September 2000 CD Reviews A-L
Welcome to the September CD Reviews. Over 100 new CDs are listened to and considered for review each month, but only the best make the cut and are featured on the Pop Music Site. It doesn't matter if it's on a major label, independent label, or no label at all, it's the quality of the music that matters. If you're a musician, manager, record company or public relations company and would like your CD considered for review, email the editor for details. Here are this month's reviews, in alphabetical order:
Alphaville - Stark Naked and Absolutely Live
At the height of their success in the mid 1980's, the German group Alphaville was exclusively a studio act. They did not perform live shows. 16 years later, the group has been touring heavily for the past four years, and the result is Stark Naked and Absolutely Live. All their hits like "Big In Japan" and "Forever Young" are featured, along with some unreleased and more obscure songs. For an electronic based band, Alphaville has a surprising amount of passion and energy in their live shows. It's too bad it took them so long to go on tour because they are an excellent live group. Look for a new CD from Alphaville to be released later this year.
Web Link: http://www.alphaville.de
Boyz II Men - Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya
Is there room for Boyz II Men in the current boy band dominated music scene? Absolutely. Boyz II Men's vocal ability far exceeds those of groups like N Sync and Backstreet Boys. And on their fifth CD, Boyz II Men took creative control, doing almost all of the songwriting and producing. Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya has the groups trademark R&B tinged ballads, but also some uptempo pop songs that sound like today's boy bands. Today's boy bands can learn a lot from Boyz II Men's musical style and 10 years of success.
Web Link: http://www.boyziimen.net/
The Corrs - In Blue
The Corrs are four siblings from Ireland. They've had huge success in Europe, and only minor success here in the states. That may change with this CD. In Blue is their most pop oriented release yet. They seem to be moving away from the Irish sound of the their previous releases. The songs are polished and well written, and the addition of super producer Mutt Lange signifies another step toward commercial success. In Blue has enough of the Corrs Celtic sound to satisfy hardcore fans, plus pop songs and great looks to draw a whole new group of fans.
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