kinda wondering what you think of the old Italo Aleph songs on TIME or the Dereck Simon songs on Technology Label? How about a little gem called "Love Me Girl" from Robert Newman?
How in the world can auto-tune make any song sound better? Unless you can't sing to begin with? It's fake and disguises the singer's actual vocals, so to give him/her the same tone throughout the song. You realize this method is often used by those urban pop singers which have no vocal talent whatsoever. It's really kinda sad, because as history proves Afro-American singers have had some of the top vocals in music history, so I really don't understand what's going on with the industry now a days. Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, and yes, even M.J would never have stooped that low.Some may have issues with the auto-tune used but again, my personal opinion is if it makes the song sound better, then by all means do it.
WNight
It's not so much that you hate the song that bothers me. It's more the fact that without realizing it, you kinda put down those of us who like it as well, using the word "sucker". I like to think of myself more of a Die Hard Italo fan, than "80's sucker"09. RAINY DAYS / CY-RO
Admit it now, Hi-NRG Attack and Avex, there's more of these coming up and there's probably also a whole special collection dedicated to these old-skool style tracks right ? Seriously though, at this point of time, I just don't care for these tracks anymore and whatever I said about TMoS being the last tracks of these type that I will like wholeheartedly takes effect from here. If you are a sucker for such type of 80's style tracks or are just in for your own nostalgia or label bias, have fun. For the rest of us, get refreshed or perhaps just skip it over entirely.
GRADE : --/10
I'm actually kinda wondering what you think of the old Italo Aleph songs on TIME or the Dereck Simon songs on Technology Label? How about a little gem called "Love Me Girl" from Robert Newman?
Perhaps I typed my opinion a bit badly. I don't hate the track. I didn't even mention that I hate it - that would be the MJ cover. The melody is great, I can agree with you on that, no problem but I just don't click too well with the 80's italo-style production, it grates on my ears faster than you can imagine. The reason why I didn't grade it is because I couldn't find an appropriate range. Giving it six to ten is not possible because I didn't like it enough to give it a pass. Giving it zero to four is also impossible because technically speaking, the song isn't so bad that it deserves to fall within that range. It's definitely not because I am being harsh on the song or anything like that. It just pulls me from two extreme ends. Also, you're very much right about the label changing things up but I'd take a change like Jungle Of Fire over all these old style tracks anyday.the_ditz wrote:This was a bit harsh, not even awarding a grade. You may not like the style, but can't you hear the melodic merits in the song? I adore the vocal and synth melodies, not only because they capture the spirit of the 80's Italo style, but also because they stray from the bog-standard Hi-NRG Attack melodies that we've been subjected to for years now. I'd much rather listen to these tracks that show some initiative and variation than the last god-knows how many years of copy-cat cut-and-paste efforts that the label pumped out.
Good for HRG for changing it up
Well guess what ? I couldn't care less about whether the artiste themselves have a ton of talent or no talent at all, that's up to the record label to source out and decide. All I care about as a consumer is whether the released product sounds good or not. If it is, it just is, if it isn't, then well ... it isn't. Auto-tune or not ? Who cares. You talk about MJ and Marvin Gaye ? Sure I don't listen to pop on a daily basis but I dare say half or if not all of the pop available these days, auto-tuned or not, at the very least, sound 10x better than all their entire discography.drnrg wrote:How in the world can auto-tune make any song sound better? Unless you can't sing to begin with? It's fake and disguises the singer's actual vocals, so to give him/her the same tone throughout the song. You realize this method is often used by those urban pop singers which have no vocal talent whatsoever. It's really kinda sad, because as history proves Afro-American singers have had some of the top vocals in music history, so I really don't understand what's going on with the industry now a days. Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, and yes, even M.J would never have stooped that low.
That wasn't my intended meaning but my sincere apologies if you got offended there.drnrg wrote:It's not so much that you hate the song that bothers me. It's more the fact that without realizing it, you kinda put down those of us who like it as well, using the word "sucker". I like to think of myself more of a Die Hard Italo fan, than "80's sucker"
I'm actually kinda wondering what you think of the old Italo Aleph songs on TIME or the Dereck Simon songs on Technology Label? How about a little gem called "Love Me Girl" from Robert Newman?
Y'know, I'd be lying if I said that I actually heard all of the old Aleph, Derreck Simmons and Robert Newman tracks but I did and do come across a few from time to time and sorry to say that very few of those manages to impress me. The only one I have memories of is Fly To Me from Aleph but even then, it's far from amazing.
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drnrg
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- Joined: 17 May 2005, 07:18
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WNight
let's take a favourite singer that we have in comon like Powerful T. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm guessing that if he was auto tuned; he would lose that cool up & down tempo his vocals have. Like I said, I'm not sure, but I think it would take toll on his vocals in a negative way?
WNight
That's rather quite enteresting for you to say that. I personally can't even begin to wonder how the Beatles would sound if autotuned and seriously doubt that it would sound better.Well guess what ? I couldn't care less about whether the artiste themselves have a ton of talent or no talent at all, that's up to the record label to source out and decide. All I care about as a consumer is whether the released product sounds good or not. If it is, it just is, if it isn't, then well ... it isn't. Auto-tune or not ? Who cares. You talk about MJ and Marvin Gaye ? Sure I don't listen to pop on a daily basis but I dare say half or if not all of the pop available these days, auto-tuned or not, at the very least, sound 10x better than all their entire discography.
let's take a favourite singer that we have in comon like Powerful T. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm guessing that if he was auto tuned; he would lose that cool up & down tempo his vocals have. Like I said, I'm not sure, but I think it would take toll on his vocals in a negative way?
WNight
Fair enough. Those songs I mentioned sound like Giancarlo did in early AbeatC and Flea era. Songs like Pocket TIME, Big TIME, Burning Heart,In The Deep Of My Heart , Don't Stop Me,ect... I recomend you check em out when you can; especially Bad Power and Hero from Aleph. Speed aside; Giancarlo sounds really greatThat wasn't my intended meaning but my sincere apologies if you got offended there.
Y'know, I'd be lying if I said that I actually heard all of the old Aleph, Derreck Simmons and Robert Newman tracks but I did and do come across a few from time to time and sorry to say that very few of those manages to impress me. The only one I have memories of is Fly To Me from Aleph but even then, it's far from amazing.
Maybe, maybe not but considering Giancarlo's affinity, I doubt he would auto-tune his songs anytime.drnrg wrote:let's take a favourite singer that we have in comon like Powerful T. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm guessing that if he was auto tuned; he would lose that cool up & down tempo his vocals have. Like I said, I'm not sure, but I think it would take toll on his vocals in a negative way?
Gladly, but only if I manage to come across them by chance or something, these older sounding songs just don't cut it for me to be honest and most of the italo-disco I have heard so far just bores me to tears.drnrg wrote:Fair enough. Those songs I mentioned sound like Giancarlo did in early AbeatC and Flea era. Songs like Pocket TIME, Big TIME, Burning Heart,In The Deep Of My Heart , Don't Stop Me,ect... I recomend you check em out when you can; especially Bad Power and Hero from Aleph. Speed aside; Giancarlo sounds really great
Finally managed to get a review together for this album, which had quite a few sub-standard tracks in my opinion, but also some really good ones that I've been looping heavily in the past month. Here's the rundown...
SUPER EUROBEAT 209 REVIEW
01 GO 2 / SAMURAI BLUE (SEB Version) [03:49]
This is Go 2 back to their old stadium-filling, crowd-pleasing best. The intro doesn't mess about at all and gets straight into the half-shouting, half-singing chorus. In fact I'd say that the chorus acts as more of a defining hook than the main synth hook does (it seems a bit too simplistic for my liking). As for the vocals, I may not be paying enough attention but it seems that Fastway appears to take the lead in this track. In fact, if it wasn't for the trademark shouts in the background this track wouldn't have sounded out of place under the solo Fastway alias. This isn't a bad thing per se, but at the same time I find myself longing for more interplay between the vocalists like we had in Funky Funlover and Looka Bomba (still their two best tracks in my opinion). The song itself doesn't develop a massive amount from the first few measures, but even with this in mind, it still seems woefully too short. I know that SCP have reverted back to the old style radio edits, and there was a time when this wouldn't have raised an eyebrow, but nowadays with most of the other labels turning out song after song around the 5:30 to 6 minute mark, it sounds a little lazy. Having said that, I'm not sure that they could have done anything more to further develop this particular song. In summary, this is a classic Go 2 crowd pleaser that sounds more in line with their old hits, but it still lacks a certain spark to take it to that next level. Also, what the heck is that guy shouting in the intro and at the end??? It does my head in!!!
Score: 8.5/10
02 MARI-SAN / CHANGE (Extended Version) [05:38]
It's time for Mari-San to show us her interpretation of the slower BPM with galloping bassline style that Hi-NRG Attack have been embracing so vigorously recently. Her diva vocals actually appear to have been neutralised to a certain degree since the out-of-control and frankly ugly Secret Destination, and for me she sounds all the better for it. If Chaka Khan or Anastacia had embarked on a Eurobeat career, I believe this is exactly what they would've sounded like. Anyway, enough of the comparisons, let's get down to the song itself. We have the trademark bright stuttering synths bouncing over the backbeats and once again Sandro is able to make an intro that builds the tension and excitement gradually to the main hook. The vocal melody is full of rise and fall, which allows Mari-San's vocals to soar through the ranges as only she can (I love the woah-oh-oh-oh part after the chorus!) One thing I find is that I want to start singing the chorus for Don't Belong after the bridge section - whether that's because this track has similarities with that song or it's purely because I really enjoy that song I'm not sure, but it shows that Mari-San has established a very unique style and persona in the Eurobeat scene. I did give her a very hard time after her debut release, but since she has been given more melodic tracks and her vocals have found a more mellow tone without losing that unique attitude, I have found myself taking to her compositions more and more. Another strong female-led track from Go-Go's - now if only they could put out another amazing male vocal track (where's Leo River??) they'd be right back on track!
Score: 9/10
03 DJ MOONRAKER / BAD (The Energy Remix) [04:14]
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. I'm afraid I'll have to keep this short as I don't really have a lot of things to say about this song - good or bad. In fact, scratch that - the vast majority of the few things I have to say are bad, so let's start with the good. The vocals do a good job of paying homage to the great man's vocals, and at certain points I am left thinking they have actually used a vocal sample so it's a credit to the vocalists skill. However, that's where the good comments end. This song is a very half-baked song to my ears. That one bassline repeats over and over and over again, and is even lazily used as a synth hook at one part, which just doesn't work for me in a Eurobeat context. In fact, more than any Jager track, this song has me questioning why it was included on a Super Eurobeat compilation. Nothing new is brought to the table, there is a lazy use of beat loops, and everything just ends up sounding a little cheap. The sooner Saifam find new material, the better!
Score: 4/10 (all for the vocals!)
04 MANUEL / MAD MAN (Extended Version) [04:48]
I'm quickly warming to this self-penned style that Manuel is creating for himself at Dima. While the writers at A-Beat C and Go-Go's Music did a pretty stellar job on the whole at capturing Manuel's crazy side, it's clear from these new tracks that the man has so much more to give, and a lot of this crazy energy is unleashed in this track. From the intro, we have an on-slaught of guitars, flamboyant vocals and high energy. The kind of creepy Hallowe'en organ that plays the speedy scales after the big drops along with the ominous tolling bells gives the song a bit of a darker edge, which I quite like on the whole. We are left in no doubt that in this song, Manuel really is a mad man, out of control and on the edge. The lyrics during the the verse re-inforce this feeling of a man on the loose, hunting through the darkness for victims. If there was ever going to be a Eurobeat-inspired Horror movie, this track would be one of the highlights! I adore the chord progressions throughout the chorus - they bring some new ideas to the table away from the standard ABC progressions that we normally hear (Jungle of Fire is an example of this chord pattern, although that still uses it to great effect). Staying true to his flamboyant and more operatic style, this song is the first time since Manuel joined Dima that I have really believed that both the vocalists/songwriter and producer have truly gelled and been able to create a magical and powerful rollercoaster ride of a song that never fails to enthrall me. Definitely in my top 3, and one of the best Dima tracks of the decade. Also, I love that ending! (Although I can't quite figure out what the vocals are saying in the background (is it Italian for "accident" or "excellent"??)
Score: 9.75/10
05 KEN BLAST / NEW HORIZON (Extended Version) [04:37]
First of all, let me get this out of the way as I don't want it to impact on the review of this song on the whole. I am gutted that radio interference sound effect was used at the start of this track, as it always gets me in the mood for Dance In My Town (Extended) and then when the first beat of New Horizon starts, I'm briefly disappointed. I'm trying to train my brain into getting out of this mindset, but it's not quite there yet! Anyway, back to the song, and I'd like to give you a proper welcome to the Super Eurobeat world Ken, as this track cements your place on the series in a way that When The Sun Goes Down couldn't quite manage. The team-up of Capaldi's production skills and your writing and vocals makes for a very attractive combination, and you do a fantastic job of keeping up with the fast pace of the track. The soaring chorus in this song really makes me smile every time I hear it, and it never fails to give me a few chills down my spine and goosebumps on my arms as I am just so proud to hear how far you've come. First and foremost, you've always made Eurobeat that has a strong emphasis on being melodically sound and centred around a very strong vocal melody, and this song is no exception despite the great production that Capaldi added to the mix. If I could give you one small piece of advise it would be to put every ounce of your being into every line you deliver. In certain places, the vocals sound a little flat (not as in off-key, but like you've just lost a bit of energy) but it's definitely your most accomplished performance to date (besides Burn My Heart, but of course I'm biased...) I can't wait to hear what the future holds for Ken Blast after this awesome track!
Score: 9.5/10
06 MOMO / ONE HEART ONE SOUL (Extended Version) [04:23]
Okay, so let me get this straight - we've had Momo in her "sentimental trance guise" a-la Pamsy (in From Heartache To Heaven), then we had the euphoric speedy dance queen in Send Me An Angel, followed by the generic female dance vocalist guise in Flash & Love. Talk about multiple personas! And what do we have here - yet another sound and slight variation in style? Why of course - it's Momo, the Eurobeat artist who doesn't quite know who she wants to be. My guess here is that she wants to be squeakier than Irene, borrow some Jager and Jay Lehr's poppy style and still maintain the heart and soul of the Pamsy trance style. Does that make any sense? Well, I'm not even sure that it does, so don't worry if you didn't follow me there. I really don't like the really high and squeaky vocals in the chorus - they don't really do anything to endear Momo to the listener, as they don't quite have the maturity of Irene's vocals (if she had been singing this song, it may not have sounded quite as hollow or breathy). The few parts that I do think are genius are nothing to do with Momo's input - I love the little synth hit scale just before and after the main piano hook and I also find myself bopping my head to the bass line during the verses. However, the fact remains that I am left a little cold by the vocals. If Momo doesn't find her true identity soon, she will quickly just become another female in the long production line of SCP female vocalists who can perform but don't quite have that leading spark to take the label forward. Pamsy had it, and Irene/Yo Shine currently has it, but it's going to start getting harder to keep up with the boys...
Score: 6.5/10
07 MEGA NRG MAN / JAPANESE GIRL (Extended Version) [04:34]
JA-PA-NIS, JA-PA-NIS!! I cannot stand those childish and irritating female backing vocals chanting over and over - they ruin an otherwise great little track! One of the few "old-school all-stars" still on the scene, every Mega NRG Man is bound to create a massive amount of excitement and anticipation, and this one is no exception. There's a sort of simplicity and ease to Tomas' vocals that always makes me sit back and just quietly respect any song that he sings. He has a way of making every song sound so unbelievably easy to sing while still delivering a blistering and high energy performance. The synth hook and bass/beats in this track also sound a lot more accomplished and established than most recent Go-Go's tracks which is bound to please their haters. A couple of sections do cause me a certain degree of irritation (aside from the awful female backing vocalists chanting like crazy). I really hate the part after the second chorus where it sounds like the song has got stuck in a never-ending loop - that just seems like a really bizarre thing to do in the whole scheme of things, as all it really succeeds in achieving is extending the play time by another 5 seconds or so. I also think Tomas sounds a bit goofy for my liking after the final chorus with that odd "yeah" that he does. Was he auditioning to be one of the annoying dancers of Dance Central or something? Anyway, those sections aside, I hope we hear more of this energy from Mega NRG Man soon - just ditch the chicks on the way to the recording studio next time!
Score: 8/10
08 TORA / CALL MY NAME (Extended Version) [05:09]
I'm really sorry to all Sinclairestyle fans, but this track is just terrible! The only female-led track that he has put out since his re-introduction into the SEB series was Move On Now Baby, and that's because it had a melody and presentation with a sense of purpose. This song encapsulates everything that is wrong with SinclaireStyle's female tracks - far too much reverb on the vocals, a backing track that swallows the fragile vocals at every possible moment and overall just a generally bad melodic structure. The simplicity of the vocal melody in this song is really evident. Everything has a strict on or off-beat rhythm, and while the production tries to keep things a bit more interesting by dropping beats and adding flourishing synths, it just does nothing for me at all. And then of course we have the now obligatory gratuitous key change half-way through that just makes no sense at all since the song reverts straight back to the original key. Uuugh, I just really hate the way Sinclaire produces these tracks and the mastering of the vocals - it makes me so annoyed as I know how good he used to be. His only hope now is to concentrate on the male-led tracks like Toy For Love and 1,2,3,4 Fire! as they actually have a sense of musicality and enjoyment for the listener. Worst track of the album, even with the awful Michael Jackson cover!
Score: 1.5/10
09 CY-RO / RAINY DAYS (Extended Version) [05:47]
I'm really starting to get tired of the amount of people hating on Hi-NRG Attack for using this new slower style. It wasn't that long ago when everyone was complaining that their speedy style was getting stale and every song was sounding the same. While I can hear that this new breed of slow BPM track share similar percussion and basslines, I don't see this as a bad thing - quite the opposite in fact. In a very short time, Hi-NRG Attack have succeeded in carving out a niche style in the modern Eurobeat scene, and I for one can't get enough of it. This track showcases everything that is amazing about this "new old" style - the shuddering, galloping bassline; the rich rasping synths; the heavy use of twinkling synths and pianos to give the whole song depth and of course, most importantly, vocals that haven't been pitched-up to within an inch of their life. Cy-Ro debuted the style in this decade, so I think it's fitting that he leaves us with this stormer at the end of the decade. The main synth hook is absolutely gorgeous - simplistic yet extremely effective and catchy, and it makes me want to dance like few hooks do nowadays. The vocals themselves are as unique as they are effortless, and I've tried singing along to this track in the car - it's hard! I just love the rise and fall, especially during the bridge section leading up to those synth hit bursts. When the guitars thundering into life providing the grounding for all of the other musical layers during the chorus and hook, this track just sounds awesome! It's without a doubt my favourite Hi-NRG Attack song of the past decade, and it has easily earned its placed in my top tracks of the decade. I can't wait to hear where the label goes next with this awesome new style - and I wish them every success following their rebirth during the 200's.
Score: 10/10
10 DAVE & FUTURA / JUST ANOTHER DAY WITH YOU (Extended Version) [05:15]
This track is probably the closest to how the song would've sounded at A-Beat C of all of the Sunfire tracks released so far, but that's not really saying much considering I always found the Dave & ... duets to be fairly sub-standard in terms of production and song-writing. Futura is at her squeaky childish best, and more than ever the vocalists sound a bit mismatched in this song. There's something about the blend of the harmonies in the chorus that just doesn't quite sit right with me. As for the song, it has a lot of annoying parts. The "do-do do-do" part is really insipid and pretty bland to say the least, and the two breakdown sections (just after 3 minutes and also at the end of the track) just sound very forced and completely out of synch with everything else in the song. The first of these breakdowns has a really weird middle-eastern theme with a sitar(?) - I have no idea why! However, the part that irritates me the most, is the ending section. The basic beat loops and single synth line that could be played by a 5 year old just doesn't scream to me "high quality Eurobeat production". I still feel that Mr Pasquini is yet to find his mojo in this new studio set-up that he has, and I hope that he didn't sell all of his creativity with the old equipment...
Score: 4/10
11 ELISA / FLY (Extended Version) [04:47]
Now this is how you do "positive sounding" Eurobeat. So many tracks that have a more positive message and tone end up losing the power and energy that makes Eurobeat so addictive, but this track has it down to a T! For the first few shimmering synth layers, the whole song has a sort of magical feel that fits perfectly with Eliza's clean and crisp vocals. For me, the real draw of the track is the melody of the synth hook, which has bounce and pizazz and a killer key change that is integrated into the overall song (Sinclaire take note!!) When the first verse kicks in, we are already assured that we are going to have a pretty positive vibe coming from the vocals, and Eliza delivers this effortlessly. I love the soaring chorus (this appears to be a trend at Delta, thinking about New Horizon earlier on this album as well) and the message of hope in the lyrics make this one of the best tracks on the whole album. So what stops me from giving it my highest grade? Well it doesn't quite have the melodic brilliance or spark of Rainy Days, and there's no way that it could ever compete with the crazy flamboyance of Manuel's entry, but what I am left wondering is whether this track or New Horizon deserves the 3rd spot in my top three. Both songs have a sense of hope for the future and the are both delivered brilliantly by both producer and vocalist, but I have a feeling that on the whole I may end up listening to Fly a little bit more than New Horizon purely because I love Eliza's vocals so much in the song and that key change just gets me every time!! I'm so glad Delta are back in the series on this evidence
Score: 9.5/10
12 JAGER / WHAT D'YOU WANT FROM ME (SEB Version) [04:09]
Here he is - the man currently dividing the Eurobeat community in two. I think it's save to say that the vast majority of people don't sit on the fence when it comes to Jager - you either love him and see him bringing some new ideas to evolve the Eurobeat sound, or you think he's the devil for even attempting to turn Eurobeat into a fusion of mainstream pop and dance. Whatever your standpoint, you can't deny that the guy has a certain amount of attitude and swagger that is hard to find in a new artist on the SEB scene. The intro to this track is permanently ruined for me due to the fact that it sounds so much like the 2010 Lithuanian Eurovision Song Contest entry (link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab9C0klYilw), but from then on in we have a combination of Bosson (link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhQ2v-8G7Ws) and Magnus Carlsson (link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo7ByyAioTk) and that most modern of urban pop trends - big saw synths, lots of reverb and 4/4 beats! And that's before we've even come to the part that's been borrowed from the Adam Lambert track (which I'd never actually heard before, since he's not really broke into the UK...) As a pop song, it's fairly decent and has some catchy melodies and ideas going on, but I find myself wishing that I was listening to the likes of Hyper Crazy Night by Saetta Kid (seriously, is this actually the same vocalist???) I don't believe that Jager is the future of Eurobeat, but he can stay for the ride and maybe learn something from the old-school...
Score: 6/10
TOP 3:
CY-RO / RAINY DAYS
MANUEL / MAD MAN
ELIZA / FLY
BOTTOM 3:
TORA / CALL MY NAME
DJ MOONRAKER / BAD
DAVE & FUTURA / JUST ANOTHER DAY WITH YOU
VERY, VERY, VERY HONOURABLE MENTION:
KEN BLAST / NEW HORIZON
Overall album score: 7.5/10
This was a middle-of-the-road album for me, as there have been releases this decade where every song has been listenable an somewhat enjoyable, but this release is ruined by the god-awful Tora track and a really badly judged Michael Jackson cover from Saifam. That being said, I still adore my top 4 and will be playing them a lot for some time to come.[/u]
SUPER EUROBEAT 209 REVIEW
01 GO 2 / SAMURAI BLUE (SEB Version) [03:49]
This is Go 2 back to their old stadium-filling, crowd-pleasing best. The intro doesn't mess about at all and gets straight into the half-shouting, half-singing chorus. In fact I'd say that the chorus acts as more of a defining hook than the main synth hook does (it seems a bit too simplistic for my liking). As for the vocals, I may not be paying enough attention but it seems that Fastway appears to take the lead in this track. In fact, if it wasn't for the trademark shouts in the background this track wouldn't have sounded out of place under the solo Fastway alias. This isn't a bad thing per se, but at the same time I find myself longing for more interplay between the vocalists like we had in Funky Funlover and Looka Bomba (still their two best tracks in my opinion). The song itself doesn't develop a massive amount from the first few measures, but even with this in mind, it still seems woefully too short. I know that SCP have reverted back to the old style radio edits, and there was a time when this wouldn't have raised an eyebrow, but nowadays with most of the other labels turning out song after song around the 5:30 to 6 minute mark, it sounds a little lazy. Having said that, I'm not sure that they could have done anything more to further develop this particular song. In summary, this is a classic Go 2 crowd pleaser that sounds more in line with their old hits, but it still lacks a certain spark to take it to that next level. Also, what the heck is that guy shouting in the intro and at the end??? It does my head in!!!
Score: 8.5/10
02 MARI-SAN / CHANGE (Extended Version) [05:38]
It's time for Mari-San to show us her interpretation of the slower BPM with galloping bassline style that Hi-NRG Attack have been embracing so vigorously recently. Her diva vocals actually appear to have been neutralised to a certain degree since the out-of-control and frankly ugly Secret Destination, and for me she sounds all the better for it. If Chaka Khan or Anastacia had embarked on a Eurobeat career, I believe this is exactly what they would've sounded like. Anyway, enough of the comparisons, let's get down to the song itself. We have the trademark bright stuttering synths bouncing over the backbeats and once again Sandro is able to make an intro that builds the tension and excitement gradually to the main hook. The vocal melody is full of rise and fall, which allows Mari-San's vocals to soar through the ranges as only she can (I love the woah-oh-oh-oh part after the chorus!) One thing I find is that I want to start singing the chorus for Don't Belong after the bridge section - whether that's because this track has similarities with that song or it's purely because I really enjoy that song I'm not sure, but it shows that Mari-San has established a very unique style and persona in the Eurobeat scene. I did give her a very hard time after her debut release, but since she has been given more melodic tracks and her vocals have found a more mellow tone without losing that unique attitude, I have found myself taking to her compositions more and more. Another strong female-led track from Go-Go's - now if only they could put out another amazing male vocal track (where's Leo River??) they'd be right back on track!
Score: 9/10
03 DJ MOONRAKER / BAD (The Energy Remix) [04:14]
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. I'm afraid I'll have to keep this short as I don't really have a lot of things to say about this song - good or bad. In fact, scratch that - the vast majority of the few things I have to say are bad, so let's start with the good. The vocals do a good job of paying homage to the great man's vocals, and at certain points I am left thinking they have actually used a vocal sample so it's a credit to the vocalists skill. However, that's where the good comments end. This song is a very half-baked song to my ears. That one bassline repeats over and over and over again, and is even lazily used as a synth hook at one part, which just doesn't work for me in a Eurobeat context. In fact, more than any Jager track, this song has me questioning why it was included on a Super Eurobeat compilation. Nothing new is brought to the table, there is a lazy use of beat loops, and everything just ends up sounding a little cheap. The sooner Saifam find new material, the better!
Score: 4/10 (all for the vocals!)
04 MANUEL / MAD MAN (Extended Version) [04:48]
I'm quickly warming to this self-penned style that Manuel is creating for himself at Dima. While the writers at A-Beat C and Go-Go's Music did a pretty stellar job on the whole at capturing Manuel's crazy side, it's clear from these new tracks that the man has so much more to give, and a lot of this crazy energy is unleashed in this track. From the intro, we have an on-slaught of guitars, flamboyant vocals and high energy. The kind of creepy Hallowe'en organ that plays the speedy scales after the big drops along with the ominous tolling bells gives the song a bit of a darker edge, which I quite like on the whole. We are left in no doubt that in this song, Manuel really is a mad man, out of control and on the edge. The lyrics during the the verse re-inforce this feeling of a man on the loose, hunting through the darkness for victims. If there was ever going to be a Eurobeat-inspired Horror movie, this track would be one of the highlights! I adore the chord progressions throughout the chorus - they bring some new ideas to the table away from the standard ABC progressions that we normally hear (Jungle of Fire is an example of this chord pattern, although that still uses it to great effect). Staying true to his flamboyant and more operatic style, this song is the first time since Manuel joined Dima that I have really believed that both the vocalists/songwriter and producer have truly gelled and been able to create a magical and powerful rollercoaster ride of a song that never fails to enthrall me. Definitely in my top 3, and one of the best Dima tracks of the decade. Also, I love that ending! (Although I can't quite figure out what the vocals are saying in the background (is it Italian for "accident" or "excellent"??)
Score: 9.75/10
05 KEN BLAST / NEW HORIZON (Extended Version) [04:37]
First of all, let me get this out of the way as I don't want it to impact on the review of this song on the whole. I am gutted that radio interference sound effect was used at the start of this track, as it always gets me in the mood for Dance In My Town (Extended) and then when the first beat of New Horizon starts, I'm briefly disappointed. I'm trying to train my brain into getting out of this mindset, but it's not quite there yet! Anyway, back to the song, and I'd like to give you a proper welcome to the Super Eurobeat world Ken, as this track cements your place on the series in a way that When The Sun Goes Down couldn't quite manage. The team-up of Capaldi's production skills and your writing and vocals makes for a very attractive combination, and you do a fantastic job of keeping up with the fast pace of the track. The soaring chorus in this song really makes me smile every time I hear it, and it never fails to give me a few chills down my spine and goosebumps on my arms as I am just so proud to hear how far you've come. First and foremost, you've always made Eurobeat that has a strong emphasis on being melodically sound and centred around a very strong vocal melody, and this song is no exception despite the great production that Capaldi added to the mix. If I could give you one small piece of advise it would be to put every ounce of your being into every line you deliver. In certain places, the vocals sound a little flat (not as in off-key, but like you've just lost a bit of energy) but it's definitely your most accomplished performance to date (besides Burn My Heart, but of course I'm biased...
) I can't wait to hear what the future holds for Ken Blast after this awesome track!Score: 9.5/10
06 MOMO / ONE HEART ONE SOUL (Extended Version) [04:23]
Okay, so let me get this straight - we've had Momo in her "sentimental trance guise" a-la Pamsy (in From Heartache To Heaven), then we had the euphoric speedy dance queen in Send Me An Angel, followed by the generic female dance vocalist guise in Flash & Love. Talk about multiple personas! And what do we have here - yet another sound and slight variation in style? Why of course - it's Momo, the Eurobeat artist who doesn't quite know who she wants to be. My guess here is that she wants to be squeakier than Irene, borrow some Jager and Jay Lehr's poppy style and still maintain the heart and soul of the Pamsy trance style. Does that make any sense? Well, I'm not even sure that it does, so don't worry if you didn't follow me there. I really don't like the really high and squeaky vocals in the chorus - they don't really do anything to endear Momo to the listener, as they don't quite have the maturity of Irene's vocals (if she had been singing this song, it may not have sounded quite as hollow or breathy). The few parts that I do think are genius are nothing to do with Momo's input - I love the little synth hit scale just before and after the main piano hook and I also find myself bopping my head to the bass line during the verses. However, the fact remains that I am left a little cold by the vocals. If Momo doesn't find her true identity soon, she will quickly just become another female in the long production line of SCP female vocalists who can perform but don't quite have that leading spark to take the label forward. Pamsy had it, and Irene/Yo Shine currently has it, but it's going to start getting harder to keep up with the boys...
Score: 6.5/10
07 MEGA NRG MAN / JAPANESE GIRL (Extended Version) [04:34]
JA-PA-NIS, JA-PA-NIS!! I cannot stand those childish and irritating female backing vocals chanting over and over - they ruin an otherwise great little track! One of the few "old-school all-stars" still on the scene, every Mega NRG Man is bound to create a massive amount of excitement and anticipation, and this one is no exception. There's a sort of simplicity and ease to Tomas' vocals that always makes me sit back and just quietly respect any song that he sings. He has a way of making every song sound so unbelievably easy to sing while still delivering a blistering and high energy performance. The synth hook and bass/beats in this track also sound a lot more accomplished and established than most recent Go-Go's tracks which is bound to please their haters. A couple of sections do cause me a certain degree of irritation (aside from the awful female backing vocalists chanting like crazy). I really hate the part after the second chorus where it sounds like the song has got stuck in a never-ending loop - that just seems like a really bizarre thing to do in the whole scheme of things, as all it really succeeds in achieving is extending the play time by another 5 seconds or so. I also think Tomas sounds a bit goofy for my liking after the final chorus with that odd "yeah" that he does. Was he auditioning to be one of the annoying dancers of Dance Central or something? Anyway, those sections aside, I hope we hear more of this energy from Mega NRG Man soon - just ditch the chicks on the way to the recording studio next time!
Score: 8/10
08 TORA / CALL MY NAME (Extended Version) [05:09]
I'm really sorry to all Sinclairestyle fans, but this track is just terrible! The only female-led track that he has put out since his re-introduction into the SEB series was Move On Now Baby, and that's because it had a melody and presentation with a sense of purpose. This song encapsulates everything that is wrong with SinclaireStyle's female tracks - far too much reverb on the vocals, a backing track that swallows the fragile vocals at every possible moment and overall just a generally bad melodic structure. The simplicity of the vocal melody in this song is really evident. Everything has a strict on or off-beat rhythm, and while the production tries to keep things a bit more interesting by dropping beats and adding flourishing synths, it just does nothing for me at all. And then of course we have the now obligatory gratuitous key change half-way through that just makes no sense at all since the song reverts straight back to the original key. Uuugh, I just really hate the way Sinclaire produces these tracks and the mastering of the vocals - it makes me so annoyed as I know how good he used to be. His only hope now is to concentrate on the male-led tracks like Toy For Love and 1,2,3,4 Fire! as they actually have a sense of musicality and enjoyment for the listener. Worst track of the album, even with the awful Michael Jackson cover!
Score: 1.5/10
09 CY-RO / RAINY DAYS (Extended Version) [05:47]
I'm really starting to get tired of the amount of people hating on Hi-NRG Attack for using this new slower style. It wasn't that long ago when everyone was complaining that their speedy style was getting stale and every song was sounding the same. While I can hear that this new breed of slow BPM track share similar percussion and basslines, I don't see this as a bad thing - quite the opposite in fact. In a very short time, Hi-NRG Attack have succeeded in carving out a niche style in the modern Eurobeat scene, and I for one can't get enough of it. This track showcases everything that is amazing about this "new old" style - the shuddering, galloping bassline; the rich rasping synths; the heavy use of twinkling synths and pianos to give the whole song depth and of course, most importantly, vocals that haven't been pitched-up to within an inch of their life. Cy-Ro debuted the style in this decade, so I think it's fitting that he leaves us with this stormer at the end of the decade. The main synth hook is absolutely gorgeous - simplistic yet extremely effective and catchy, and it makes me want to dance like few hooks do nowadays. The vocals themselves are as unique as they are effortless, and I've tried singing along to this track in the car - it's hard! I just love the rise and fall, especially during the bridge section leading up to those synth hit bursts. When the guitars thundering into life providing the grounding for all of the other musical layers during the chorus and hook, this track just sounds awesome! It's without a doubt my favourite Hi-NRG Attack song of the past decade, and it has easily earned its placed in my top tracks of the decade. I can't wait to hear where the label goes next with this awesome new style - and I wish them every success following their rebirth during the 200's.
Score: 10/10
10 DAVE & FUTURA / JUST ANOTHER DAY WITH YOU (Extended Version) [05:15]
This track is probably the closest to how the song would've sounded at A-Beat C of all of the Sunfire tracks released so far, but that's not really saying much considering I always found the Dave & ... duets to be fairly sub-standard in terms of production and song-writing. Futura is at her squeaky childish best, and more than ever the vocalists sound a bit mismatched in this song. There's something about the blend of the harmonies in the chorus that just doesn't quite sit right with me. As for the song, it has a lot of annoying parts. The "do-do do-do" part is really insipid and pretty bland to say the least, and the two breakdown sections (just after 3 minutes and also at the end of the track) just sound very forced and completely out of synch with everything else in the song. The first of these breakdowns has a really weird middle-eastern theme with a sitar(?) - I have no idea why! However, the part that irritates me the most, is the ending section. The basic beat loops and single synth line that could be played by a 5 year old just doesn't scream to me "high quality Eurobeat production". I still feel that Mr Pasquini is yet to find his mojo in this new studio set-up that he has, and I hope that he didn't sell all of his creativity with the old equipment...
Score: 4/10
11 ELISA / FLY (Extended Version) [04:47]
Now this is how you do "positive sounding" Eurobeat. So many tracks that have a more positive message and tone end up losing the power and energy that makes Eurobeat so addictive, but this track has it down to a T! For the first few shimmering synth layers, the whole song has a sort of magical feel that fits perfectly with Eliza's clean and crisp vocals. For me, the real draw of the track is the melody of the synth hook, which has bounce and pizazz and a killer key change that is integrated into the overall song (Sinclaire take note!!) When the first verse kicks in, we are already assured that we are going to have a pretty positive vibe coming from the vocals, and Eliza delivers this effortlessly. I love the soaring chorus (this appears to be a trend at Delta, thinking about New Horizon earlier on this album as well) and the message of hope in the lyrics make this one of the best tracks on the whole album. So what stops me from giving it my highest grade? Well it doesn't quite have the melodic brilliance or spark of Rainy Days, and there's no way that it could ever compete with the crazy flamboyance of Manuel's entry, but what I am left wondering is whether this track or New Horizon deserves the 3rd spot in my top three. Both songs have a sense of hope for the future and the are both delivered brilliantly by both producer and vocalist, but I have a feeling that on the whole I may end up listening to Fly a little bit more than New Horizon purely because I love Eliza's vocals so much in the song and that key change just gets me every time!! I'm so glad Delta are back in the series on this evidence
Score: 9.5/10
12 JAGER / WHAT D'YOU WANT FROM ME (SEB Version) [04:09]
Here he is - the man currently dividing the Eurobeat community in two. I think it's save to say that the vast majority of people don't sit on the fence when it comes to Jager - you either love him and see him bringing some new ideas to evolve the Eurobeat sound, or you think he's the devil for even attempting to turn Eurobeat into a fusion of mainstream pop and dance. Whatever your standpoint, you can't deny that the guy has a certain amount of attitude and swagger that is hard to find in a new artist on the SEB scene. The intro to this track is permanently ruined for me due to the fact that it sounds so much like the 2010 Lithuanian Eurovision Song Contest entry (link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab9C0klYilw), but from then on in we have a combination of Bosson (link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhQ2v-8G7Ws) and Magnus Carlsson (link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo7ByyAioTk) and that most modern of urban pop trends - big saw synths, lots of reverb and 4/4 beats! And that's before we've even come to the part that's been borrowed from the Adam Lambert track (which I'd never actually heard before, since he's not really broke into the UK...) As a pop song, it's fairly decent and has some catchy melodies and ideas going on, but I find myself wishing that I was listening to the likes of Hyper Crazy Night by Saetta Kid (seriously, is this actually the same vocalist???) I don't believe that Jager is the future of Eurobeat, but he can stay for the ride and maybe learn something from the old-school...
Score: 6/10
TOP 3:
CY-RO / RAINY DAYS
MANUEL / MAD MAN
ELIZA / FLY
BOTTOM 3:
TORA / CALL MY NAME
DJ MOONRAKER / BAD
DAVE & FUTURA / JUST ANOTHER DAY WITH YOU
VERY, VERY, VERY HONOURABLE MENTION:
KEN BLAST / NEW HORIZON
Overall album score: 7.5/10
This was a middle-of-the-road album for me, as there have been releases this decade where every song has been listenable an somewhat enjoyable, but this release is ruined by the god-awful Tora track and a really badly judged Michael Jackson cover from Saifam. That being said, I still adore my top 4 and will be playing them a lot for some time to come.
[/u]Absolutely. TMoS is still an excellent track, and I absolutely adore it but Rainy Days is just superior to my ears. I have stopped singing it in work for the past 3 or 4 weeks - I'm driving all my colleagues mental!Megan188 wrote:Even that much better than The Magic of Sunshine?the_ditz wrote:It's without a doubt my favourite Hi-NRG Attack song of the past decade, and it has easily earned its placed in my top tracks of the decade.
Getting the crap done... another review. Those are quick reviews, I don't try to put scientific words like the_ditz drnrg do...
1. "Samurai Blue" by Go 2 (SCP)
Bull's eye! That song is just an instant hit! Catchy is the main word here. Just hearing that intro is OMG, worthy of a long time classic. Perfect opener, one of the best songs on the album. Also, this song is highly reminiscent of Super Striker... somehow.
10/10
2. "Change" by Mari-san (Go Go's Music)
I... I have split feelings about this song. The music is very good but somehow doesn't fit Mari-san's powerful vocal at all. The two last song were on heavy techno soundworlds and it was fitting perfectly. On normal Eurobeat sounds and melodies... not so fitting in my opinion. I've tried to adore it, but I cannot like it that much. So, I'm giving a little more above avaerage rating.
8/10
3. "Bad" by DJ Moonraker (Saifam/Asia)
That song described itself; even if it's a Michael Jackson cover. I don't need to say more.
4.5/10
4. "Mad Man" by "Manuel" (Dima)
I like those 8-bit sounding synths in the intro. Haha. But that's about it really... the riff is OK, the verse is average and chorus is pretty good. The riff is so-so sounding. That's it.
7/10
5. "New Horizon" by Ken Blast (Delta)
A-MA-ZING. We finally got some speed. I love it. I love every bit of this song. Every sounds and sound effects. The vocals are refreshing and nice. Perfect score. (P.S. Chorus = <3333)
10/10
6. "One Heart One Soul" by Momo (SCP)
That song could be have been named "One Song One Annoyance" instead. That chorus is simply incredibly annoying. Beside that, the song is pretty good but the chorus simply destroy the feelings of the song.
7.5/10
7. "Japanese Girl" by Mega NRG Man (Go Go's Music)
This song is incredibly refreshing, I must say. I don't remember the last time I liked a Mega NRG Man song that much. A very catchy melody and vocals makes this song quite a hit. "Get ready for rock! getting out of control for Japanese Girl!" Hell, yeah.
9.5/10
8. "Call My Name" by Tora (SinclaireStyle)
I don't know how I must feel with this song. It sounds... Well, it's not bad, I guess. This is not Toy For Love worthy unfortunately. It's a good song I guess. Not a song I will revisit often but it's not a song I will avoid either.
7.5/10
9. "Rainy Days" by Cy-ro (Hi-NRG Attack)
I'm just stopping reviewing any song below 135 BPM.
IT'S NOT AN ITALO-DISCO COMPILATION GODDAMNIT
0/10
10. "Just Another Day With You" by Dave & Futura (Sunfire)
Intro starts off with a drum & bass melody. The "tu-lut tu-lut" in the intro are just too weird and out of place. The riff is the best thing in the song. The rest is just a disaster of sounds unfortunately.
5/10
11. "Fly" by Eliza (Delta)
Overall, this song is very good. Not perfect of course, but I think it's a very good composition. Very dreamy too. What else can I say...?
8.75/10
12. "What D'you Want From Me" by Jager (SCP)
It sounds incredibly US pop music. Although I hate US pop/rock music in general, I can't say I hate this song. I simply CAN'T say that. Why? Because I love that song! It got that housy-trancy soundworld in the chorus that makes that song irresistible. That might be a hit for me too.
10/10
13. "Kiss Me (Eurogrooves Remix)" by U☆Scream (Eurogrooves/Avex)
I must say, it's a pretty good remix. The only thing is that it got a pretty lengthy intro. The riff isn't as hard as I would love it to be. The vocals are nice overall. That's pretty nice song, overall. A good J-Euro song.
9/10
14. "Bye Bye Japan (Healing Version)" by Alexis (Eurogrooves)
...Can we get new songs, yet?
N/A
Top 3
Samurai Blue
New Horizon
Japanese Girl
HM :
What D'You Want From Me
Bottom 3 :
Rainy Days
Bad
Just Another Day With You
OVERALL : 7.75
1. "Samurai Blue" by Go 2 (SCP)
Bull's eye! That song is just an instant hit! Catchy is the main word here. Just hearing that intro is OMG, worthy of a long time classic. Perfect opener, one of the best songs on the album. Also, this song is highly reminiscent of Super Striker... somehow.
10/10
2. "Change" by Mari-san (Go Go's Music)
I... I have split feelings about this song. The music is very good but somehow doesn't fit Mari-san's powerful vocal at all. The two last song were on heavy techno soundworlds and it was fitting perfectly. On normal Eurobeat sounds and melodies... not so fitting in my opinion. I've tried to adore it, but I cannot like it that much. So, I'm giving a little more above avaerage rating.
8/10
3. "Bad" by DJ Moonraker (Saifam/Asia)
That song described itself; even if it's a Michael Jackson cover. I don't need to say more.
4.5/10
4. "Mad Man" by "Manuel" (Dima)
I like those 8-bit sounding synths in the intro. Haha. But that's about it really... the riff is OK, the verse is average and chorus is pretty good. The riff is so-so sounding. That's it.
7/10
5. "New Horizon" by Ken Blast (Delta)
A-MA-ZING. We finally got some speed. I love it. I love every bit of this song. Every sounds and sound effects. The vocals are refreshing and nice. Perfect score. (P.S. Chorus = <3333)
10/10
6. "One Heart One Soul" by Momo (SCP)
That song could be have been named "One Song One Annoyance" instead. That chorus is simply incredibly annoying. Beside that, the song is pretty good but the chorus simply destroy the feelings of the song.
7.5/10
7. "Japanese Girl" by Mega NRG Man (Go Go's Music)
This song is incredibly refreshing, I must say. I don't remember the last time I liked a Mega NRG Man song that much. A very catchy melody and vocals makes this song quite a hit. "Get ready for rock! getting out of control for Japanese Girl!" Hell, yeah.
9.5/10
8. "Call My Name" by Tora (SinclaireStyle)
I don't know how I must feel with this song. It sounds... Well, it's not bad, I guess. This is not Toy For Love worthy unfortunately. It's a good song I guess. Not a song I will revisit often but it's not a song I will avoid either.
7.5/10
9. "Rainy Days" by Cy-ro (Hi-NRG Attack)
I'm just stopping reviewing any song below 135 BPM.
IT'S NOT AN ITALO-DISCO COMPILATION GODDAMNIT
0/10
10. "Just Another Day With You" by Dave & Futura (Sunfire)
Intro starts off with a drum & bass melody. The "tu-lut tu-lut" in the intro are just too weird and out of place. The riff is the best thing in the song. The rest is just a disaster of sounds unfortunately.
5/10
11. "Fly" by Eliza (Delta)
Overall, this song is very good. Not perfect of course, but I think it's a very good composition. Very dreamy too. What else can I say...?
8.75/10
12. "What D'you Want From Me" by Jager (SCP)
It sounds incredibly US pop music. Although I hate US pop/rock music in general, I can't say I hate this song. I simply CAN'T say that. Why? Because I love that song! It got that housy-trancy soundworld in the chorus that makes that song irresistible. That might be a hit for me too.
10/10
13. "Kiss Me (Eurogrooves Remix)" by U☆Scream (Eurogrooves/Avex)
I must say, it's a pretty good remix. The only thing is that it got a pretty lengthy intro. The riff isn't as hard as I would love it to be. The vocals are nice overall. That's pretty nice song, overall. A good J-Euro song.
9/10
14. "Bye Bye Japan (Healing Version)" by Alexis (Eurogrooves)
...Can we get new songs, yet?
N/A
Top 3
Samurai Blue
New Horizon
Japanese Girl
HM :
What D'You Want From Me
Bottom 3 :
Rainy Days
Bad
Just Another Day With You
OVERALL : 7.75
椛ちゃん、助けてぇぇぇぇぇ！
-
drnrg
- Eurobeat Guru
- Posts: 6957
- Joined: 17 May 2005, 07:18
- Location: searching for missing Eurogrooves trax
Lebon14
@ lebon.
Your comment about using scientific words made me laugh, since my english is more limited than most of you.
I understand your hatred for the slow Italo style, but remember that SEB in itself began with songs featuring low bpms. My World, Hero, Japan Japan, It's For Your Eyes,ect...,so in a way,the Italo style is just kinda reclaiming its territory.9. "Rainy Days" by Cy-ro (Hi-NRG Attack)
I'm just stopping reviewing any song below 135 BPM.
IT'S NOT AN ITALO-DISCO COMPILATION GODDAMNIT
0/10
@ lebon.
Your comment about using scientific words made me laugh, since my english is more limited than most of you.
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