I did finally listen through this album, and while I suppose it's not the worst SEB in several years as I stated before, it's still pretty weak by current standards.
Ringtone is still easily my favorite track, with a bouncy melody and a playful performance by Luca Torchiani. Into the Sunrise is also quite good - I've outgrown the notion that the chorus is poorly-sung; actually, it's quite excellent and indeed very Manuel-esque (though the verses are more akin to Dave's usual style). Continuing down my list of highlights is Walking Alone in London, which sounds a ton like When I Close My Eyes, except on a bit of a caffeine boost. Finally, Flying Free is a refreshing work of originality from a label which, as of late, has seemed pretty dry of inspiration.
As for everything else, I'm not tremendously impressed. David Dima and Lilly's songs are fairly decent, but they're still not masterpieces or anything. Tonight in Paradise and Welcome to the Show still sound just as horrid as they did from the samples, and the rest of tracks I have yet to bring up aren't much better. I still think the choruses to Crazy Little Love and Overjoy are completely out-of-place in both of their respective tracks and totally ruin each. Miss You and Blue are listenable, but again, by far not the best from their artists' catalogues.
However, I'm REALLY baffled by the overwhelmingly positive reception to Tearful Eyes. What on earth? SinclaireStyle has released a bunch of incredible tracks since the beginning of the year, and this is the one everybody's rallying behind? I simply don't get it. The whole track is just lifeless in every sense of the word. The backdrop feels static all the way through, the melody is incredibly hollow, and even the synth hook is pretty oddly constructed. The song is a dull mess and for sure in my bottom 3 of an already unimpressive CD. Honestly, did you guys even listen to Loving Eurobeat, Boys Gone Wild, or Prayer? Those three songs are in an entirely different league than this huge dud.
Current Ratings:
1. Into the Sunrise / Dave Rodgers: 9/10
2. Tonight in Paradise / Belight: 3.5/10
3. Heart’s on Fire / David Dima: 8/10
4. Walking Alone in London / Megan: 9/10
5. Crazy Little Love / Nuage: 4.5/10
6. Magic Car / Powerful T.: 6.5/10
7. Miss You / Mickey B.: 6/10
8. Make Me Wonder / Lilly: 7.5/10
9. Blue / Rich Hard: 6.5/10
10. Flying Free / Stephy Martin: 9/10
11. Amazing Love / Baby Gold: 6/10
12. Ringtone / Boris: 9.5/10
13. Overjoy / Leslie Parrish: 4.5/10
14. Tearful Eyes / Les: 3/10
15. Welcome to the Show / Tanith & Dark Evil: 2.5/10
Overall: 6.5/10
Top 3:
1. Ringtone / Boris
2. Into the Sunrise / Dave Rodgers
3. Flying Free / Stephy Martin
Bottom 3:
1. Welcome to the Show / Tanith & Dark Evil
2. Tearful Eyes / Les
3. Tonight in Paradise / Belight
Honorable Mention:
- Walking Alone in London / Megan
Super Eurobeat 223
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drnrg
- Eurobeat Guru
- Posts: 6957
- Joined: 17 May 2005, 07:18
- Location: searching for missing Eurogrooves trax
#infinity
Tearful Eyes is easily one of the best Sinclaire tracks in years. The Elena Ferretti style vocals and Aishu style did it for me. It also has original melodies throughout the song. The bridge is a real standout and the Riff is something totally diiferent than what Sincaile usually produces. These are probobly just some of the reasons why members really enjoyed the track. I can honestly say I liked it better than the other 3 Sinclaire tracks you mentioned, but not better than Walking Alone In London nor Pull The Trigger . That's Eurobeat is great, cuz everysong is made for different fans.Tearful Eyes / Les (3)
Alright, I'm going to criticize your summary of Tearful Eyes point-by-point because I really hate that song, and I fail to accept the fact that people are seriously getting more into it than songs like Boys Gone Wild or Prayer.
Well, those would be great, if they actually fit the production style. I enjoy aishu musical approaches almost as much as you in many cases, but in something like Christine's Love is Magic or Helena's Your Love is Melody, the production is more downplayed, allowing the soft melody to really stand out and fitting the track a lot better. With Tearful Eyes, the kick drums and synths are as loud and noisy as they are in faster tracks such as Loving Eurobeat and Passport to Dance. This aishu style does not match up to the aggressive production in any respect, and ultimately the vocals and melody get drowned out by all the commotion.drnrg wrote:Tearful Eyes is easily one of the best Sinclaire tracks in years. The Elena Ferretti style vocals and Aishu style did it for me.
They seem pretty lazy, as least as far as I'm concerned. You're right that they're different than anything else Leonardi has made, but that doesn't excuse them from not working. When your song is traveling at such a fast pace, you can't go with such a minimalistic tune and expect it to stand out. To make matters worse, it feels like the song meanders around the same chord throughout the entire structure, so there's absolutely no development as the track progresses.drnrg wrote:It also has original melodies throughout the song.
Well, I guess the bridge is the least ineffective phrase out of the song, but it still would've really benefitted from some production factors that actually emphasized it, rather than glanced over it as more attention is put on the loud instruments.drnrg wrote:The bridge is a real standout
Again, different does not automatically equal better. Honestly, the synthline here doesn't even form a coherent tune. It's just a bunch of stacato notes sprinkled about in sequences of 3/16ths, forming a pretty simple and uninteresting melody. Again, too, the production is too busy for such a minimalistic approach to work here. The synth feels completely disconnected from the rest of the track, like a layer taken from another song and crudely pasted over this. If you want a SinclaireStyle production with a good synth riff that's different from what the label has done before, check out Boys Gone Wild.drnrg wrote:the Riff is something totally diiferent than what Sincaile usually produces.
Short version~
1. INTO THE SUNRISE / DAVE RODGERS - 9½
This one did take me by surprise, I wasn't expecting a song with as high quality production as it turned out to be. An excellent chorus, catchy verses and all around nice production. Totally the right direction for Sunfire.
2. TONIGHT IN PARADSE / BELIGHT - 8+
The upbeat kind of SCP is never out of fashion and while this is no Kiki & Fancy, it's definitely close enough for me. A nice lil song that lacks some extra hooks to really make it stand out. As it is, it's a nice track to listen to every once in a while, but I couldn't really loop this one for sure.
3. HEART'S ON FIRE / DAVID DIMA - 7-
This track was an odd one, at first I felt this one would be a huge hit... but the more I listened to it, the more hollow it felt. The track just feels like a rehash of some of the older Dima tracks, not a King Of The World for sure.
4. WALKING ALONE IN LONDON / MEGAN - 10
Sinclaire is just getting better and better! I've gotta admit I would have never expected for him to start pushing out hit after hit in such a fashion. The song is just all around brilliant with the superb chorus and great vocal work.
5. CRAZY LITTLE LOVE / NUAGE - 10+++
An absolutely brilliant piece! My initial reaction when I heard the song was a mixed reaction of meh & wow. In the end the wow-factor really took over easily. An excellent song that showcases we really need more of Denise in our lives.
6. MAGIC CAR / POWERFUL T. - 7+
The recent Powerful T. songs have lacked originaly and sadly Magic Car is not an exception. The song has a really nice usage of guitars but they alone can't really build a strong case to display. Nothing bad, but needs more cowbell.
7. MISS YOU / MICKEY B. - 7
Yeah, I did miss Mickey B., but I did not expect something like this. The song just feels lifeless for the most part. The chorus and vocals are what bring some energy into it, but the label should've really put more effort into this entry. My poor poor Mickey.
8. MAKE ME WONDER / LILLY - 8½
If I didn't have plenty of time to listen to this, I wouldn't honestly have given it a second chance, but I am really glad I did. I initially turned the song down after a few plays, but it sneakily crept inside my head. I listened to the whole album on repeat while working out/riding my bike and I noticed to repeatedly hum this song while I was on the road and eventually started to dig it a lot. Negative sides are the vocals which just feel a bit... out of place at times.
9. BLUE / RICH HARD - 9+
So yeah... Awkward. Out of place. Odd. Words I could easily pair up with this song, but none of those traits feel like negative traits for whatever reason. Something about the melody is really captivating and while the lyrics just feel weird and not really fitting, I eventually fell in love with them especially. Great chorus and the funky echo-elements really hit my mark.
10. FLYING FREE / STEPHY MARTIN - 7+
Meh, I dunno what I really should do with these recent Stephies... A song that is not bad, but I just can't find anything special to mention about them. Elevator eurobeat to the maximum.
11. AMAZING LOVE / BABY GOLD - 6½
I have a very strong Baby Bazooka vibe with this song for whatever reason. Yet I loved everything by Baby Bazooka, yet the golden baby just doesn't feel the same. A track that could've actually been a bit quieter, I feel like the sounds are too overpowering vs. the vocals and the problem with this is that the sounds just aren't exactly spectacular.
12. RINGTONE / BORIS - 9½
I'd be amazed if there were people who really don't like this song. It's a very basic eurobeat song in essence, but that's also what makes it strong. A simple melody, great vocals, a wicked chorus and spectacular sounds are what make this track stand out instantly. A definite legend in the making is what Boris is.
13. OVERJOY / LESLIE PARRISH - 7½
Sunday Morning is what this track reminds me of. And I had to go back and check what I thought about Sunday Morning. So yeah, similar in style, different in production. A niceish song that just needs more raw energy to really leave a mark.
14. TEARFUL EYES / LES - 9½
Another strong Sinclaire entry.... An ingenious infusion of powerful synths and beautiful vocals. The song is a perfect rollercoaster that builds up tension and ends with a sheer & perfect drop. Wow Bratt, keep this up, please!
15. WELCOME TO THE SHOW / TANITH & DARK EVIL - 9-
I can imagine most people disliking this sort of stuff but I'm definitely pleased by the powerful entry. Duets are always a plus in my books and the vocals just fit together perfectly. The verses in particular are what stand out as spectacular.
Even with quite a few mediocore tracks, something about this album did please me trumendously. While I recognize the Sunfire entries to be a bit odd, I truly enjoyed both a whole lot. What I'm especially in love with is the Dave song that is one of his best in the recent years. And Rich of course is as lovely as always~
1. INTO THE SUNRISE / DAVE RODGERS - 9½
This one did take me by surprise, I wasn't expecting a song with as high quality production as it turned out to be. An excellent chorus, catchy verses and all around nice production. Totally the right direction for Sunfire.
2. TONIGHT IN PARADSE / BELIGHT - 8+
The upbeat kind of SCP is never out of fashion and while this is no Kiki & Fancy, it's definitely close enough for me. A nice lil song that lacks some extra hooks to really make it stand out. As it is, it's a nice track to listen to every once in a while, but I couldn't really loop this one for sure.
3. HEART'S ON FIRE / DAVID DIMA - 7-
This track was an odd one, at first I felt this one would be a huge hit... but the more I listened to it, the more hollow it felt. The track just feels like a rehash of some of the older Dima tracks, not a King Of The World for sure.
4. WALKING ALONE IN LONDON / MEGAN - 10
Sinclaire is just getting better and better! I've gotta admit I would have never expected for him to start pushing out hit after hit in such a fashion. The song is just all around brilliant with the superb chorus and great vocal work.
5. CRAZY LITTLE LOVE / NUAGE - 10+++
An absolutely brilliant piece! My initial reaction when I heard the song was a mixed reaction of meh & wow. In the end the wow-factor really took over easily. An excellent song that showcases we really need more of Denise in our lives.
6. MAGIC CAR / POWERFUL T. - 7+
The recent Powerful T. songs have lacked originaly and sadly Magic Car is not an exception. The song has a really nice usage of guitars but they alone can't really build a strong case to display. Nothing bad, but needs more cowbell.
7. MISS YOU / MICKEY B. - 7
Yeah, I did miss Mickey B., but I did not expect something like this. The song just feels lifeless for the most part. The chorus and vocals are what bring some energy into it, but the label should've really put more effort into this entry. My poor poor Mickey.
8. MAKE ME WONDER / LILLY - 8½
If I didn't have plenty of time to listen to this, I wouldn't honestly have given it a second chance, but I am really glad I did. I initially turned the song down after a few plays, but it sneakily crept inside my head. I listened to the whole album on repeat while working out/riding my bike and I noticed to repeatedly hum this song while I was on the road and eventually started to dig it a lot. Negative sides are the vocals which just feel a bit... out of place at times.
9. BLUE / RICH HARD - 9+
So yeah... Awkward. Out of place. Odd. Words I could easily pair up with this song, but none of those traits feel like negative traits for whatever reason. Something about the melody is really captivating and while the lyrics just feel weird and not really fitting, I eventually fell in love with them especially. Great chorus and the funky echo-elements really hit my mark.
10. FLYING FREE / STEPHY MARTIN - 7+
Meh, I dunno what I really should do with these recent Stephies... A song that is not bad, but I just can't find anything special to mention about them. Elevator eurobeat to the maximum.
11. AMAZING LOVE / BABY GOLD - 6½
I have a very strong Baby Bazooka vibe with this song for whatever reason. Yet I loved everything by Baby Bazooka, yet the golden baby just doesn't feel the same. A track that could've actually been a bit quieter, I feel like the sounds are too overpowering vs. the vocals and the problem with this is that the sounds just aren't exactly spectacular.
12. RINGTONE / BORIS - 9½
I'd be amazed if there were people who really don't like this song. It's a very basic eurobeat song in essence, but that's also what makes it strong. A simple melody, great vocals, a wicked chorus and spectacular sounds are what make this track stand out instantly. A definite legend in the making is what Boris is.
13. OVERJOY / LESLIE PARRISH - 7½
Sunday Morning is what this track reminds me of. And I had to go back and check what I thought about Sunday Morning. So yeah, similar in style, different in production. A niceish song that just needs more raw energy to really leave a mark.
14. TEARFUL EYES / LES - 9½
Another strong Sinclaire entry.... An ingenious infusion of powerful synths and beautiful vocals. The song is a perfect rollercoaster that builds up tension and ends with a sheer & perfect drop. Wow Bratt, keep this up, please!
15. WELCOME TO THE SHOW / TANITH & DARK EVIL - 9-
I can imagine most people disliking this sort of stuff but I'm definitely pleased by the powerful entry. Duets are always a plus in my books and the vocals just fit together perfectly. The verses in particular are what stand out as spectacular.
Even with quite a few mediocore tracks, something about this album did please me trumendously. While I recognize the Sunfire entries to be a bit odd, I truly enjoyed both a whole lot. What I'm especially in love with is the Dave song that is one of his best in the recent years. And Rich of course is as lovely as always~
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