Posted: 12 Apr 2008, 01:51
AAAAAAAAAH!! HERE I COME WITH MAH REVIEW!
1. Let's Go Wild by Niko --- Sinclaire Style
Oh well... at least has gone between this Niko song and the previous song "Pilot Is The Hero". Everyone was expecting something even if it was a bad expectation or a good expectation. As for me, I was looking forward to this song because I like It's My Life, Superbad and Night Of Fire from his past work. The intro is pretty cool, there are cool sounds. The weak spot of this song is... the weakness of the synth in the riff. Beside that, the vocals are catchy and there's a pretty good arangement. But, I do agree there's something missing on this track... more ernergy in the riff? Yeah, it's like its weakness
Not a bad song, but not a genius song.
Rating : 7½
2. Nightshade by Melody & Mezzo --- Delta
I was expecting a lot from Melody & Mezzo because they are Quebecese. And, I am too. Seeing Quebecese people on SEB is like "OMG! Unbelievable!". Indeed. For the song itself, the song itself starts beautifully with a cool and catchy intro. Then, the riff come in. What I like from that riff, are the "bass boosts". The vocals are beautiful and I enjoy this song a lot. *thumbs up*
P.S : Only the pronounciation of "soirée" gives you a good hint that they really speak French but not the fact that they are Quebecese (sounds more like a French person)
Rating : 10
3. Tokyo Strike Force by Nick Turbo --- Hi-NRG Attack
I didn't have any expectations for this song until I've heard the preview which kicked me to heaven! The chorus is probably one of the most catchy EVER! Anyone who disagree with that deserves a kick at the wrong place. No more description needed : Everything is A+!
Rating : 10
4. Adrenaline by Manuel --- Go Go's Music
Manuel... I'm a fan of it's A-Beat-C/Go Go's Music work because most of his songs are very catchy. Now, a new title : Adrenaline. I've had very high expectations since the tracklist was released. I have to say, Adrenaline didn't have has much of an impact like Ready Steady Go! and Gas Gas Gas. Probably because his style changed. But, this doesn't mean that the song is bad. In fact, it's pretty good. The weak point of the song must be the chorus. The tones used to sing "Adrenaline" is a little out of place. Beside that, that's a good song.
Rating : 8½
5. Another Passion by Linda --- Time
I had ZERO expectation for this time, absolutely nothing. I don't know what happened but there's clicking noise at the beginning of the song. For once, Linda gets the idea to get a catchy intro. Nice move. For once, a Linda song catch somewhat my attention. The overall quality of the song is OK; it's not like a "boring-next-song" feeling. As a present, she gets a so-so score
Rating : 7½
6. It's Time To Say Goodbye by Brian Ice --- A-Beat-C
When I saw this artist, I said to myself "oh noez not another Digital-Planet-kind-of-artist song!". Quiet intro with soft synth. The intro kicks in, and it's boring. All the song, the vocals make you sleep. Probably the first real bad song of the album.
Rating : 4
7. Round Round Round by Stella --- SCP
Mellissa White? No. Irene? No. Newcomer? No. Christine? No. Lisa Lion? No. Kiki & Fancy? Yes. Pamsy? YES! That's Pamsy with a new nick. But, obviously it's not for the best. The vocals are still top notch. Usual trancy style. But, the riff kills everything because the rest of the song (verse, bridge and chorus) is very good. Too bad, the riff was made to be exciting and not the ballad style. I guess it's not for this time.
Rating : 7¾
8. Running Fire by Ace Warrior --- A-Beat-C
The last songs were "Meh". So, I had very few expectation for Ace Warrior. The intro starts off with a calm guitar work that works well and feels like we are listening to a ballad rock song and... all of a sudden, BANG! A catchy riff! That's a pretty good way to catch attention. His style changed for sure, but I don't expect him to keep this style up... but I hope he will. Anyway, good work Ace Warrior.
Rating : 9½
9. Bang Bang Crashing Of The Boom Boom by Ciao Ciao --- Hi-NRG Attack
When I saw the name of the song, my jaw drop on the ground. Seriously! This makes no sense at all. Engrish FTW (that is sarcasm)! Anyway, the intro is the usual Hi-NRG Attack production. Catchy sounds and drums. The riff is the usual Hi-NRG stuff. Not a bad point but is there someone that has the feeling of the riff being irritable with the time? The rest is pure awesomness and catchy stuff. Nothing to say
Rating : 9
10. In The Fire Of Victory by Ace --- SCP
I had VERY high expectation for Ace's song. And, the fact is that the only song I don't like (more "less like") from him is "Moon Child". So, this song enter the "I love it" spot. The song is maybe a little less of a hit than Futureland or One Touch. But, for me, it's still a bulls eye. Jeez... can't find any other stuff to say. This song is just pure awesomness.
Rating : 10
11. Love And Passion 2008 by Vanessa --- Time
*scratch his head*
The intro is very good but I would have love a more powerful version of the catchy part of the intro before the riff as the riff itself... it would have worked better (at least for me). As for the rest of the song, it's pretty good but not the best song in the world.
Rating : 8
12. People Like Dancing by Mega NRG Man --- A-Beat-C
Okay, this song gets a negative point for the utterly bad sharp ending. Beside that the intro starts with a soft synth note and then progress to the riff. Not so good thought. The riff is OK, not the best. Far from that. Mega NRG Man's annoying vocals are still it's best (see the nuance?). I don't really like this song.
Rating : 5
13. Hey Hey by Nuage --- A-Beat-C
Bonus cool point of a three different synth intro...
Anyway, the riff is not great, not the vocals are still as plain as ever. The chorus is not as exciting as the title could suggest. A miss. And, btw, goodbye Nuage, I'm not gonna miss you.
Rating : 4
14. Paradise by Bea --- A-Beat-C
oh wow... what a cute intro (+3). Not kidding. I love it. But the rest is plain. Blank. Bonus point for the sounds used (+1).
Rating : 4
15. Big Bad And Hot Love by Leslie Parrish --- Delta
Catchy intro FTW. Seriously, this intro kicks little intro's asses. Delta made a very with the song overall. I'm happy with it. But, I'm afraid that the song is not as good as Paraboy previously released.
Rating : 8½
16. Rock N Roll by Mark Farina --- Saifam
OK, when I saw this title I thought of another song but when I listen to both preview available, my point of view changed. The intro is very well done and catchy. The riff, that follow the beat and vocals rhythm, is also very well done. The chorus is probably the most catchy of the album with Tokyo Strike Force. But, the song has probably the catchiest bridge on the album. Good work Farina.
Rating : 10
17. Rebel Yell by Cherry --- Delta
Another 170 BPM song? Looks like it. But, this time around Cherry's song is not as catchy and good as Set Me Free and Yes I Will. But, lots of bonus points for having changing Eurobeat's lyrics structure. Is it me or the "More more more" in the chorus is catchy as hell? Anyway, I really don't hate this song
Rating : 9½
18. I Love My Dog by Vivi --- SCP
Joke or not, I'll go stright ahead : WTF is that? Why is it there? Anyway, the song is really really NOT a hit. This song really doesn't make sense. Avex gets a kick at the wrong place. But, one thing is sure : this song is way much better than Frontal Impact.
Rating : 3
DISC 2 REVIEW!!
1. Super Rider (DJ Boss Remix) by Mark Astley --- Avex/Delta
Wooh! Good remix choice. However, probably everyone will agree with me, why is it THAT long? And why all remixes (or almost) finishes with an explosion. I don't hate the remix in itself, but it's overly repetitive and repeats the same song at least twice. But the song is VERY good only if Boss would not loop it eternally...
Remixing Rating : 7
Song rating : 10
2. Yes I Will (New Generation Mix) by Cherry --- Avex/Delta
It's probably the most surprising of all remixes ever created in all the Eurobeat history. An italo-disco remix of a very fast paced song. There is indeed a very good difference of BPM. The original was 160 BPM and now we are at 130 BPM. It will probably sound very strange at the beginning but italo-disco lovers will probably fall in love with this song. Being slowed down means the song will length much longer. Indeed. But for myself, I'm divided if I like it or not. I think I'll stick to the original because I love speed better. Only if the vocals could sound SO much slow down. If they could be re-recorded for the remix, it'll probably sound better. But New Generation have to work with those vox... too bad.
Remixing Rating : 10
Song rating : 8
3. Shanghai (DJ Gun Remix) by The Factory Team --- Avex/Saifam
This is what I call "lengthy for nothing". But, originality is here. Gun had the good idea to include clips of other Saifam songs in. I name, Gun Boy, Fireball, Black UFO and the one with "Hey big guy in the middle of the night". The good point of this "remix" is the variety of sounds used to put energy inside. This remix works OK I guess.
Remixing Rating : 8½
Song rating : 9½
4. Overdrive (DJ Ken-bow Remix) by Fastway --- Avex/SCP
I don't want to comment on this song. It's plain and overly repetitive.
Remixing Rating : N/A
Song rating : N/A
5. Yeah! (Porno Star Remix) by Christine --- Avex/SCP
Very very blank remix. It's almost the original song........
Remixing Rating : 0
Song rating : 7½
Final thoughts
I think the future of SEB is the right direction. As of now, the 180's are going great and is very good. For me, it's going to be, by far, the best decade ever if the trend continues this way. Thsi album features some hits that will probably find their way on the Best Of 2008. But, overall, it's overly average but no real filler with no sense at all. It's sure that an album always have his fillers. A-Beat-C managed to get a hit with Running Fire but remian the worst label on the album. Delta sure is really hit productive these days. No complaints! Hi-NRG Attack are surprising I must say. There are no fillers on there side. SCP is probably the most deceiving label on this album. Vivi's song was a real joke, Ace was a hit (but the only one) and Stella (or Pamsy) was a good attempt at a good song but not as expected. Saifam is probably the surprise. They have one song, one good song but the surprise is that they came back on SEB along with SinclaireStyle which had a good attempt with Niko. Time is present because of Doll'Ora. We owe him one and it's because of him that we are still getting Time on SEB. Both song are average but not fillers. And, finally, Go Go's Music has a very good performance has always. With that, I end this overall comment. A good average album
Listings/Rating below doesn't include Remix disc
Top 5 songs
[*] In The Fire Of Victory / Ace
[*] Nightshade / Melody & Mezzo
[*] Tokyo Strike Force / Nick Turbo
[*] Adrenaline / Manuel
[*] Rock N Roll / Mark Farina
Honorable Mention(s)
[*] Running Fire / Ace Warrior
[*] Big Bad And Hot Love / Leslie Parrish
[*] Rebell Yell / Cherry
[*] Yes I Will (New Generation Remix) / Cherry
Worst 5 songs
[*] Paradise / Bea
[*] Hey Hey / Nuage
[*] I Love My Dog / Vivi
[*] People Like Dancing / Mega NRG Man
[*] Time To Say Goodbye / Brian Ice
Overall Rating : 7¾
Woo... Finally finished (1 hour and a half later)
1. Let's Go Wild by Niko --- Sinclaire Style
Oh well... at least has gone between this Niko song and the previous song "Pilot Is The Hero". Everyone was expecting something even if it was a bad expectation or a good expectation. As for me, I was looking forward to this song because I like It's My Life, Superbad and Night Of Fire from his past work. The intro is pretty cool, there are cool sounds. The weak spot of this song is... the weakness of the synth in the riff. Beside that, the vocals are catchy and there's a pretty good arangement. But, I do agree there's something missing on this track... more ernergy in the riff? Yeah, it's like its weakness
Not a bad song, but not a genius song.Rating : 7½
2. Nightshade by Melody & Mezzo --- Delta
I was expecting a lot from Melody & Mezzo because they are Quebecese. And, I am too. Seeing Quebecese people on SEB is like "OMG! Unbelievable!". Indeed. For the song itself, the song itself starts beautifully with a cool and catchy intro. Then, the riff come in. What I like from that riff, are the "bass boosts". The vocals are beautiful and I enjoy this song a lot. *thumbs up*
P.S : Only the pronounciation of "soirée" gives you a good hint that they really speak French but not the fact that they are Quebecese (sounds more like a French person)
Rating : 10
3. Tokyo Strike Force by Nick Turbo --- Hi-NRG Attack
I didn't have any expectations for this song until I've heard the preview which kicked me to heaven! The chorus is probably one of the most catchy EVER! Anyone who disagree with that deserves a kick at the wrong place. No more description needed : Everything is A+!
Rating : 10
4. Adrenaline by Manuel --- Go Go's Music
Manuel... I'm a fan of it's A-Beat-C/Go Go's Music work because most of his songs are very catchy. Now, a new title : Adrenaline. I've had very high expectations since the tracklist was released. I have to say, Adrenaline didn't have has much of an impact like Ready Steady Go! and Gas Gas Gas. Probably because his style changed. But, this doesn't mean that the song is bad. In fact, it's pretty good. The weak point of the song must be the chorus. The tones used to sing "Adrenaline" is a little out of place. Beside that, that's a good song.
Rating : 8½
5. Another Passion by Linda --- Time
I had ZERO expectation for this time, absolutely nothing. I don't know what happened but there's clicking noise at the beginning of the song. For once, Linda gets the idea to get a catchy intro. Nice move. For once, a Linda song catch somewhat my attention. The overall quality of the song is OK; it's not like a "boring-next-song" feeling. As a present, she gets a so-so score
Rating : 7½
6. It's Time To Say Goodbye by Brian Ice --- A-Beat-C
When I saw this artist, I said to myself "oh noez not another Digital-Planet-kind-of-artist song!". Quiet intro with soft synth. The intro kicks in, and it's boring. All the song, the vocals make you sleep. Probably the first real bad song of the album.
Rating : 4
7. Round Round Round by Stella --- SCP
Mellissa White? No. Irene? No. Newcomer? No. Christine? No. Lisa Lion? No. Kiki & Fancy? Yes. Pamsy? YES! That's Pamsy with a new nick. But, obviously it's not for the best. The vocals are still top notch. Usual trancy style. But, the riff kills everything because the rest of the song (verse, bridge and chorus) is very good. Too bad, the riff was made to be exciting and not the ballad style. I guess it's not for this time.
Rating : 7¾
8. Running Fire by Ace Warrior --- A-Beat-C
The last songs were "Meh". So, I had very few expectation for Ace Warrior. The intro starts off with a calm guitar work that works well and feels like we are listening to a ballad rock song and... all of a sudden, BANG! A catchy riff! That's a pretty good way to catch attention. His style changed for sure, but I don't expect him to keep this style up... but I hope he will. Anyway, good work Ace Warrior.
Rating : 9½
9. Bang Bang Crashing Of The Boom Boom by Ciao Ciao --- Hi-NRG Attack
When I saw the name of the song, my jaw drop on the ground. Seriously! This makes no sense at all. Engrish FTW (that is sarcasm)! Anyway, the intro is the usual Hi-NRG Attack production. Catchy sounds and drums. The riff is the usual Hi-NRG stuff. Not a bad point but is there someone that has the feeling of the riff being irritable with the time? The rest is pure awesomness and catchy stuff. Nothing to say
Rating : 9
10. In The Fire Of Victory by Ace --- SCP
I had VERY high expectation for Ace's song. And, the fact is that the only song I don't like (more "less like") from him is "Moon Child". So, this song enter the "I love it" spot. The song is maybe a little less of a hit than Futureland or One Touch. But, for me, it's still a bulls eye. Jeez... can't find any other stuff to say. This song is just pure awesomness.
Rating : 10
11. Love And Passion 2008 by Vanessa --- Time
*scratch his head*
The intro is very good but I would have love a more powerful version of the catchy part of the intro before the riff as the riff itself... it would have worked better (at least for me). As for the rest of the song, it's pretty good but not the best song in the world.
Rating : 8
12. People Like Dancing by Mega NRG Man --- A-Beat-C
Okay, this song gets a negative point for the utterly bad sharp ending. Beside that the intro starts with a soft synth note and then progress to the riff. Not so good thought. The riff is OK, not the best. Far from that. Mega NRG Man's annoying vocals are still it's best (see the nuance?). I don't really like this song.
Rating : 5
13. Hey Hey by Nuage --- A-Beat-C
Bonus cool point of a three different synth intro...
Anyway, the riff is not great, not the vocals are still as plain as ever. The chorus is not as exciting as the title could suggest. A miss. And, btw, goodbye Nuage, I'm not gonna miss you.Rating : 4
14. Paradise by Bea --- A-Beat-C
oh wow... what a cute intro (+3). Not kidding. I love it. But the rest is plain. Blank. Bonus point for the sounds used (+1).
Rating : 4
15. Big Bad And Hot Love by Leslie Parrish --- Delta
Catchy intro FTW. Seriously, this intro kicks little intro's asses. Delta made a very with the song overall. I'm happy with it. But, I'm afraid that the song is not as good as Paraboy previously released.
Rating : 8½
16. Rock N Roll by Mark Farina --- Saifam
OK, when I saw this title I thought of another song but when I listen to both preview available, my point of view changed. The intro is very well done and catchy. The riff, that follow the beat and vocals rhythm, is also very well done. The chorus is probably the most catchy of the album with Tokyo Strike Force. But, the song has probably the catchiest bridge on the album. Good work Farina.
Rating : 10
17. Rebel Yell by Cherry --- Delta
Another 170 BPM song? Looks like it. But, this time around Cherry's song is not as catchy and good as Set Me Free and Yes I Will. But, lots of bonus points for having changing Eurobeat's lyrics structure. Is it me or the "More more more" in the chorus is catchy as hell? Anyway, I really don't hate this song
Rating : 9½
18. I Love My Dog by Vivi --- SCP
Joke or not, I'll go stright ahead : WTF is that? Why is it there? Anyway, the song is really really NOT a hit. This song really doesn't make sense. Avex gets a kick at the wrong place. But, one thing is sure : this song is way much better than Frontal Impact.
Rating : 3
DISC 2 REVIEW!!
1. Super Rider (DJ Boss Remix) by Mark Astley --- Avex/Delta
Wooh! Good remix choice. However, probably everyone will agree with me, why is it THAT long? And why all remixes (or almost) finishes with an explosion. I don't hate the remix in itself, but it's overly repetitive and repeats the same song at least twice. But the song is VERY good only if Boss would not loop it eternally...
Remixing Rating : 7
Song rating : 10
2. Yes I Will (New Generation Mix) by Cherry --- Avex/Delta
It's probably the most surprising of all remixes ever created in all the Eurobeat history. An italo-disco remix of a very fast paced song. There is indeed a very good difference of BPM. The original was 160 BPM and now we are at 130 BPM. It will probably sound very strange at the beginning but italo-disco lovers will probably fall in love with this song. Being slowed down means the song will length much longer. Indeed. But for myself, I'm divided if I like it or not. I think I'll stick to the original because I love speed better. Only if the vocals could sound SO much slow down. If they could be re-recorded for the remix, it'll probably sound better. But New Generation have to work with those vox... too bad.
Remixing Rating : 10
Song rating : 8
3. Shanghai (DJ Gun Remix) by The Factory Team --- Avex/Saifam
This is what I call "lengthy for nothing". But, originality is here. Gun had the good idea to include clips of other Saifam songs in. I name, Gun Boy, Fireball, Black UFO and the one with "Hey big guy in the middle of the night". The good point of this "remix" is the variety of sounds used to put energy inside. This remix works OK I guess.
Remixing Rating : 8½
Song rating : 9½
4. Overdrive (DJ Ken-bow Remix) by Fastway --- Avex/SCP
I don't want to comment on this song. It's plain and overly repetitive.
Remixing Rating : N/A
Song rating : N/A
5. Yeah! (Porno Star Remix) by Christine --- Avex/SCP
Very very blank remix. It's almost the original song........Remixing Rating : 0
Song rating : 7½
Final thoughts
I think the future of SEB is the right direction. As of now, the 180's are going great and is very good. For me, it's going to be, by far, the best decade ever if the trend continues this way. Thsi album features some hits that will probably find their way on the Best Of 2008. But, overall, it's overly average but no real filler with no sense at all. It's sure that an album always have his fillers. A-Beat-C managed to get a hit with Running Fire but remian the worst label on the album. Delta sure is really hit productive these days. No complaints! Hi-NRG Attack are surprising I must say. There are no fillers on there side. SCP is probably the most deceiving label on this album. Vivi's song was a real joke, Ace was a hit (but the only one) and Stella (or Pamsy) was a good attempt at a good song but not as expected. Saifam is probably the surprise. They have one song, one good song but the surprise is that they came back on SEB along with SinclaireStyle which had a good attempt with Niko. Time is present because of Doll'Ora. We owe him one and it's because of him that we are still getting Time on SEB. Both song are average but not fillers. And, finally, Go Go's Music has a very good performance has always. With that, I end this overall comment. A good average album
Listings/Rating below doesn't include Remix disc
Top 5 songs
[*] In The Fire Of Victory / Ace
[*] Nightshade / Melody & Mezzo
[*] Tokyo Strike Force / Nick Turbo
[*] Adrenaline / Manuel
[*] Rock N Roll / Mark Farina
Honorable Mention(s)
[*] Running Fire / Ace Warrior
[*] Big Bad And Hot Love / Leslie Parrish
[*] Rebell Yell / Cherry
[*] Yes I Will (New Generation Remix) / Cherry
Worst 5 songs
[*] Paradise / Bea
[*] Hey Hey / Nuage
[*] I Love My Dog / Vivi
[*] People Like Dancing / Mega NRG Man
[*] Time To Say Goodbye / Brian Ice
Overall Rating : 7¾
Woo... Finally finished (1 hour and a half later)
...and i agree on the part you say SEB 180 is the best decade so far !!!
looks like we are the only ones though 