Search - Soft Cell :: Cruelty Without Beauty

An older, wiser but honest Soft Cell!

Philip J. Satterley | Littleton, CO United States | 05/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nowadays it seems several 80's bands are reforming for the money and/or just for the sake of doing it without really having anything new to say. This is what I first thought the situation was with this new Soft Cell album before I popped it onto the CD player for the first spin. Thankfully to my surprise I was dead WRONG! Cruelty without Beauty is a FANTASTIC example of how bands SHOULD do it! Since their last album 18+ years ago the band hasn't been sleeping, more like waiting on the sidelines, absorbing information and influences. Finally when the time is right they decide to strike, and have PLENTY to say! I got into Soft Cell way back in Jr. High, it was something different and had a soul unlike many others. That soul is still there, but a little more mature, a little more grown up. Dave Ball's playing is phenomenal, and Marc's voice is stronger and has a much more solid foundation. Several songs from their earlier albums I could relate to back in Jr. High (Frustration was almost my theme song) and this disc hits the nail on the head for me today(Monoculture is the PERFECT example of what my frustration & perception of what the world is right now) The themes are updated (Whatever It Takes, Sensation Nation) even poking fun at what other artists (or even maybe themselves) are willing to do for that last shot of glory (like in Desperate) which certainly proves the band decided to focus on music integrity rather than cashing in on the hit single. However if the modern music industry has not changed and gone in the toilet so much I guarantee Monoculture and All Out of Love would be hitting the airwaves with full force. But alas, times have changed and it's nice to see Soft Cell release an honest album. It's a shame it won't get more exposure and is likely to only remain a "hidden treasure"."

Totally awesome - a MUST HAVE for Soft Cell fans

darthschultz | Austin, TX United States | 09/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've ever liked Soft Cell, you'll like this new CD. The song writing is just as good or better than Soft Cell's recordings back in the day. The songs sound like Soft Cell with a little more modern instrumentation and Mark's voice is better than it used to be but it still sounds like Mark. Every song on the disc is good, which is more than I can say for the last 20 CD's I've bought. I'm so glad I bought this disc, I knew I had to review it, something I wouldn't normally do."

Truly an Exceptional Album

Jeff L | CO | 03/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What an amazing album. Truly an exceptional piece. Every time I listen I get goose bumps and not only because of how great the album is, but the integrity that is behind this album and the truth. I feel this album is a celebration of life. Almond still looks at life with the macabre aspect of but it seems that the maturity has set in like a good cabernet and he is truly having fun with the stories. Ball has similarly done his magic with the music. They are a match made in heaven which brings the best of both of them and truly allows them to shine and live through their essence and what they do best which is to truly entertain us.



Should they get together again and make some more albums I truly believe they could easily break the "Tainted Love" records.



This album is like testing your muscles after having not been in the gym for years and still able to realize that you are as good as you were and even better. This is what this album is. I expect only greatness out of theses two amazing artists.



They have absolutely stayed true to their roots with this album and took it a notch higher. You cant be pissed off and upset all the time at the world eventually you realize that you can enjoy life and have fun and this is exactly what they have done.



EXCELLENT job Mark and Dave and thank you for sharing your amazing talents with the universe.



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