Super Eurobeat 221 (News in page 1!)
It's the internet. There'd be complaints even if each album contained a $50 bill and a complimentary massage.DarkSky wrote:Speaking to all those who are argueing/discussing about EDM:
It's really a hell of a job to satisfy you Eurobeat listeners, look at this...wow! What on earth is your problem?!
A lot's changed in the decade and a half I've been here.
Full-time eurobeat producer, full-time musician, part-time Vtuber. #JessaIsReal2021
Join me on an Odyssey.
Full-time eurobeat producer, full-time musician, part-time Vtuber. #JessaIsReal2021
Join me on an Odyssey.
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Mindsweeper
- Eurobeat Scholar
- Posts: 385
- Joined: 18 Oct 2011, 02:29
- Location: CALIFORNIA DREAMING
I made a nonstop mix for the album and, if you want to listen, it's over here :
https://soundcloud.com/lebon14/seb221ansamm
EDIT
Now that I listen to "Kiss" some more, I think that the vocals are Christian's sped up to sound somehow like a woman. I think so because I swear to hear Fastway as backing vocals (also sped up). What do you guys think?
https://soundcloud.com/lebon14/seb221ansamm
EDIT
Now that I listen to "Kiss" some more, I think that the vocals are Christian's sped up to sound somehow like a woman. I think so because I swear to hear Fastway as backing vocals (also sped up). What do you guys think?
椛ちゃん、助けてぇぇぇぇぇ！
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para_rigby
- Euroheater
- Posts: 1624
- Joined: 17 Sep 2005, 18:50
- Location: Wichita, KS, USA
- Contact:
Nice BPM setting. This is how a DJ mix should be.Lebon14 wrote:I made a nonstop mix for the album and, if you want to listen, it's over here :
https://soundcloud.com/lebon14/seb221ansamm
EDIT
Now that I listen to "Kiss" some more, I think that the vocals are Christian's sped up to sound somehow like a woman. I think so because I swear to hear Fastway as backing vocals (also sped up). What do you guys think?
Oh, it's definitely Fastway in the background. Hear his little "Aaaah-AH!"?Lebon14 wrote:I made a nonstop mix for the album and, if you want to listen, it's over here :
https://soundcloud.com/lebon14/seb221ansamm
EDIT
Now that I listen to "Kiss" some more, I think that the vocals are Christian's sped up to sound somehow like a woman. I think so because I swear to hear Fastway as backing vocals (also sped up). What do you guys think?
It's similar to the one in Space Love
Okay, so I was doing a ridiculously in-depth and deconstructive review of this album, but it seems that I failed to actually save it! So because I don't have the time to re-write it all, you have the "lite" version instead:
SUPER EUROBEAT vol. 221 REVIEW
01 SEB ALL STARS ft. DJ BOSS / SEB 4 U (SCP) [03:53]
In many ways this is SCP-by-numbers. The production is their usual perky and energetic style complete with guitar squeals. The synth hook seems very treble-heavy - I feel like the brass attack sounds a little too sharp for my tastes. DJ Boss's ramblings don't do much for me, but I can let them off since it suits this track. For me, the real appeal of this track comes with the winning vocal melody - it has a beautiful progression, and it's great that so many vocalists are given the chance to shine. Largely, it's strong performances from everyone - only Ace sounds like he struggles with the highest notes in the chorus sometimes. I adore the brief guitar interlude as well - nice to change things up towards the end, but what is going on with the final synth hook. Can no-one else hear the missing layers or the change in emphasis that gives it a louder presence in the mid-range? Overall, a great welcome back and the perfect opening track for this return to the series.
Score: 8.5/10
02 AN-G / DIFFERENT GIRL (SCP) [04:14]
A more commercial edge is championed here from SCP, and I quite enjoy it. This new vocalist puts in a strong performance for me, and reminds me a little of Stephy or the lesser used Go-Go's vocalists (i.e. not Domino or Ms. Gobbi). Her style is well suited to this very poppy style, but I liked the way that the production isn't stripped back to the point where there is no interest - you still have the kick drum synchopation and breaks, and the synth hook is a little more reminiscent of the trancey style they used to employ. As an introduction to the genre, this track would be a fantastic example and I look forward to hear what more treats An-G has for us in the future. Some more melodic dares would have been appreciated and would have pushed the score up, but this is a great debut!
Score: 8/10
03 DEJO & BON / LOVING EUROBEAT (SinclaireStyle) [05:06]
"A classic and at the same time progressive" muses the voice at the start of this one. Well, that's pushing it a bit to be honest, since this is still pretty much the same SS sounds that we've had for the past 15 years! However, that shouldn't be taken as a diss in any way, especially when the melodies are as delicious as this little pocket-rocket. The verse is quite unique, with the "hey-hey Papapara" chants (seriously, the amount of mornings I've woken up with that in my head!) and I adore the way that they inserted a massive guitar solo after the first chorus just because they can - it definitely held my interest more than the more traditionally structure SCP tracks. The intro tried desperately to be "Wheelpower & Go" but it's not quite as accomplished as that one. The real star here though is the killer chorus - so simplistic and yet so utterly irresistible and effective. I could listen to a loop of that chorus all day long and not get bored. Typical old-school synths for the main hook aren't the prettiest, but all in all I'd say this is my top track of the album so far.
Score: 9/10
04 STEPHY MARTIN / POWER OF LOVE (Dima) [05:16]
One of the legends still active in the scene saves Dima with another strong performance. Dima's strong production is as solid as ever - each element creating a soundscape that is rich and varied while never overpowering the vocals. I love the tracks he does when the guitar takes the lead in the main hook - it just adds that extra piece of power to raise the track about the norm. Stephy's vocals are as accomplished as ever, although I do think the intro sounds a little too loud when it's just the piano and her vocals - I jump everytime I hear it. Also, as a sidenote, the line "For every moment of my single day" irritates me I'm afraid to say, as it really doesn't sound like a coherent sentence. I know the meaning intended, and I'm probably only bringing this up as a language assistant, but I wince a little everytime I hear it. The song itself is one of Stephy's best yet at Dima, and it maintains the high quality of the first half of this album.
Score: 8.5/10
05 BAMBOO BIMBO / KISS (SCP) [03:56]
So... man or woman? That is the question! For me, this track is clearly a male vocal pitched up to sound like a alto female. You can hear the same sort of pronunciation that Hotblade uses in certain words, so that would be my guess. Anyway, I thought this track as a little too goofy the first time I heard it, but now that I've heard it more times than I can count, it seems to occupy a kind of middle ground between Go2 and Jager to my ear. I hear agressive stylings (the shout-outs for example) but at the same we have the more cutesy, production quirks. I adore the mini-breakdown sections after each chorus with the layered vocal rounds leading up to the synth hook. The cutesy girl squeaks are a bit of an ugly distraction for me, and I could easily live without them, but I find it difficult to find much fault with this to be honest. On a par with SEB 4 U for me
Score: 8.5/10
06 DAVE RODGERS / 1 FIRE (Sunfire) [04:34]
Grandpa Rodgers is back, and he's kind of mellowing out a little. Having said that, it also sounds like he's found some old-school Eurodance synths, since I hear a lot of influences from early 90's acts in the little interludes (especially during the intro just before the main hook kicks in). I'll be honest, I do think that the vocals are starting to sound a little tired now. There are just so many strong and agressive vocalists coming through nowadays that Dave's strains and over-zealous grunts are just starting to sound a bit painful sometimes. Don't get me run - I enjoy the melodies here quite a bit, and it has more punch than half of the Sunfire songs I could mention from the past, but I do still get the impression that inspiration isn't at a peak for Rodgers and co. right now. Still, this is a decent song, and I will happily listen to it. But it won't be challenging for my top 5, and to be honest I think it'll be largely forgotten about as future releases take over.
Score: 7.5/10
07 TIPSY & TIPSY / DOWN DOWN DOWN (Asia) [05:06]
Oh come on, I know that you are better than this Asia! It's heartbreaking to still hear such insipid stuff coming from this label that was once at the peak of originality around the 160's. For me, this sounds like a cheesy cover version that you'd hear at a kids disco - the melodies are sugar-sweet, like an episode of Glee with extra Mickey Mouse Club added. The main synth hook is non-existant (what is that "oh-oh-oh-oooohhh" rubbish?) and I just find that this track doesn't really belong on this album. It's good to have variety, sure, but when that means that we have tracks like this, it's not really acceptable for me. If I heard this track outwith Super Eurobeat, I might have a different opinion, but rating it as a Eurobeat track, I'm afraid I'll have to pass.
Score: 5/10
08 CY-RO / BORN TO BE WILD IN MY CAR (Hi-NRG Attack) [05:28]
This track benefits from the extended break I think, since this is a largely genric speedy HRG song with no major unique ideas or qualities. However, the lack of releases (I should add that I haven't largely followed the stand-alone HRG releases on iTunes or Juno recently) means that this somehow sounds like the welcome return of an old friend. I love that HRG songs are just so paint-by-numbers, you can pretty much predict what is going to happen melodically and structurally before it even happens. I guess it's like a pair of old slippers that always feel comfortable and keep your feet on a cold winter night. Having said that, the break-down was a little more experimental than usual for HRG, and I was somewhat surprised by the vocal melody in the verse (with the "my baby" part). I can't really give this a mark that sits with the more original tracks here, but at least I don't want to skip it like I did with so many speedy tracks from the past few decades.
Score: 7.5/10
09 POWERFUL T / KELLY (A-Beat C/Sunfire) [04:46]
I'm pretty sure that this must be A-Beat C, since it has the old familiar kicks and percussion sounds that I miss so much in modern Sunfire productions. The intro is fairly insipid (a hangover from the "lost decades" from just before A-Beat C transitioned and all of their tracks just seemed to lose any sense of excitement or anticipation in the intros), but the rest of this track is pretty good example of a classic aishu style male Eurobeat track. I guess for me, this track is for A-Beat C/Sunfire on this album what Different Girl is for An-G - the vocal melodies are a bit more poppy and commercial, but the Eurobeat elements are still there to give it relevance to the die-hard fans. I have to say I didn't really get the breakdown section that was totally devoid of any vocals - that needed something to lift it and lead it nicely back the chorus. This certainly isn't Powerful T's shining moment, but he puts on a steady performance, and this track is pleasant. It's just not my favourite style, hence the lower mark.
Score: 7/10
10 SCREAM TEAM / WACKY-WACKY-O! (SCP) [04:43]
This makes no sense as a Scream Track at all. Perhaps Kiki & Fancy ft. Scream Team, but it's far too cutesy, goofy to be pure Scream Team. That aside, I have really developed a bit of a soft spot for it. I adore the mental operatic singing - who's idea was that?? For me, everytime I hear this song, it never fails to put a massive smile on my face. It's like a shot of glucose in your veins that gives you instant energy. Also, I also think this track might be the insane love child of the threesome between Aqua, Lesley Garrett (British Soprano) and Kiki & Fancy. Make of that what you will, but it's what I hear. Take this track with a pinch of salt and it's great (despite the fadeout, WTF SCP???) but look for something meaningful, and you'll be sadly disappointed.
Score: 8/10
11 RICH HARD / WILD BOYS (Sunfire) [04:42]
I expected this tracks to get a poor reception on the whole, but for me, it's the shining star of this whole release (despite being one of the biggest WTF moments of my first listen through). The intro is a fantastic place to start, since for me it's one of the most epic intros I've heard from Sunfire/A Beat C in years. The simplicity of the synth strings simply layering over themselves as the chords progress gives one of the best build-ups that I can think of. It's just so awesome! The kick drum, while pitched slightly to the right, is lifted straight from the classic Robyx productions of the 90's (see Corona, Alexia, Double You etc. if you don't know what I mean). The bass-line and hi-hat percussions are also lifted straight from that style too, which I have to say made me scream a little when I finally realised it since Robyx was my hero during the mid to late 90's (I'm still obsessed with his old Eurodance tracks). Anyway, let's focus a little more on this song itself. The synth hook is utterly amazing - I adore the tone and progression of the notes, which make me think of slightly later Eurodance (around early 2000's) - and I love the simple idea to holding the bass note for the first 2 measures, then varying it by one note in the next 2, before finally following the full chordal progression for the rest of the hook. Rich Hard's vocals are the one slight stumbling block, as they are a little "drunk" for want of a better expression. I find them slightly endearing more because the rest of the song is just so on-point for me, but I can understand why they are a turn-off for many. I have to say though, I love the "GO!"shouts! I'll be playing this for a long, long time, and it's definitely my top track on the album.
Score: 9.5/10
12 HEATHER feat. DIMA / DANCE EUROBEAT (Dima) [04:42]
This track sounds a bit like an after-thought to me if I'm honest. I don't know, there's just a little bit of chemistry or spark missing from the vocal performance, and the melody to be honest doesn't immediately grab my attention and make me want to listen again. The hook makes me think of older Vibration-style tracks which is a nice touch, but melodically I think it just comes off sounding a little watery and fairly uninspiring. It's by no means a badly composed track, and I wouldn't completely dismiss it to the recycle bin, but I just know that Dima is capable of so much more than this. I can't really find a lot more to say if I'm honest - it's a little disappointing all-round which I guess is why I'm a little lost for words. I'm really hoping for an explosive comeback from Dima in 222.
Score: 6.5/10
13 DANIEL / SUPER DRIVER
The intro sounds like someone dialling a telephone number or something. Very odd. Anyway, I was really looking forward to this track after the Parapara video. I hoped that in full version it might make this track a bit like "Super Rider pt. 2" but this one definitely falls short of that. The typical Capaldi production is back with a vengeance, and I'm glad to hear that at least he's found some new ideas for intros rather than lazily rehashing sounds and patterns for multiple songs. The vocal melody is fun, and I find it largely appealing, but the chorus to be honest is the one part that somehow starts to get a little irritating the more the song progresses. It's a quirky track anyway, but the Super-super repetitions start to sound a bit cheesy for my liking. The hits during the synth hook are a cute touch, and overall this is another good track from Delta, but it just isn't an amazing track for me.
Score: 8/10
14 FASTWAY / HYPER SUPER POWERS (SCP) [04:55]
Irritating shout-outs are go! And god do they irritate the crap our of me or what! This one sounds a little hashed together to my ear, with a fairly ugly synth hook and mastering (does anyone else think that Fastway's vocals in the verses sound a bit muffled?) The sample video that SCP posted on YouTube made this sound far more appealing than it does here somehow. It's just melodically not a very pretty song - each section is placed one after the other with not a massive amount of cohesion. Also, the ugly distortion in the breakdown sections and that clattering ride cymbal are just horrible. The structure towards the end also goes completely out the window, with what sound like 16 measures or so of demo samples that are unfinished. This is easily a filler SCP track to my ears, which is odd since it comes from the most established alias here. Such a shame - it's tracks like these that bring down classic reputations. I just hope Fastway bounces back soon with something far more appealing!
Score: 3.5/10
15 DEJO / BOYS GONE WILD (SinclaireStyle) [04:47]
I challenge anyone to listen to this track back to back with Loving Eurobeat if they are still struggling to understand its appeal, as this track is a far more generic and less-appealing SS track. For me, the verse is really the only section that out-performs Loving Eurobeat - everything else seems to just be trying to catch up but never quite getting there. The vocals sound a little more watered down here which isn't a good thing at all - I need some more beef! I kinda have a soft spot for the "c'mon c'mon, we are the boys gone wild" section during the synth hook - it's nice to hear producers trying to add little things like that. The most disturbing section is when Dejo is possessed by a tin robot and sings the whole of the verse (twice) and then after briefly regaining his regular voice reverts back to cut-price Terminator again. Not good. It's almost as bad as those warped HRG vocals in the intros from the 170's... almost... Overall, a decent track, but not a great one.
Score: 7.5/10
TOP 5:
RICH HARD / WILD BOYS
DEJO & BON / LOVING EUROBEAT
SEB ALL STARS / SEB 4 U = BAMBOO BIMBO / KISS (they switch positions daily!)
STEPHY MARTIN / POWER & LOVE
BOTTOM 3:
FASTWAY / HYPER SUPER DEMOS
TIPSY & TIPSY / DOWN DOWN DOWN
HEATHER ft. DIMA / DANCE EUROBEAT
Oops, I've ended up writing way more than I expected! Been sitting here for a good hour and a half! Anyway, hope you enjoy my review - I'm so glad we have our beloved SEB back
SUPER EUROBEAT vol. 221 REVIEW
01 SEB ALL STARS ft. DJ BOSS / SEB 4 U (SCP) [03:53]
In many ways this is SCP-by-numbers. The production is their usual perky and energetic style complete with guitar squeals. The synth hook seems very treble-heavy - I feel like the brass attack sounds a little too sharp for my tastes. DJ Boss's ramblings don't do much for me, but I can let them off since it suits this track. For me, the real appeal of this track comes with the winning vocal melody - it has a beautiful progression, and it's great that so many vocalists are given the chance to shine. Largely, it's strong performances from everyone - only Ace sounds like he struggles with the highest notes in the chorus sometimes. I adore the brief guitar interlude as well - nice to change things up towards the end, but what is going on with the final synth hook. Can no-one else hear the missing layers or the change in emphasis that gives it a louder presence in the mid-range? Overall, a great welcome back and the perfect opening track for this return to the series.
Score: 8.5/10
02 AN-G / DIFFERENT GIRL (SCP) [04:14]
A more commercial edge is championed here from SCP, and I quite enjoy it. This new vocalist puts in a strong performance for me, and reminds me a little of Stephy or the lesser used Go-Go's vocalists (i.e. not Domino or Ms. Gobbi). Her style is well suited to this very poppy style, but I liked the way that the production isn't stripped back to the point where there is no interest - you still have the kick drum synchopation and breaks, and the synth hook is a little more reminiscent of the trancey style they used to employ. As an introduction to the genre, this track would be a fantastic example and I look forward to hear what more treats An-G has for us in the future. Some more melodic dares would have been appreciated and would have pushed the score up, but this is a great debut!
Score: 8/10
03 DEJO & BON / LOVING EUROBEAT (SinclaireStyle) [05:06]
"A classic and at the same time progressive" muses the voice at the start of this one. Well, that's pushing it a bit to be honest, since this is still pretty much the same SS sounds that we've had for the past 15 years! However, that shouldn't be taken as a diss in any way, especially when the melodies are as delicious as this little pocket-rocket. The verse is quite unique, with the "hey-hey Papapara" chants (seriously, the amount of mornings I've woken up with that in my head!) and I adore the way that they inserted a massive guitar solo after the first chorus just because they can - it definitely held my interest more than the more traditionally structure SCP tracks. The intro tried desperately to be "Wheelpower & Go" but it's not quite as accomplished as that one. The real star here though is the killer chorus - so simplistic and yet so utterly irresistible and effective. I could listen to a loop of that chorus all day long and not get bored. Typical old-school synths for the main hook aren't the prettiest, but all in all I'd say this is my top track of the album so far.
Score: 9/10
04 STEPHY MARTIN / POWER OF LOVE (Dima) [05:16]
One of the legends still active in the scene saves Dima with another strong performance. Dima's strong production is as solid as ever - each element creating a soundscape that is rich and varied while never overpowering the vocals. I love the tracks he does when the guitar takes the lead in the main hook - it just adds that extra piece of power to raise the track about the norm. Stephy's vocals are as accomplished as ever, although I do think the intro sounds a little too loud when it's just the piano and her vocals - I jump everytime I hear it. Also, as a sidenote, the line "For every moment of my single day" irritates me I'm afraid to say, as it really doesn't sound like a coherent sentence. I know the meaning intended, and I'm probably only bringing this up as a language assistant, but I wince a little everytime I hear it. The song itself is one of Stephy's best yet at Dima, and it maintains the high quality of the first half of this album.
Score: 8.5/10
05 BAMBOO BIMBO / KISS (SCP) [03:56]
So... man or woman? That is the question! For me, this track is clearly a male vocal pitched up to sound like a alto female. You can hear the same sort of pronunciation that Hotblade uses in certain words, so that would be my guess. Anyway, I thought this track as a little too goofy the first time I heard it, but now that I've heard it more times than I can count, it seems to occupy a kind of middle ground between Go2 and Jager to my ear. I hear agressive stylings (the shout-outs for example) but at the same we have the more cutesy, production quirks. I adore the mini-breakdown sections after each chorus with the layered vocal rounds leading up to the synth hook. The cutesy girl squeaks are a bit of an ugly distraction for me, and I could easily live without them, but I find it difficult to find much fault with this to be honest. On a par with SEB 4 U for me
Score: 8.5/10
06 DAVE RODGERS / 1 FIRE (Sunfire) [04:34]
Grandpa Rodgers is back, and he's kind of mellowing out a little. Having said that, it also sounds like he's found some old-school Eurodance synths, since I hear a lot of influences from early 90's acts in the little interludes (especially during the intro just before the main hook kicks in). I'll be honest, I do think that the vocals are starting to sound a little tired now. There are just so many strong and agressive vocalists coming through nowadays that Dave's strains and over-zealous grunts are just starting to sound a bit painful sometimes. Don't get me run - I enjoy the melodies here quite a bit, and it has more punch than half of the Sunfire songs I could mention from the past, but I do still get the impression that inspiration isn't at a peak for Rodgers and co. right now. Still, this is a decent song, and I will happily listen to it. But it won't be challenging for my top 5, and to be honest I think it'll be largely forgotten about as future releases take over.
Score: 7.5/10
07 TIPSY & TIPSY / DOWN DOWN DOWN (Asia) [05:06]
Oh come on, I know that you are better than this Asia! It's heartbreaking to still hear such insipid stuff coming from this label that was once at the peak of originality around the 160's. For me, this sounds like a cheesy cover version that you'd hear at a kids disco - the melodies are sugar-sweet, like an episode of Glee with extra Mickey Mouse Club added. The main synth hook is non-existant (what is that "oh-oh-oh-oooohhh" rubbish?) and I just find that this track doesn't really belong on this album. It's good to have variety, sure, but when that means that we have tracks like this, it's not really acceptable for me. If I heard this track outwith Super Eurobeat, I might have a different opinion, but rating it as a Eurobeat track, I'm afraid I'll have to pass.
Score: 5/10
08 CY-RO / BORN TO BE WILD IN MY CAR (Hi-NRG Attack) [05:28]
This track benefits from the extended break I think, since this is a largely genric speedy HRG song with no major unique ideas or qualities. However, the lack of releases (I should add that I haven't largely followed the stand-alone HRG releases on iTunes or Juno recently) means that this somehow sounds like the welcome return of an old friend. I love that HRG songs are just so paint-by-numbers, you can pretty much predict what is going to happen melodically and structurally before it even happens. I guess it's like a pair of old slippers that always feel comfortable and keep your feet on a cold winter night. Having said that, the break-down was a little more experimental than usual for HRG, and I was somewhat surprised by the vocal melody in the verse (with the "my baby" part). I can't really give this a mark that sits with the more original tracks here, but at least I don't want to skip it like I did with so many speedy tracks from the past few decades.
Score: 7.5/10
09 POWERFUL T / KELLY (A-Beat C/Sunfire) [04:46]
I'm pretty sure that this must be A-Beat C, since it has the old familiar kicks and percussion sounds that I miss so much in modern Sunfire productions. The intro is fairly insipid (a hangover from the "lost decades" from just before A-Beat C transitioned and all of their tracks just seemed to lose any sense of excitement or anticipation in the intros), but the rest of this track is pretty good example of a classic aishu style male Eurobeat track. I guess for me, this track is for A-Beat C/Sunfire on this album what Different Girl is for An-G - the vocal melodies are a bit more poppy and commercial, but the Eurobeat elements are still there to give it relevance to the die-hard fans. I have to say I didn't really get the breakdown section that was totally devoid of any vocals - that needed something to lift it and lead it nicely back the chorus. This certainly isn't Powerful T's shining moment, but he puts on a steady performance, and this track is pleasant. It's just not my favourite style, hence the lower mark.
Score: 7/10
10 SCREAM TEAM / WACKY-WACKY-O! (SCP) [04:43]
This makes no sense as a Scream Track at all. Perhaps Kiki & Fancy ft. Scream Team, but it's far too cutesy, goofy to be pure Scream Team. That aside, I have really developed a bit of a soft spot for it. I adore the mental operatic singing - who's idea was that?? For me, everytime I hear this song, it never fails to put a massive smile on my face. It's like a shot of glucose in your veins that gives you instant energy. Also, I also think this track might be the insane love child of the threesome between Aqua, Lesley Garrett (British Soprano) and Kiki & Fancy. Make of that what you will, but it's what I hear. Take this track with a pinch of salt and it's great (despite the fadeout, WTF SCP???) but look for something meaningful, and you'll be sadly disappointed.
Score: 8/10
11 RICH HARD / WILD BOYS (Sunfire) [04:42]
I expected this tracks to get a poor reception on the whole, but for me, it's the shining star of this whole release (despite being one of the biggest WTF moments of my first listen through). The intro is a fantastic place to start, since for me it's one of the most epic intros I've heard from Sunfire/A Beat C in years. The simplicity of the synth strings simply layering over themselves as the chords progress gives one of the best build-ups that I can think of. It's just so awesome! The kick drum, while pitched slightly to the right, is lifted straight from the classic Robyx productions of the 90's (see Corona, Alexia, Double You etc. if you don't know what I mean). The bass-line and hi-hat percussions are also lifted straight from that style too, which I have to say made me scream a little when I finally realised it since Robyx was my hero during the mid to late 90's (I'm still obsessed with his old Eurodance tracks). Anyway, let's focus a little more on this song itself. The synth hook is utterly amazing - I adore the tone and progression of the notes, which make me think of slightly later Eurodance (around early 2000's) - and I love the simple idea to holding the bass note for the first 2 measures, then varying it by one note in the next 2, before finally following the full chordal progression for the rest of the hook. Rich Hard's vocals are the one slight stumbling block, as they are a little "drunk" for want of a better expression. I find them slightly endearing more because the rest of the song is just so on-point for me, but I can understand why they are a turn-off for many. I have to say though, I love the "GO!"shouts! I'll be playing this for a long, long time, and it's definitely my top track on the album.
Score: 9.5/10
12 HEATHER feat. DIMA / DANCE EUROBEAT (Dima) [04:42]
This track sounds a bit like an after-thought to me if I'm honest. I don't know, there's just a little bit of chemistry or spark missing from the vocal performance, and the melody to be honest doesn't immediately grab my attention and make me want to listen again. The hook makes me think of older Vibration-style tracks which is a nice touch, but melodically I think it just comes off sounding a little watery and fairly uninspiring. It's by no means a badly composed track, and I wouldn't completely dismiss it to the recycle bin, but I just know that Dima is capable of so much more than this. I can't really find a lot more to say if I'm honest - it's a little disappointing all-round which I guess is why I'm a little lost for words. I'm really hoping for an explosive comeback from Dima in 222.
Score: 6.5/10
13 DANIEL / SUPER DRIVER
The intro sounds like someone dialling a telephone number or something. Very odd. Anyway, I was really looking forward to this track after the Parapara video. I hoped that in full version it might make this track a bit like "Super Rider pt. 2" but this one definitely falls short of that. The typical Capaldi production is back with a vengeance, and I'm glad to hear that at least he's found some new ideas for intros rather than lazily rehashing sounds and patterns for multiple songs. The vocal melody is fun, and I find it largely appealing, but the chorus to be honest is the one part that somehow starts to get a little irritating the more the song progresses. It's a quirky track anyway, but the Super-super repetitions start to sound a bit cheesy for my liking. The hits during the synth hook are a cute touch, and overall this is another good track from Delta, but it just isn't an amazing track for me.
Score: 8/10
14 FASTWAY / HYPER SUPER POWERS (SCP) [04:55]
Irritating shout-outs are go! And god do they irritate the crap our of me or what! This one sounds a little hashed together to my ear, with a fairly ugly synth hook and mastering (does anyone else think that Fastway's vocals in the verses sound a bit muffled?) The sample video that SCP posted on YouTube made this sound far more appealing than it does here somehow. It's just melodically not a very pretty song - each section is placed one after the other with not a massive amount of cohesion. Also, the ugly distortion in the breakdown sections and that clattering ride cymbal are just horrible. The structure towards the end also goes completely out the window, with what sound like 16 measures or so of demo samples that are unfinished. This is easily a filler SCP track to my ears, which is odd since it comes from the most established alias here. Such a shame - it's tracks like these that bring down classic reputations. I just hope Fastway bounces back soon with something far more appealing!
Score: 3.5/10
15 DEJO / BOYS GONE WILD (SinclaireStyle) [04:47]
I challenge anyone to listen to this track back to back with Loving Eurobeat if they are still struggling to understand its appeal, as this track is a far more generic and less-appealing SS track. For me, the verse is really the only section that out-performs Loving Eurobeat - everything else seems to just be trying to catch up but never quite getting there. The vocals sound a little more watered down here which isn't a good thing at all - I need some more beef! I kinda have a soft spot for the "c'mon c'mon, we are the boys gone wild" section during the synth hook - it's nice to hear producers trying to add little things like that. The most disturbing section is when Dejo is possessed by a tin robot and sings the whole of the verse (twice) and then after briefly regaining his regular voice reverts back to cut-price Terminator again. Not good. It's almost as bad as those warped HRG vocals in the intros from the 170's... almost... Overall, a decent track, but not a great one.
Score: 7.5/10
TOP 5:
RICH HARD / WILD BOYS
DEJO & BON / LOVING EUROBEAT
SEB ALL STARS / SEB 4 U = BAMBOO BIMBO / KISS (they switch positions daily!)
STEPHY MARTIN / POWER & LOVE
BOTTOM 3:
FASTWAY / HYPER SUPER DEMOS
TIPSY & TIPSY / DOWN DOWN DOWN
HEATHER ft. DIMA / DANCE EUROBEAT
Oops, I've ended up writing way more than I expected! Been sitting here for a good hour and a half! Anyway, hope you enjoy my review - I'm so glad we have our beloved SEB back
According to SCP they can neither confirm if its a man or woman. The only artist it was confirmed not to be is Jager.Lebon14 wrote:CHristian Codenotti aka Ace.the_ditz wrote:Kiss is definitely a male vocalist, but I think that it might be Hotblade (not sure if that's who you meant by Christian...)
Stop City Lover Can't You Break My Style?
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drnrg
- Eurobeat Guru
- Posts: 6957
- Joined: 17 May 2005, 07:18
- Location: searching for missing Eurogrooves trax
thejti
@ ditz.
Great review. I find the longer reviews to hold my attention span much more than short ones. Plus there are so many points to cover with each song.
We both agree that that Fastway and Tipsy Tipsy songs are the worst of the bunch and worst showing from each label.
@ Lebon.
The megamix was good. I like the transitions. I hear alot of the oldschool turntable magic in some mixes. Don't know how you did that on the p.c, but very good effects. My one gripe was how warped the vocals sound. Especially Dave and Rich who sounded aweful, but Cy-Ro felt right at home. The BPMs would have worked better with one of those programs that retains true vocals.
The artist name Bamboo Bimbo; suggests that it just might be some wild vocal morphing of male and female vocals. The Bimbo part is definately femaleAccording to SCP they can neither confirm if its a man or woman. The only artist it was confirmed not to be is Jager.
@ ditz.
Great review. I find the longer reviews to hold my attention span much more than short ones. Plus there are so many points to cover with each song.
We both agree that that Fastway and Tipsy Tipsy songs are the worst of the bunch and worst showing from each label.
@ Lebon.
The megamix was good. I like the transitions. I hear alot of the oldschool turntable magic in some mixes. Don't know how you did that on the p.c, but very good effects. My one gripe was how warped the vocals sound. Especially Dave and Rich who sounded aweful, but Cy-Ro felt right at home. The BPMs would have worked better with one of those programs that retains true vocals.
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