Finally is here!!! yes... the new and
so long time waited Systems In Blue album finally is here. The official release
had to be advanced for personal reasons, but it's ok. Fans finally got to hear and
enjoy the tracks that Detlef, Michael and Olaf were working long time for them.
And for our surprise this is a different album, a new point of no return that came out of the blue.
Here my personal review.
They start with the song that had to be the real title of this album, “Back In Blue”,
it seems it came a bit late, in fact this track was missing in the
previous release of the special EP called “Back In Blue”, funny that the
record name didn’t include the title song. The truth is that the EP
name had to be Melange Bleu instead Back In Blue and viceversa, but
things happened in this way. Back In Blue starts with an hypnotizing
irish chanting that make it sounds epic, and lyrics seems to be a fast
chronic of all what happened to SIB after Rolf's lost, all the struggle, the breaking, the rebuilding, the triumph and the comeback against all odds. Olaf
sings it wonderful, we said since the beginning, he was a great and
positive addition for the band, his voice is fresh and energetic. One
thing that doesn’t fit in this track is the sample of "Ma Baker"...
actually we don’t understand what has to do it there, anyway it
contributes with the catchy rhythm and really doesn’t disturb too much.
The second song is the more favorite of fans. “There’s No Heart”,
resembles directly to a known hit of our more sacred stuff as MT fans. Actually I believe the complete name of this song had to be “There’s No
Heart, There’s No Soul”, but maybe it would make it too evident. If we
recall, Detlef commented in a past interview that he would like to make
his own version of YMHYMS, the classic hit of Modern Talking, and he
fulfilled his promise now with the inclusion of this track in this album. Of course this
version is a clear and total SIB version, is not an 80’s song and not a
remix, is a new track in homage to the old hit of MT with different
variations in arrangements and voices. The high pitch choir has also a
curious even higher extension, a luxury we only can have on a SIB album.
Now the third song, maybe it was one of the more commented before the release, the intro of "Lady Ocean"
is similar to a classic Eurodance hit of 90’s, but that’s the only
thing, so no!, is not a cover of Haddaway, the rest of the song is a
total different song and one with a more rich variation of sounds and
arrangements. I have to admit that my favorite part is when they sing
“Here we go! Talking Forever…”, once you are into the rhythm and tune you
can realize that is a very typical SIB song. Vocal parts of Scholz sound
a bit weak in this version but the company of Olaf get to
save it.
The fourth track is our already well known song of the first single, “Take It Like A Man”,
and maybe for the time listening it, our ears are used to it already, this is
probably the more loyal to the old typical SIB sound, but with a weak
instrumental part that didn’t convinced since the first time. Anyway
is one of the favorite of fans, so we think the song already got its
public.
The
next fifth song is a ballad, normally we expect to have one or two
ballads in every album and in same way than in Out Of The Blue, “All That I Need”
keeps the dance style despite is not an uptempo song. Olaf has here a
chance for show the power of his vocals and has let to many fans
surprised with it.
The track number six is “If You Go”,
the more sad song of the album, the background music recalls maybe some 80’s
eurodisco beats of bands like Bad Boys Blue, arrangements are well done and lyrics just
tell all. A sincere message from SIB to their fans… very touching and emotional for those who were followers of this
band since the beginning. Michael sings it with a raspy and decayed
voice that give to the song an even stronger gloomy touch and it sounds
contrasting when suddenly appears the clean vocals of Olaf, singing a
bonus part after the second refrain. Maybe not a song for become a hit, but a song for be in the top one right there in the heart.
Next song is “It’s Ok”,
SIB guys sing this song in good harmony, you won’t hear a dominant
voice here, it’s an interesting new song, but we can only comment the
same of the title, so It's ok.
The eighth track is one of the best songs of the album, “Ninety Five”
is a well done work in composition, arrangements, instruments and
voices. We can enjoy everything of this track, the choir has a very
special voice’s game that only SIB as professionals could get in this
way, the music is simply an excellent work that make you feel your don't
want it ends. A pity the curious mispelled problem of the title that carried since
the release.
The tenth song, "Only You Can Break My Heart", is
one of the favorites from fans, music is catchy, the composition is
well constructed and this time includes plenty the so famous high pitch
choir that SIB fans are always wishing to hear. Good song for remember
from whom is this album, the low point are the lyrics, superficial and
empty, but we can't complain because many Modern Talking hits were in this
way.
And the last song of the album “Gimme Gimme”,
it resembles to Blue System, actually it should be the way Blue System
could sound in nowadays. Michael sings the vocals this time, choir tries
to follow a simple catchy tune, but let a feeling of wish to hear
something else. Anyway for be the last song, is something light.
So
that's my personal review of this third album "Back In Blue", or I mean
"Melange Bleu".
I am grateful with SIB members for this work, we all know what it has cost. Thanks to Johann Perrier for his motivation and support, thanks to Olaf Senkbeil for all the contribution of his talent, thanks to Michael Scholz for survive and our big and special thanks to our
good friend Detlef Wiedeke, thanks for believe again, for make it possible, our extra personal thanks to him for allow to my partner dj-andy and me to listen the songs
months before the official release. This is a big step forward for Systems In Blue and
we only wish them all the good luck they need. We will be always there
supporting them as friends.
The physical release includes 4 extended special versions, so we hope all fans can get this great work that SIB is giving us after almost ten years. Get your CD here.
