Search - Erasure :: Loveboat

The New Erasure

Devant | 06/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're into the old stuff, you're going to need to make an adjustment. Since the "Erasure" self-titled CD, Andy and Vince have gone in a different direction. For me, the change is excellent. They have nothing to prove in the pop arena. The Erasure, Cowboy and Loveboat CDs are unique. For me, all three CDs started out the same way. I didn't much like them. After a couple of listens, the genius starts to come through, though. I could be wrong about this, but there seems to be something pretty horribly wrong with the mastering on the domestic US release. It is bass-heavy beyond belief, blurry and indistinct. I flatten out my home system and it sounds great, but if you do your music listening anywhere other than a high quality audio system, it might sound pretty muddy. I've listened to it in my car, on MP3, etc...and it just doesn't come through the way it should.As far as the songs go, Alien and Mad As We Are are the standout tracks for me.If you were into the old erasure, I'd pick up Cowboy first, then the other two once you figure Cowboy out."

Not Worth The Wait

Chris D. | Ocean Grove, NJ | 10/06/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Erasure's strength over the years has been that they have stuck to what they did best: catchy, danceable pop songs with plenty of hooks and memorable melody lines. Vince Clarke, who has made this his songwriting trademark for two decades, has gone off-track with "Loveboat", a bland effort in comparison to 1997's catchy, danceable "Cowboy". There are only a couple of up-tempo songs, and most of the melodies are forgettable. Very little of it - other than "Freedom" or "Alien", possibly - even comes close to being catchy. The production and mixing is substandard as well.
Other reviewers have observed and praised the "new direction" that Erasure has taken since their self-titled album. I feel that (with the exception of "Cowboy") that this change has not been a positive one. I admit that I do prefer their "lighter" efforts - "Wonderland" through "Chorus" - over their later releases. Erasure has abandoned the pop sensibility and sense of fun that defined what Erasure was all about during their heyday, and that kept me listening to them for so many years. This album was a big disappointment, but I keep hoping that better days are still to come."

Beautiful! Inspirational! Erasure!

Devant | Austin, TX | 12/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Probably one of erasures best works to date. The combonation of euphoric, dark, and love songs on this album make it a must have! The boys really did wonderful!"