Posted: 07 Mar 2009, 19:05
Justican's SEB 195 Review:
If you have noticed that ive put down my own personal score as well as the score I put for the "real" score which is what I would put if I had to review it for other people. Although the flucuation here isnt that great, songs on other albums have deviated alot, for example, Si La Do on SEB 194 has a Song Rating of 8 but my peronal score is 4, just so you know how I have rated it.
01. Dave Rodgers feat. Alex De Rosso - BURNING LIKE FIRE (A-Beat C)
Typical Dave Rodgers matierial which to me isnt that typical, as it sounds more like a Powerful T song then a Dave song. As there are many songs of this caliber from both artists, this tunes dosent really stand out but is a good start to the album, which this type of track is essential to the speedy theme. Its a solid track, made a tad better using the acoustic drums and guitar in the intermission as you know, you cannot be speedy forever.
Song Rating: 8
My Rating: 9
02. Project 2 - ULTRA MI-HA DELUXE (GGM)
When I first heard this, I was very iffy about the "woo!" playing all the time in the synth, but after a few listens to it, it seems to go. This song definatly reflects back to SEB 192 with its party theme so it seems, even its it already been done recently, its still a solid performance and will get you on the dancefloor singing its addictive chorus. This song has been creating alot of buzz and, altough i rather prefer most of the tracks from SEB 192, I still will enjoy listening to this.
Song Rating: 9
My Rating: 8
03. David Dima - KING OF THE WORLD (Dima)
Ever since Dima's Tsudare Night arrived, it was an instant classic. It was everything an epic EB track should be and King of the World is at the same caliber as its predecessors. Dima's songs seem to evolve in a way to keep his tracks fresh instead of being innovative, as you can tell the guitar solo is inspired after the efforts listened to in Save a Prayer. The synth variation also keeps it away from being "Ive heard that before!" which helps it with its evolution, all in all, nothing to fault here.
Song Rating: 10
My Rating: 10
04. Derreck Simons - STOP CITY LOVER (GGM)
Thats a name I havent heard in a while, looks like this track has been in a making for a long time and it shows, its really fresh and has a very addictive chorus. Like Dima's last song, the variation in the synth is nice and increases its longativity, along with the energetic lyrics, its a song that wont get old any time soon. So another great song, will there be a bad one on this album?
Song Rating: 8
My Rating: 9+
05. Gold-Rake - HURRICANE MAN (Eurogrooves)
More and more Energy from the people at eurogrooves, sounds awfully like Dave Simon's Speed Man, and also sounds like its trying to over the good folks at Hi NRG attack at being regardlessly hard, aggressive and random. It works, but its really not that innovative as it does suffer quite a bit of "Ive heard that many times before!" and it sounds like a big patchwork of a song. Ever since its conception, its was never going to be great, lets just give it a good score.
Song Rating: 7+
My Rating: 7
06. De Leo - SAVE ANOTHER DAY FOR ME (Time)
What can I say about this song except that the song is a perfect example why Time will always be one of the top EB labels. Every part of the song is so addictive and I havent been able to get sick of any part of the song after an agressive listening to, the song just goes so well together. An exception Synth that perfectly accompanies the chorus which has been stuck in my head all night, something which a really good EB song will do. Although its originality is no where to be seen, its the peak of the EB formula.
Song Rating: 10
My Rating: 10+++
07. Mari-San - DON'T BELONG (GGM)
Its a shame really, there are many songs out there where less is more, the biggest is definatly Space Boy -Grand Mix-, but here, the song longivity is dramatically shortend by the consistant "whoooooa!" in the synth, does Mari-San really have to do it in ALL of them? Im sure a little variation and having them in one of two would make the song alot more special. Other then that, Mari-San's "Style" is back and even more apparent then the last track, a very laid back but still with massive amounts of energy, its a great track, all the instruments and the lovely synth are above par, shame you cannot really hear the synth much thanks to the previous complaint.
Song Rating: 9-
My Rating: 7+
08. Mad Max - ROCK YOU (Delta)
I was very suprised with this song, to me, a strong synth is really important in a EB song, although its not strong and that the other parts of the song claim that title by the bucket loads, its flowing and breezy, giving it a relaxing feeling which, in turns, gives the rest of the song that feeling. Its definatly something that will reming you of what SEB 191 should of sounded like. A wonderful car driving tune, it contains a strong set of lyrics and some powerful guitar to get its speedy status and, hopefully like your driving, dosent faulter.
Song Rating: 8+
My Rating: 8
09. Fastway - MONSTERS READY (SCP)
Go Beat Crazy....erm, I mean Monsters Ready is pretty apparent that its a typical Fastway tune, just look at the mistake I did! Anyway, it fills the quota, speedy synth, "Stuck in my head" chorus and accelerating bridge, how can you fault a Fastway song unless you dont like the artist. The only thing you can say about the song is that "There not trying hard enough to make an original tune!", its a tad true, but for an artist like Fastway, its not the way, when they came up with spitfire, I was close to say how much of a pathetic attempt to try and reinvent there music, good thing I got to like it. Monsters ready was never going to be an epic tune, just a vastly enjoyable one.
Song Rating: 8-
My Rating: 8+
10. Megan - I WILL SURVIVE (SinclaireStyle)
When you hear an artists name, you always expect a certain type of song. It happens here, but instead, its the LABEL that makes that assumption. An early sounding Sinclaire style songs, its worked up so it sounds a bit more modern and with more energy. Its trance elements arnt original in eurobeat, its only way its suffers but theres always one in each album, its become a SEB tradition since it became popular back in the 90's and it never makes a song great nor poor. Its a song to listen to when your the agressive is a little too much or just a bit boring. A welcome addition to the album though, its give you a break yet retains the energy needed for a speedy track.
Song Rating: 7+
My Rating: 8
11. Mister Max - SHINE (Asia)
Its up to the Asia label to bring a little of its style to an SEB album, as its never typical. Mister Max has done alot of tunes which you can tell trys to deviate from his typical formula, but unfortunatly, hes still stuck in a rutt. Its dosent deliver as much energy as his previous tracks, and indeed, not as much energy as the other tracks on the album but dosent mean its not as funky and addictive as the rest. Well maybe its not, but the competition is fierce and Shine loses out on all aspect, not because its a bad song, just because its now one of Mister Max's forgettable tunes.
Song Rating: 7-
My Rating: 6
12. Scream Team - KOOKY SPOOKY (SCP)
There back and ready to scare your socks off.....BOOOO!! Its cheese and the best type of it, chedder....oops I mean...SEB style. Very similar to Horror Fantasy, just with alot more typical when coming with the comical Halloween samples, which helps it alot. I may actually ending up liking this better then Horror Fantasy as it has alot more energy and variation in the song, hopefully it will come up with another fantastic Para Dance like Horror Fantasy. Very Cheesy, Very addictive, you will get up and dance to it like a shaky skeleton...oh and....BOOO!
Song Rating: 10+++
My Rating: 10
13. Joe Banana - WILD BOY BAD LOVE (Hi-NRG Attack)
I was getting very concerned, Hi-NRG Attack last few songs where declining in quality very fast, I rated Si La Do for my own rating as a 4, it was a song that did nothing for me. Its a good thing Hi-NRG Attack are giving Joe Banana a chance to make another quality Hi-NRG Attack Tune just like his old tunes. As said, it does sounds like a big reformat of Dum Dum Pistol and follows the quality of most of the tunes he has done in the last few years. The synth isnt overblown like a few Hi-NRG tunes have been and the experiamental lyrics dont destroy the song like Si La Do. Very steady and very traditional for Hi-NRG attack and for me, thats all it needs to be very enjoyable.
Song Rating: 8+
My Rating: 9+
Album Final Words:
If SEB albums could have MOT tests, this one passes them all with flying colours. Bringing back as much as EB has learned over the last 10 years, SEB 195 is in no way original, just very comprehensive of what EB is. All the songs fit the theme, there all agressive and always racing, there is hardly a boring moment here. Lots of traditional styles here and for avid listeners to eurobeat, you will recognise the songs influences and already love many of the songs, although it maybe a bit to intense and some of the songs faulter for this as having too much of one thing can often spoil a song. Lets just be thankful theres been no Unbeliveable or Space Boy -Grand Mix- experiments that go horribley wrong on here.
Album Rating: 9+
My Rating: 9
Best 3 Songs:
Save another day for me
King of the World
Kooky Spooky
Worst 3 Songs:
Don't Belong
Shine
Hurricane Man
Honourable Mension:
Wild Boy Mad Love for its reinvigorating addition to Hi-NRG Attack Label.
If you have noticed that ive put down my own personal score as well as the score I put for the "real" score which is what I would put if I had to review it for other people. Although the flucuation here isnt that great, songs on other albums have deviated alot, for example, Si La Do on SEB 194 has a Song Rating of 8 but my peronal score is 4, just so you know how I have rated it.
01. Dave Rodgers feat. Alex De Rosso - BURNING LIKE FIRE (A-Beat C)
Typical Dave Rodgers matierial which to me isnt that typical, as it sounds more like a Powerful T song then a Dave song. As there are many songs of this caliber from both artists, this tunes dosent really stand out but is a good start to the album, which this type of track is essential to the speedy theme. Its a solid track, made a tad better using the acoustic drums and guitar in the intermission as you know, you cannot be speedy forever.
Song Rating: 8
My Rating: 9
02. Project 2 - ULTRA MI-HA DELUXE (GGM)
When I first heard this, I was very iffy about the "woo!" playing all the time in the synth, but after a few listens to it, it seems to go. This song definatly reflects back to SEB 192 with its party theme so it seems, even its it already been done recently, its still a solid performance and will get you on the dancefloor singing its addictive chorus. This song has been creating alot of buzz and, altough i rather prefer most of the tracks from SEB 192, I still will enjoy listening to this.
Song Rating: 9
My Rating: 8
03. David Dima - KING OF THE WORLD (Dima)
Ever since Dima's Tsudare Night arrived, it was an instant classic. It was everything an epic EB track should be and King of the World is at the same caliber as its predecessors. Dima's songs seem to evolve in a way to keep his tracks fresh instead of being innovative, as you can tell the guitar solo is inspired after the efforts listened to in Save a Prayer. The synth variation also keeps it away from being "Ive heard that before!" which helps it with its evolution, all in all, nothing to fault here.
Song Rating: 10
My Rating: 10
04. Derreck Simons - STOP CITY LOVER (GGM)
Thats a name I havent heard in a while, looks like this track has been in a making for a long time and it shows, its really fresh and has a very addictive chorus. Like Dima's last song, the variation in the synth is nice and increases its longativity, along with the energetic lyrics, its a song that wont get old any time soon. So another great song, will there be a bad one on this album?
Song Rating: 8
My Rating: 9+
05. Gold-Rake - HURRICANE MAN (Eurogrooves)
More and more Energy from the people at eurogrooves, sounds awfully like Dave Simon's Speed Man, and also sounds like its trying to over the good folks at Hi NRG attack at being regardlessly hard, aggressive and random. It works, but its really not that innovative as it does suffer quite a bit of "Ive heard that many times before!" and it sounds like a big patchwork of a song. Ever since its conception, its was never going to be great, lets just give it a good score.
Song Rating: 7+
My Rating: 7
06. De Leo - SAVE ANOTHER DAY FOR ME (Time)
What can I say about this song except that the song is a perfect example why Time will always be one of the top EB labels. Every part of the song is so addictive and I havent been able to get sick of any part of the song after an agressive listening to, the song just goes so well together. An exception Synth that perfectly accompanies the chorus which has been stuck in my head all night, something which a really good EB song will do. Although its originality is no where to be seen, its the peak of the EB formula.
Song Rating: 10
My Rating: 10+++
07. Mari-San - DON'T BELONG (GGM)
Its a shame really, there are many songs out there where less is more, the biggest is definatly Space Boy -Grand Mix-, but here, the song longivity is dramatically shortend by the consistant "whoooooa!" in the synth, does Mari-San really have to do it in ALL of them? Im sure a little variation and having them in one of two would make the song alot more special. Other then that, Mari-San's "Style" is back and even more apparent then the last track, a very laid back but still with massive amounts of energy, its a great track, all the instruments and the lovely synth are above par, shame you cannot really hear the synth much thanks to the previous complaint.
Song Rating: 9-
My Rating: 7+
08. Mad Max - ROCK YOU (Delta)
I was very suprised with this song, to me, a strong synth is really important in a EB song, although its not strong and that the other parts of the song claim that title by the bucket loads, its flowing and breezy, giving it a relaxing feeling which, in turns, gives the rest of the song that feeling. Its definatly something that will reming you of what SEB 191 should of sounded like. A wonderful car driving tune, it contains a strong set of lyrics and some powerful guitar to get its speedy status and, hopefully like your driving, dosent faulter.
Song Rating: 8+
My Rating: 8
09. Fastway - MONSTERS READY (SCP)
Go Beat Crazy....erm, I mean Monsters Ready is pretty apparent that its a typical Fastway tune, just look at the mistake I did! Anyway, it fills the quota, speedy synth, "Stuck in my head" chorus and accelerating bridge, how can you fault a Fastway song unless you dont like the artist. The only thing you can say about the song is that "There not trying hard enough to make an original tune!", its a tad true, but for an artist like Fastway, its not the way, when they came up with spitfire, I was close to say how much of a pathetic attempt to try and reinvent there music, good thing I got to like it. Monsters ready was never going to be an epic tune, just a vastly enjoyable one.
Song Rating: 8-
My Rating: 8+
10. Megan - I WILL SURVIVE (SinclaireStyle)
When you hear an artists name, you always expect a certain type of song. It happens here, but instead, its the LABEL that makes that assumption. An early sounding Sinclaire style songs, its worked up so it sounds a bit more modern and with more energy. Its trance elements arnt original in eurobeat, its only way its suffers but theres always one in each album, its become a SEB tradition since it became popular back in the 90's and it never makes a song great nor poor. Its a song to listen to when your the agressive is a little too much or just a bit boring. A welcome addition to the album though, its give you a break yet retains the energy needed for a speedy track.
Song Rating: 7+
My Rating: 8
11. Mister Max - SHINE (Asia)
Its up to the Asia label to bring a little of its style to an SEB album, as its never typical. Mister Max has done alot of tunes which you can tell trys to deviate from his typical formula, but unfortunatly, hes still stuck in a rutt. Its dosent deliver as much energy as his previous tracks, and indeed, not as much energy as the other tracks on the album but dosent mean its not as funky and addictive as the rest. Well maybe its not, but the competition is fierce and Shine loses out on all aspect, not because its a bad song, just because its now one of Mister Max's forgettable tunes.
Song Rating: 7-
My Rating: 6
12. Scream Team - KOOKY SPOOKY (SCP)
There back and ready to scare your socks off.....BOOOO!! Its cheese and the best type of it, chedder....oops I mean...SEB style. Very similar to Horror Fantasy, just with alot more typical when coming with the comical Halloween samples, which helps it alot. I may actually ending up liking this better then Horror Fantasy as it has alot more energy and variation in the song, hopefully it will come up with another fantastic Para Dance like Horror Fantasy. Very Cheesy, Very addictive, you will get up and dance to it like a shaky skeleton...oh and....BOOO!
Song Rating: 10+++
My Rating: 10
13. Joe Banana - WILD BOY BAD LOVE (Hi-NRG Attack)
I was getting very concerned, Hi-NRG Attack last few songs where declining in quality very fast, I rated Si La Do for my own rating as a 4, it was a song that did nothing for me. Its a good thing Hi-NRG Attack are giving Joe Banana a chance to make another quality Hi-NRG Attack Tune just like his old tunes. As said, it does sounds like a big reformat of Dum Dum Pistol and follows the quality of most of the tunes he has done in the last few years. The synth isnt overblown like a few Hi-NRG tunes have been and the experiamental lyrics dont destroy the song like Si La Do. Very steady and very traditional for Hi-NRG attack and for me, thats all it needs to be very enjoyable.
Song Rating: 8+
My Rating: 9+
Album Final Words:
If SEB albums could have MOT tests, this one passes them all with flying colours. Bringing back as much as EB has learned over the last 10 years, SEB 195 is in no way original, just very comprehensive of what EB is. All the songs fit the theme, there all agressive and always racing, there is hardly a boring moment here. Lots of traditional styles here and for avid listeners to eurobeat, you will recognise the songs influences and already love many of the songs, although it maybe a bit to intense and some of the songs faulter for this as having too much of one thing can often spoil a song. Lets just be thankful theres been no Unbeliveable or Space Boy -Grand Mix- experiments that go horribley wrong on here.
Album Rating: 9+
My Rating: 9
Best 3 Songs:
Save another day for me
King of the World
Kooky Spooky
Worst 3 Songs:
Don't Belong
Shine
Hurricane Man
Honourable Mension:
Wild Boy Mad Love for its reinvigorating addition to Hi-NRG Attack Label.
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