1998 has brought us the brand new album of good old Silent Circle - "Stories 'bout Love". And the album definitely has that special feeling which we were missing since 80ies! I would say "Stories" are much more Silent Circle album than "Back!" is - despite (or maybe due to?) the fact that it was produced without Axel Breitung's participation. Martin Tychsen has given a lot of his heart and soul to it, and finally we are rewarded with many songs which will reach to your deepest feelings. Slow romantic songs are beautiful and melodic again, and almost all melodies will make you sing along. And the very best pieces of the disc are excellent examples of combining catchy melody with modern rhythms and arrangements. Except for the 6th track, the album has even exceeded my expectations! I was especially pleased to hear Martin's voice having improved since "Back!" - this was a nice surprise indeed! Well, you can judge it by self right here and now. Enjoy!
My personal rating of songs is shown by color:
Simply GREAT! Breathtaking, astounding,
incredible!!! Among the best Silent Circle songs ever!
EXCELLENT! Right to your heart and soul.
Well worth of being included in Best of Silent Circle Vol.IV!
Very good! But something is missing to be
qualified as "yellow" one.
Not a remarkable song.
Poor one, not a Silent Circle style at all. The odd
thing on the album.
Like
An Ocean (3'46") The most powerful Silent Circle song ever! Have
you ever heard surf music? This is yet wilder!!! It will completely blow
you mind, turn you upside down and wash out. The kind of thing that makes
me fly! E-Rotic, DJ BoBo and La Bouche taken together rest in peace, as we
say in Russian. Catch the wave!!! Like an ocean all my feelings gonna
drown me...
Love
Can Last A Lifetime (4'25") Kind of slow latino rhythm. One of
disappointing songs on the album for me.
This
Magical Moment (3'44") Better than previous one, but to my mind
there's too much contrast between the parts of a song. ELO-like intro would
be nice elsewhere, but here it sounds too rude in my opinion. We are used
to harmony in Silent Circle songs, and this one is missing it. Unlike the
next one, for example.
Night
Train (4'50") And here is pure delight finally! I'd call it the
best song of the album if there were no "Be My Lover" and "Like An Ocean".
"Night Train" starts with a gorgeous intro; at first you might wonder if it
is BBB's "Come Back And Stay" or PSB's "It's A Sin". The whole song goes at
one breath like the best Silent Circle hits of earlier times. Note:
this is the second single from the new album released on March 1st!!!
Includes SIX remixes plus bonus track with total playing time 35'10"! Order
it now from AW Music Productions or from Melody
Maker CD shop!
One
More Night (Extended Mix) (6'04") Very good Eurobeat/Eurodance
song. This is the link with the 1994 album "Back!" It will remind you of
"Take the Chance" and remixes of "2night". It might be possible that this
song was left as a spare for future 4 years ago, but it's just my impression
- I may be wrong.
She's
Got Me On The Phone (5'57") I guess this song was included into
the album in an attempt to attract new fans from young generation. Well,
maybe teenagers would like the modern sound of it, but to old Silent Circle
fans it must sound horrible. I should also note that Martin was
experimenting with vocals here - it is Monica Ortelt who's singing.
I'm
Just A Man In Love (3'01") Beautiful slow song. Maybe you will
catch some associations with "Runaway Train".
Be
My Lover (3'19") Just great!
Composed by Tychsen/Stein/Feldmann (Ekki Stein - author of the great hit of
1980ies "Sun Of Jamaica"). The amazing intro (as great if not better than
in the album version of "Stop The Rain In The Night"), catchy rhythm,
up-to-date sound with danceable melody! And, of course, typical good old
Silent Circle lyrics. I LOVE this song! I'm
a kind of boy who's longing for romantic love affairs...
It's
Not A Secret (3'29") Atmospheric, beautiful song. I would
compare it to OMD's "Walking On The Milky Way", though this one is smoother
and more romantic. A kind of song which will make you shiver and Amy Berger
cry. Perfect to tell your honey "I love you". And I long for the day
dreams become true...
I
Need A Woman (3'39") Reggae rhythm, a bit similar to "I'd Love
You To Want Me" and to "Love Is Just A Word". I've been blinded by your
sweet eyes...
Save
Me (3'59") Nice love at first sight song. Close by impression to
"Anywhere Tonight" from "No.1" - similar development of melody and rhythm.
I've
Been Calling Just For You (4'26") And yet another romantic
masterpiece. Sad song about a lost love which hopefully can return.
Only love goes on and on...
If you liked the new album "Stories 'bout Love" and the singles, order them now from AW Music Productions or from Melody Maker CD shop!