TDR reviews “Party Crasher”
Written by roxeteer on November 26, 2008 to Editorial, Per Gessle and Releases.
Visa: Here we are again, reviewing a new album together. This time, joining in are Thomas, Judith, Colin and I. We'll go through Per Gessle's new album "Party Crasher" song-by-song.
Colin: Yes, we're back! Yet again Per manages to surprise us and create an album that is totally different from anything else he's ever done - and yes, me like!
Judith: I'm very surprised, positively surprised, about this album. I was impressed by "Silly Really" from the first moment, and I actually expected the whole album to be like that, kind of disco feeling "let's dance!". The album, however, contains only a few fast songs. At the beginning one might think "Why is this called 'Party Crasher'?", but after listening to the album a couple of times, I started to understand what the title means to me. This release is a big party, a welcome back. For once, finally, I like most of the songs on the album! Any frequent reader of TDR will know, the past Gessle albums for me have been like "yeah, it's ok but nothing special" and I've forgotten about them after a few listenings and ended up with 2-3 songs of each in my mp3-player. This is totally different this time.
Thomas: Wow, time goes so fast, here is another album by the Man… This is the fifth Aerosol Grey Machine-album, and it sounds nothing like the other four. Let's get it on!
Silly Really
Visa: The first track and single shows the new direction of Per. Gone is the back-to-basics pop-rock of "Mazarin," "En händig man," and "Son of a Plumber," now it's time for computers and dance beats. "Silly Really" stands out on the album. I'm not sure if it's entirely a good thing. It feels a bit more polished, more "produced," if you will, than the other songs. It's hard to say if the other songs have the same hit potential. This song certainly has. And it's going all Michael Jackson-Thriller in the end. Gotta love it!
Thomas: I asked Per about the album's direction sometime this summer, and when he said "Thriller" I assumed he was joking, as usual. But turns out he wasn't! I love this song, it does stand out, but I wouldn't say too much? A perfect album opener, and you just gotta love the video… I do hope this gets a wider release. Remixes anyone??
Colin: Oh yes, let's get this party started (or should I say crashed?) - it kicks off with the single, groovy!
The Party Pleaser
Visa: The bubblegum pop Per knows inside out. Nothing spectacular, but goes on like a rocket to a club on the Moon. I wouldn't have put this song next to "Silly Really." Now it feels like a sequel. It may have had a better place between the ballads later on the album. A fine song, anyway.
Thomas: If this isn't a smack-in-the-face-shut-your-mouth, nothing is! I really like this song, and I have to agree with Anders Nunstedt (which I don't always do) that it sounds like two Rox-robots mangling P!nk with a steamroller. The fastest track of the album?
Judith: Let's party… or let's go on partying!
Colin: What could I possibly say more about this track? I really love the verse and the way it builds up to the chorus, we're still on the dance floor!
Stuck Here With Me
Colin: I first heard a snippet of this song in a documentary and I instantly fell in love with it. Helena is awesome in this song and I totally digg this vibe! Even though I'd only heard a small bit of the song then, it stuck in my mind until I got the entire song and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised - excellent job Mr. Gessle: Timbaland can leave the building. Definitely my favorite song on the album!
Judith: There are two songs on the album I'll possibly skip. This is the one of them. I like the music, I like the lyrics, I like everything… except Per's falsetto. Sorry, that is a no-go for me. I might keep it on my player in the end, time will tell.
Visa: What, Per goes r'n'b?! I don't like this kind of music much, so no thank you, sir! Expressen's Anders Nunstedt thought this song sounds like Justin Timberlake. Maybe it does.
Thomas: This certainly isn't my cuppa either, but I do enjoy the massively heavy bass on this song, and it kind of sticks in my head. R'n'b á la Justin (or anyone) makes me cringe, but if nothing else, C&C prove they can match it with the best out there. Great production on this one! I played this song on a huge PA-system today, and the bass made the walls vibrate…
Sing Along
Visa: Ballad with lots of Helena singing. Would sound great live, with acoustic piano only.
Thomas: I was actually thinking to myself "How the hell will they be able to play this album live?" "Sing Along," which used to be named "Sing-A-Long," is a cutie. Helena's voice is so nice on this album and this song is no exception. I get some small Roxette vibes here.It's something in the production I can't really lay my hands on, but it's there.
Gut Feeling
Visa: The only song on the album that is more rock, with a reference to T. Rex. Rolls on nicely and has a certain Gyllene Tider sound in the synth. It should be Göran and his Farfisa!
Thomas: Ha ha ha, yes, this is definitely GT on speed! Lots of guitar, at least to be this album. I just can't figure out where the riff is borrowed from. The first time I heard it I was almost sure it was a cover. One of the last songs to be recorded.
Perfect Excuse
Thomas: Oh, this is the "Michael Jackson" song! When I heard this the first time I almost cried, and not from happiness! But after say 10 spins I had this at the top of my list. Very nice ballad, sung in a totally non-Per way. Lot's of Helena in it too.
Visa: Per lists this as one of his best songs ever. Well, it's a beautiful ballad, but not without its shortcomings. I would've wished the song had more power towards the end. Now it ends up being a bit bland.
Thomas: Bland?
Judith: I must agree on Per's comment! I think the song is one of the best on the album, together with "I'm Glad You Called."
Thomas: Which isn't on the actual album of course.
Colin: This reminds me of the Plumber album. Helena's voice really fits Per's - a match made in heaven! This song sucks you in and before you know you're on a tropical island, whistling in the sun…
Breathe Life Into Me
Colin: Ahh, time to relax! This song is extremely contagious. You just want to lay back and start whistling yourself, preferably sipping on some good old Jamaican rum.
Judith: This is the one I always skip. I don't think it fits the album either.
Visa: Another ballad. Less Helena this time. I like Per's singing voice on this song. The arrangement fits his voice superbly.
Thomas: I totally adore this song! Light and airy with a small reggae backbeat and some synthesizer whistling. And if I'm not mistaken they have added a Farfisa or similar to the background!
Hey, I Died And Went To Heaven
Visa: Lovely ballad with Per singing verses and Helena singing the chorus. The chorus really gets stuck on you.
Judith: Another favorite. Got stuck in my head, too, from the beginning.
Thomas: Sorry to say, but I can't stand this one. And what's even worse, it gets worse every time I listen to it. I totally skip this now. However, I do think the chorus is OK, it's the dreary monotonous verse that drives me insane. Sorry again Per!
Colin: I have to apologize, too. I haven't listened to it much, though it's a nice ballad. For some reason I keep skipping it!
Kissing Is The Key
Thomas: One of my absolute favorites of the album. Hard to describe it, it's (almost) a mid-tempo song that has for instance a "ray gun" in the background, also kissing noises and a groovy "chica-chi-chica-chi" in the beginning. I want this to be single #2.
Visa: Yes, this can very well be the next single. Funny lyrics and a nice beat. They could've left that kissing sound out, though!
Judith: My first thought "What? Kylie?" and then I couldn't stop my feet and my body.
Colin: That's some good single material right there, you got that right, Visa. Why not make a remix 12" again? This song deserves it!
Thai With A Twist
Visa: Good to know that "womanizer" rhymes with "tranquilizer"… Power pop with nonsense lyrics. Per knows his business! I don't like the title, though, it sounds like a slogan for frozen food.
Thomas: Yes indeed. What is Thai with a twist? Thai food with some lemon juice on? Ha ha! Strange title, great song. Typical "The Look" or "Crush on You" lyrics. I can hear Roxette or Gyllene Tider record this. Don't like the saxophone! Note to C&C: Audience sounds yes, sax no!
Colin: My second-favorite song on the album - this chorus is Per at his best. Not sure aboutthe audience and sax though, I'd love to hear this live (I'll do the audience part)!
I Didn't Mean To Turn You
Visa: Have you noticed that the lyrics for all the songs in the world are actually about sex? If the lyrics first sound like they don't, it's only because they use metaphors. Then there are these songs that are saying it very straight out. Let's have sex and let's do it now!
Thomas: All songs? What about "Tuffa tider"? This is the B-side of the single "Silly Really," and according to C&C too good to be left out. I agree, even though I didn't enjoy the flute the first time I heard it. What can I say? It grew on me, and I absolutely love the line "By the way, no way she's your kind! (She's not your kind!)"
Visa: Well, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But think about it next time you listen to the radio. You can get much fun out of it.
Colin: At first I didn't really know what to think of this. When I first got the new single, I felt like back when 'Do You Wanna Be My Baby?' was released. I was shocked at Per's new style then and I had to listen the song a few times just to recognize his voice and be convinced it was really him! The instrumental part stick around and I find myself whistling it occasionally.
Doesn't Make Sense
Visa: Sounds a lot like one of my all-time favorites, the French electro-pop group Air. And with that sound, you can't go wrong. Excellent ending to an excellent album!
Thomas: I know I sound like a broken record, but this is a favorite of mine! Rather unorthodox of Per to end an album with a song like this. Quite fast-paced ballad, or is it even a ballad? Obviously the lyrics are written for Woody!
Judith: For some reason I didn't listen to this song the first couple of times I listened to the album, it was a great surprise when I did. I know, I am just like "great, amazing, perfect," I guess it's easier to negatively review something, on the other hand, I can't get enough of this album, so what should I say? Luv it!
Colin: Yes, an interesting song to close the album! In my opinion ' I'm Glad You Called' would've been a better closer, but this is still a very good song.
I'm Glad You Called (iTunes bonus track)
Thomas: Hmmm, Roxette meets Enya, and with great results! A track that didn't fit the style of the album so it was left off. I can see that as it doesn't fit the style, but the track is way too good to not be released. I've added this as the last track on my home made CD!
Visa: I was thinking about Enya in the intro of the song, too. I don't like the song too much. It sounds like a b-side or a demo. But of course, Per's demos are of very high quality!
Colin: Like Thomas, I added this as an album closer as well. After Roberta of course! At first I thought this could be rather boring but it turns out to be really, really nice!
Theme From "Roberta Right" (Telia bonus track)
Thomas: Roberta rocks! And it starts like a Nintendo video game! I mean the music… duh…
Visa: Whoa! Why is this song only released as a bonus track to Telia customers? There should be a way for everyone to get their hands on this song. Sounds like a Roxette song from the Room Service-era. And it really should be Marie singing that one part at 1:15…
Thomas: Yes, "Come along, come alive!" and "Nothing, nothing, NOTHING!!" Helena reaches new levels on this track, and how about that AC/DC inspired riff? I'm going out on a limb here, but this should be single #2 off "Party Crasher"! I know I said that before too. Even if it's not actually on it… It's sad that it gets released only via Telia with much worse quality than for instance iTunes, but especially a CD.
Judith: My first thought was "Why were these two songs left out of the album?" They surely deserve much more than being 10110! I hope they both are released as they should, on a CD, with their place on the booklet.
Colin: Wow! This track is awesome! Did C&C find an old Commodore computer somewhere? Per definately keeps the party going!
Thomas: Gabriel Gessle co-wrote this. Good one Gabe!
Judith: The "you don't know what's happening to me, you don't know what you are doing to me" in "Sing Along." The explosion on "Thai." The chorus on "Kissing." I want more of "Perfect Excuse"! Those hidden sounds, effects, those funny clever lyrics I've always loved of Per's songs, that feeling is finally back!
Visa: I was going to say that the explosion on "Thai" should've been left out! But maybe I'd like Marie's recent music more if it had more explosions.
Judith: Music is, to me, all about feelings. I don't care much how famous an artist is, how good an artist should be, how many stars an album has on Amazon. All I care about is what I feel when I listen to the album. Do I have fun? Do I cry? Do I get angry? Do I want to close my eyes when that special part of one song is approaching and just enjoy it? Do I want to listen to it again and again? Then it's just the best album for me. And this is just what PC is.
And, going back to the title, actually, the album is great background music for an evening having dinner party home drinking some wine with some good friends. Just chill-out, relax, laugh, have fun. Believe me, I've tried, ha ha!
And, yes, I must say it, Helena is great on this one. "Perfect excuse," "Hey I Died," "Sing Along." Hats off!
Visa: As I already said, I think this album is excellent. It may be a bit of a surprise to many, but it's just that this time it's more "Roxette-Per" than "Mazarin-Per." Many of the songs would've been perfect as Roxette songs. Every day, I find a different song from this album playing in my head. Every song has earned its place on this album.
Thomas: I give this album 4.5 out of 5. It's a very nice album, not very Per Gessle, while at the same time it is. I can imagine he wanted "Scener" to sound something along the lines with this album in 1985. I can certainly recommend it to anyone who likes good, swinging music.
Colin: Overall I would say that this album is a very welcome surprise! It's nothing like we would've expected, but then again, that would be boring, wouldn't it? I think the vibe and atmosphere this album creates started in some of the Plumber songs. Helena sings more, and with excellent results! I really like their voices together and can't wait to see this stuff live on stage…
Other articles with the same topic
- More from Down Under (February 14, 2011)
- Roxette's iTunes sales solidify chart success in Europe (February 14, 2011)
- Young Swedish remixers have their way with "She's Got Nothing On" (February 14, 2011)
- Roxette gets good promotion in Denmark (February 12, 2011)
- "Charm School" - album review (February 8, 2011)
36 comments
Perekopsky said on November 26, 2008 08:27:
Nice but not a rock candy. A very cold album. A sad example of Per’s attempt to catch the missing bus.
3 out of 5. Could have been better.
Sascha said on November 26, 2008 09:40:
Thanx very much! Haven’t listened to any songs except Silly and the other snippet yet. Now I’m getting more curious...
drdave said on November 26, 2008 10:17:
Love it! I’ve liked Per’s recent albums, particularly Son Of A Plumber and Mazarin (even though I don’t speak Swedish). This album is different and brilliant. I don’t remember when I’ve felt so excited about a Roxette related release. It will be a crime if this album doesn’t find its way on international radio. Too many good songs to pick a second single, but I would be thinking “Thai With A Twist”, “Kissing Is The Key” or “Party Pleaser”.
All the songs are good, but my standouts are those three songs, with “Hey, I Died And Went To Heaven”, “Sing Along” and “Doesn’t Make Sense”.
There is something about this album that is far more “current” than his recent releases. Many of these songs would fit on the latest releases of any of the current big names in pop. If you keep making albums as good as this Per, I might even accept no more Roxette releases (though a new Roxette album would be amazing).
tomos85 said on November 26, 2008 10:21:
Thanks for your long and interesting review, guys! Nice reading.
Meanwhile in Swedish newspapers...
Metro - 2/5
http://www.metro.se/se/article/2008/11/25/21/0720-65/index.xml
Sydsvenskan - 2/5
http://sydsvenskan.se/nojen/skivrecensioner/article392734/Per-Gessle.htm...
Norrköpings Tidningar - 3/5
http://www.nt.se/noje/artikel.aspx?articleid=4530857
Expressen - 3/5
http://www.expressen.se/noje/recensioner/skivor/1.1382284/per-gessle-rol...
Aftonbladet - 3/5
http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/recensioner/article3856337.a...
Dagens nyheter - 3/5
http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1051&a=856339
Corren - 4/5
http://www.corren.se/archive/2008/11/26/jzpebx6vyby6sls.xml
And very nice article in Hallandposten by well-known Jan-Owe Wikström (we get to know that there are 16 songs, so it means that only 2 are left from PC session).
http://www.hallandsposten.se/artikel.asp?oid=372385
bigbigbig_love said on November 26, 2008 11:02:
Just Brilliant! Per you have outdone yourself!! But I am sure there is more to come! Shame only one album a year!!
skink05 said on November 26, 2008 11:18:
I just got the album! I’ve listen to it now twice and must say I’m really impressed! Gessle can surely create different music with different styles and it always sounds good.We, as fans, should be very grateful that we are able to see so many sides of our favorite artist! A really fresh album that I will listen to non-stop on for some days now! Thank you Per! Keep up the great work.
Tider12_ said on November 26, 2008 11:56:
I’m listening it now!! It’s a great great album!! But some songs seems Helena’s songs!! Too much Helena voice!! It’s a Per album!! Not a Per & Helena album!! But, it’s ok!!! Great songs!!!!
kielroxer said on November 26, 2008 13:17:
Hm.First of all: Thanks for this review. Really nice job.
But - I do not like this album. I think the whole album has too less power. I don´t know if everybody will understand what i mean. Ok, but i´ll try...
In the most songs i miss real instruments, especially real drums. theese drums used in this album sounds somehow “cheap” to me. don´t get me wrong, its not all up to the - in my eyes- missing crashing guitars. You can make powerfull danceable pop without handplayed instruments. One example: compare silly really , a really good song, to Katy Perry´s Hotn’Cold. You don´t have to like Katy Perry, but take only the way theese two songs are produced. Hope you get what i mean.
I simply miss theese somehow simple 3-4 minutes longing pop-rock songs which make the world stand still when listening.
I really think Per can do better. He can write better songs, and his songs can be better produced. I was never a friend of complaining about the C&C thing, i think an artist like Per can make his one decisions. And if Per would like to sound this album different, it would sound different. No matter who´s the producer.
daniel_alv said on November 26, 2008 16:25:
The free newspaper Stockholm CITY gave it 1 out of 5.
It’s very hard to tell what to think about PC, so I think I’ll wait with expressing my opinion.
MANDMMUSIC said on November 26, 2008 16:55:
3/5.
It’s good album.Just good.
I think it’s too much Helena.Smells like a duo.
She did a good work in Stuck Here With Me and in the I’m Glad You Called & Theme From Roberta,te rest; No coments
realsugar said on November 26, 2008 18:06:
I love the album. Totally different than i thought it was going to be. Fav song on it is Sing Along. It gives me that Roxette feeling... A type of emotion that has always been hard to explain. A sadness and a hapiness all rolled into one, making you want to explode.
I love Helena but I find myself after every listen thinking “what if it was Marie singing this..?” Anyway, I’m just very happy with this release and am looking forward to a new Roxette album. :)
Roxlander said on November 26, 2008 18:10:
Thank you guys for this review, now I have a better idea of what to expect. I just bought the album in Internet, and I’ll have to wait at least 15 days because I’m far away in the little Costa Rica. I hope time goes by faster ;-)
DEFAULT_GREEN said on November 26, 2008 19:24:
ok so now after everyone has heard the album they miss the pop rock songs. I have been saying that all along, he should stick with what he knows best.
But I have to say I LOVE doesn’t make sense
Lantartida said on November 26, 2008 19:36:
I have just listened to the songs and ... Wow!! I think some of them would be into the Gessle’s best songs ever, although I don’t know if I will like this album the way I love Mazarin and SOAP.
I don’t know what to add. I can’t stop whistling the music. I love Helena’s voice in this album, she makes me feel things I’ve never felt in Gessle’s songs. Maybe I just miss Jens Jansson and his real drums.
Room_service said on November 26, 2008 19:51:
I don’t miss the pop rock songs, because the album is plenty of them. Some people here think that an album, to be good, has to be full of guitars here and there. But I’ve heard bad albums full of them, and great albums with not many guitars. PC falls into the latest category. And yes, smells like a duo, so what’s the problem? Is it forbidden? No.
PC and Mazarin are the best albums he has recorded in the 21st century. SOAP and EHM are just mediocre if compared with these.
daniel_alv said on November 26, 2008 21:19:
I have listened a lot to PC now. First of all I think that the cover and disc is really nice :D
I think the album is a 3 out of 5.
I really miss popsongs like Roberta Right, Joyride or Like it like that on the album. I think that the album feels a little like SOAP featuring Gyllene Tider. Gut feeling for example really feels like GT to me. As one magazine wrote I think the album sounds a little like Helena Solo.
PC is over all a better album then SOAP, but SOAP had a few pearls (Like it like that, hey mr dj, jo-anna says) that were singlecandidates, and I really miss that on PC. Most songs on PC has really catchy melodies, but the refrains singlestrong according to me.
I really think this album could be a hit internationally. I have hard to choose single 2, but I guess that it has to be a slow song like sing along or kissing is the key. Maybe hey I died and went to heaven could be a single? I think that Silly Really was a correct choise as single #1, even thougth I didn’t mean to turn you on and roberta rigth is the best songs.
And now to my absolute favorites:
Silly Really
Sing along
Roberta right
Hey, I died and went to heaven (the refrain is wonderful)
Didn’t mean to turn you on (love at first listen)
I think “I’m glad you called” sounds a little like the Ballad hits EP, it has the same feeling.
The only song I dislike is Thai with a twist.
zlatyvoci said on November 26, 2008 21:57:
Well..... I want to join those reviewers :-) I´ve listened it few times.....some songs even many times....
First impressions - I was expecting more joy and energy.... Of course, Per´s point of view of this world is somewhere else, than in joyride era. But at least glimpse of that teenager sounding Per :-)
Sound is quite special for me...I love some songs and I skip some songs :-) And I would say, Helena is not Marie, but I like her voice either, it´s another cup of tea, but also interesting.
Of course if I imagine perfect excuse with marie´s voice, it would be roxette hit, it would fit her very well...
Single selection was right, Silly really is brilliant.... nice touch of bee gees, I´m really happy, that Per still can make song like this, althought it is bit above rest of album....
And what about rest? I love Sing along and perfect excuse.... that´s Per at his best. Gut Feeling is bit underproduced IMHO, I like song, but I don´t like oldschool sound of guitars and strange reverb on Per´s voice....
Kissing is the key is interesting song with lot of pottential for airplays.
Doesn´t make sense is typical Per´s demo 10 years ago....
Party pleaser and ro-ro-roberta - nothing special....I´ve heard song like this many times before..... Remains me SOAP a bit....aware of it.... :-(
Stuck here with me, I didn´t mean to turn you on - I can stand not to skip them.......
totally.... 3/5 , Definetely best cd from FFF times...
still miss at least that - I get bye bye baby baby bye baby baby bye bye... :-( This is still a step under.....
abysmo said on November 26, 2008 22:05:
Now after some five, six listenings the whole album I must say, that it’s very special album. I really really love new sound, it’s fresh, modern. Synths and bass links gives the song more dynamic. As a Per solo and also a dance album it’s OK. If it was Roxette album I missed driving guitars and energy, power of riffs. Album sounds little bit flat without this, without big arrangies and orchestra. But as Per said it’s dancefloor 80’s album.
There are some new elements Per didn’t use in the past. He plays a lot with special distorsion effects, with more bass sound, with psychedelia (Hey I Died And Went To Heaven - fantastic song, simple but so strong, so deep, the first verses fits fantastic with the melody, grrrrreat). Would be great to mix these new specialities with old rock Rox guitars and orchestra arrangies if there will be some new Roxette in the future.
Party Crasher is step on the right direction in his career, another milestone. Again something new. But one point down - I am not as big fan of reggae. Sorry. (OK, I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On is not so bad). So result is probably 4 points from 5.
BTW I add Roberta as a track #13 and I’a Glad as a track #14 and hey, it’s a great mix or crossing when track 12 ends and track 13 starts. And I’m Glad is a fantastic album closer.
PS: There are some parts where Helena sounds absolutely amazing.
5/5
Silly Really, Hey, I Died and Went to Heaven
4/5
The Party Pleaser, Sing Along, Gut Feeling, Perfect Excuse, Thai with a Twist, Theme from ’Roberta Right’
3/5
Stuck Here With Me, Kissing is the Key, Doesn’t Make Sense, I’m Glad You Called
2/5
I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On
1/5
Breathe Life Into Me
And singles tips.
2nd single: probably The Party Pleaser
3rd single: probably Perfect Excuse
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zlatyvoci said on November 26, 2008 22:27:
PS: After finishing PC I´ve listened to Salvation...maybe I shouldn´t.... Even one song slams that CD :-( I know...that is history, but.....
And one more notice... Why A thing about you, that is not so old and based on Per´s voice as well sounds so much emotional, so much nice, so much touching, so much better?! :-(
Ekki_ks said on November 27, 2008 02:26:
Today I heard all of the new songs of this album several times in a row and I have to confess that I am very disappointed at all :(
I expected even more from this album, I can only unlink the two songs that I like them a little bit: Silly Really is a simple song, Thai With A Twist is ok but too short to be enjoyed while the rest of the album sucks! just a lot of boring and not interesting songs ....
This one is the worse gessle album that he ever made
I hope in the near future will be more roxette projects and gessle will give all of himself to make some wonder
DEFAULT_GREEN said on November 27, 2008 05:00:
the worst songs one the album:
3. Died and gone to heaven
2. Stuck here with me
1. Perfect excuse.
Best songs on the album:
5. The Party Pleaser (which sounds exactly like another song I have heard, chord and beat wise)
4. Silly Really
3. Sing Along
2. Doesn’t make sense
1. Gut Feeling
rossyrox said on November 27, 2008 08:43:
I’ve managed to get my hands on it finally, I agree that Party Pleaser is the best track, very late Wham!
animalkingdom said on November 27, 2008 09:04:
Is Doesn’t Make Sense supposed to end so abruptly? According to Telia the duration is 3min 50sec, and so it plays on my CD player, too. But still...It sounds weird!
abysmo said on November 27, 2008 09:11:
Yesterday night I used a headphones for listening PC for the first time and I played it load. Since this I fell in love with this new album. I found out new details, new sound effects, backing vocals, new sound distortions, I loved the album sound and now I found also energy and driving between the lines... Great album. It grows in me. Best feelings since april 2001. This is better than everything since Room Service, at least to me. This album is what I was waiting for almost one decade.
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Danny said on November 27, 2008 09:50:
I listened to it for the first time yesterday and was totally knocked out. What an interesting, mindblowing, terrific album. Perfect excuse brought tears to my eyes. Really cool french (!?!) vibe on Kissing is the key. My girlfriend started to twist spontaneously to Thai. Very strong melodies, and once again Per never lets me down. This party won´t stop! Love that he´s already got a bunch of “damned good songs in the drawer” for Rox and GT. Hopefully I´ll get my album signed today in Stockholm, see you there?
Danny said on November 27, 2008 10:01:
Must add that I even love the sax on Thai...BAM! and all of a sudden it´s E Street Band! Superproducing. Helena is an angel. The falsetto is a brave move and he pulls it off. Gotta get my hands on the bonustrax...
pwbbounce (moderator) said on November 27, 2008 10:23:
Party Crasher – my review
Silly Really
An obvious album opener and first single. I love this song, the sound, the beat, everything about it. This could’ve been a brilliant Roxette song with Per and Marie sharing the vocals. Per is sounding great on this and the whole album really. His voice certainly has improved with age. On previous releases, I’ve never been a fan of Helena, but on this, she sounds much better. Would be a great song live
Party Pleaser
WOW! This song is incredible. These are the kind of songs that I love, and only Per can write. The chorus is something else. Definite single material, and another stomper live! Another one where Per is sounding great! This song has got an immense energy. I defy anyone who plays it loud and doesn’t want to dance and sing! I feel like a teenager again!
Stuck Here With Me
The first song with a totally different sound. At first I didn’t like it, but after a few listens, its great stuff. Helena shines on this one. The baseline is something else as well. Never before heard on a Gessle song. More Falsetto vocals that would make it interesting live
Sing Along
Another perfect Roxette song. I get that vibe from this song. As much as I think that Helena has improved as a singer, this would’ve suited Marie ideally. It would have been very special. I like the song, not a favourite, but a nice one to Sing Along to.
Gut Feeling
Guitars are back! The most Gyllene Tider sounding song on the album. Sounds great in the car! This one would be great live as well.
Perfect Excuse
The first time I heard this, I loved it. Very special. I can see why Per loves it. His voice sounds wonderful in this, and another great vocal from Helena. Could’ve been another Roxette song. Performed live with just a piano as backing would really suit this song.
Breathe Life Into Me
Caribbean beach time. A nice relaxing track with a reggae beat that suits Per’s voice very well. This is a summer sounding song, and I can’t wait to play it in my car with the roof down next year! The song reminds me of something else, but I can’t quite remember what. The whistling is great by the way.
Hey, I Died and Want To Heaven
The first song on the album that I’ve not so struck with just yet. I don’t like the verse very much, and I think Helena is a bit too much in this song.
Kissing Is The Key
A mid-tempo track which could be a single. One of my favourites on the album. Would be great live. Am I sounding too repetitive?
Thai With A Twist
Another power-pop guitar track that we’ve been longing for, and another one which reminds me of Roxette, especially the chorus. I like the crowd sounds, the saxophone is ‘interesting’ though.
I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On
The B-Side that should’ve stayed a b-side. I don’t really like it. I’m not sure what Per was trying to achieve with this one. I skip it. The lyrics are good, but I just don’t like the music.
Doesn’t Make Sense
A haunting closing track. The start is wonderful. Strange to end the album with a mid-tempo rather than a ballad. A nice change.
Extras
Theme From ‘Robert Right’
Do we have a new Per Gessle in the shape of Gabriel? I like this song a lot, shame it’s not on the normal album release! Nice sing a long song. Helena is great in this one as well. Good guitar solo in the middle as well, which sounds like Gyllene Tider
I’m Glad You Called
The first line is great. Lovely song, which would’ve fit alongside A Thing About You on The Ballad Hits. Wasted on a special version of the album, should have been on the original release.
Overall, this is an album we’ve been waiting for a long time. Fans of the Power-Pop Gessle shouldn’t be disappointed. Some won’t like it, but I love it. This is the type of music that I like, and it’s great to see Per doing something different. It does seem that Per is in power-pop mode which can only be good for the future. If it wasn’t for the 2 songs I don’t really like it would get 5 out of 5, so I give it 4 out of 5. Can’t wait for the tour!
Gabba77 said on November 27, 2008 17:15:
When I got home yesterday evening my PC CD was waiting for me in my mail box, so today I feel a bit tired because I was listening to it until late night.
First time I heard the album I was disappointed too. But I was very calm because I new that this state of mind I just had to spend the evening/ night to get over.
The thing is that except from Joyride and Mazarin I have been disappointed with all PG related albums the first time I heard them.
I think the reason why I was not disappointed with Joyride and Mazarin was that I did not expect anything from those albums. Joyride was my first experience with Roxette and Mazarin was my first connection with PG in Swedish language.
Today i cannot mention a PG related album that I do not like!
When I went to bed yesterday after having heard the album a lot of times I felt quite happy. I think this album is quite good! I am rather shocked that so many fans and reporters do not like the album...
I think it is high quality and much better than many other good selling international albums. My advise to those who do not like the album is - take another listen to the album and listen more carefully! There are real candy hidding on this album...
And much can be said about Helena but I really think that the great mix of Per’s and Helena’s many voices is a big strength of this album.
Of course there are songs I like more than others. I do not really like “Gut Feeling”
I think it is in the same category as “Soul Deep” “Speciell” “Spegelboll” and
“Fru Nordin” Songs which are not really my cup of green tea...
I find that “The Party Pleaser” is a really good song with a very
simple and great melody and text.
“Sing Along” is probably all in all the best song of the album. Great text, good sound and a nice mix of Per’s and Helena’s voices.
“Perfect Excuse” a nice little song that makes you relax and feel good.
“Breathe Life Into Me” & “Kissing Is The Key” - hey I did not know that I actually like this kind og music... What a strange creature I really am...
“Thai With A Twist”- well, if it gets more vired than this I serious think that Mr. G. must go and look for a psyatrist or simply find some new friends
to take over for C&C.
“Doesn’t Make Sense” has a wonderful touch of good old Pet Shop Boys.
And of course “Silly Really” is the perfect pop song - just hope that the world out there will learn to realize that some day...
Well, have fun out there and cYa at the first coming PC concert!
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I kinda like it like that!
pwbbounce (moderator) said on November 27, 2008 17:24:
Thanks Thomas, thought I’d get my say in as well! :-)
daniel_alv said on November 27, 2008 22:47:
Hi!
I have to change my review a little. I have listened to the CD a lot now, somehow I just can’t stop listening :P Maybe it is a 4 anyway, or atleast a 3,5. :P Have written a little about each song if someone wants to read it.
Silly Really - 5 stars!
At first I thougth the refrain was a little weak, but this song really grew. It’s the obvious number one single. Strong pop and does sound a little like GT and Rox combined.
The Party Pleaser - 4 stars!
At the first listen I thought this was a little strange, but when I listened to it in my Walkmanphone at the busstop I just wanted to dance :P It’s really great! This should be the second single!
Stuck Here With Me - 2 Stars
Have not listened so much to this track. It’s not a favorite, it sounds a little like SOAP in my opinion.
Sing Along - 5 Stars!
The melody is so beautiful. Could have been a Roxette ballad! When I first saw this title I really didn’t expect it to be a ballad. This should be in competion of being single 3.
Gut Feeling - 3 Stars!
This is really Gyllene Tider! I don’t like it so much, but I know that I’m gonna scream a lot to it at a concert this spring! I felt the same way about “Ta mej nu är jag din”, didn’t like it that much until I heard it live.
Perfect Excuse - 3 Stars!
The beginning is a little boring, but Helenas refrain is great! In my opinion not a single candidate. The melody is really catchy and I found my self singing it at Mcdonald’s today.
Breathe Life Into Me - 4 Stars!
Did some call this reggea? It really has a summer vibe. Beautiful and nice. I love it. Don’t you think this could be a nice spring single when the snow is mealting? I can really imagine this song climbing the radiocharts in april.
Hey, I Died And Went To Heaven - 4 Stars!
The intro is nice, but the verses is a little down. The refrain is totally beautiful! Helena is a great singer and makes me fly to heaven with this song! A better verse would have made it a 5 and a perfect Roxette song.
Kissing Is The Key - 3 Stars!
I am starting to sound really repititive now, but this could be a single. It remindes me a little of the Cardigans. Doesn’t sound like Rox, GT or SOAP.
Thai With A Twist - 1 Star
This is not my cup of the. A little like “Ande i en flaska”. Not my cup of the but I guess I’ll sing along anyway. The refrain is a little catchy at “there is a moment of bliss”, but as a whole it’s a little strange and remindes me a little of Britney Spears terrible song “Womanizer”. Sounds like Britney and “Ande i en flaska” mixed together with a little Rox.
I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On - 5 Stars!
I loved this song from the first listen! It’s awesome.Definitly one of the best songs Per has made the last ten years. Thank you Per for this pearl in my Walkmanphone! Have bougth it twice (Single and Album), but it was totally worth it!
Doesn’t Make Sense - 3 Stars!
Really nice song. It’s slow and makes me smile :D Sounds a little like the nice SOAP instrumentals but with great lyrics added. The abrupt ending is a little strange, but not bad anyway.
I’m Glad You Called - 3 Stars!
As I said this song really sounds like the Ballad hits EP. It could really have been on that CD. Nice slow song with good lyrics, nice work Per.
Theme From Roberta Right - 5 Stars!
A really great popsong! Sad that a great song like this becomes a bonus song on Telia. This song could easily be a Roxette song. Somehow it remindes me a little of “Stay (at home, at work, at play)”, maybe just because both of them are great songs that didn’t get what they deserved. Go Gabriel!
GGessle said on November 28, 2008 05:47:
Per Gessle Rulessss!!!
I give Party Crasher 5/5! I sounds great! Thanks Mr Gessle for the great music you keep writing and playing. Seems Helena is getting more work on Gessle songs and it´s great, she sounds great!
The Party Pleaser is the best song for me, followed by Sing Along, Thai with a Twist, Silly Really and Hey, I died and went to heaven.
All the album is so catchy, a great way to make music and have fun. This is a must have, Thanks once again Per, I´m sure you´ll keep us smiling with such great songs.
Lova ya!!!
Alberto G - Perú
Rox_Nox2003 said on November 28, 2008 14:29:
LOL yeah HAND is by now mooore than history ... leave it be for heaven’s sake ... it’s been 10 years give the album a rest poor “guy” ...LOL Yet Salvation wasn’t the reason to slam this record ... the reason we all know it ... look at the sky at night and there it is .:: LOOL
As for A Thing About You ... simples humble and yes strongly emotional ... this is definitively strange to me because in a time where all the “gessle” ballads now tend to keep the IMHBL arrangement traditionally they softened and became very lightening and too much la la la la ... A Thing About You is probably, for me, the only one that has the power to move and touch and deliver a strong emotion.
In this album the chorus of “Went To Heaven” creastes for me the same vibe ... great piano arrangement ... a nice mix of Salvation and A Thing About You that is for sure ... Helena sings amazingly this one. Almost to the point where I wanna shout “LET MARIE SING THIS!!!!” LOL
Still my fav so far is the single Silly Really ... definitively it’s been ages since ON in 2003 that I haven’t enjoyed such an energetic english song by Per ... I was missing this. I needed something gesslish silly to groove on ... :)
daniel_alv said on November 29, 2008 13:52:
Party Crasher gets 4 out of 5 in Dagens Industri (Swedish business newspaper).
http://di.se/Avdelningar/Artikel.aspx?ArticleID=2008\11\28\313743§ionid=Ettan
Kiwein1 said on November 26, 2008 08:12:
Nice review! Thanks guys! I am still trying to warm to PC. I really love Kissing is the key, I’m glad you called and Theme from Roberta Right and I think I still need a few more tries to tell more.
I actually love that he finally changed his style - thank you Per - and yes, some songs would have been great for Roxette or GT, agree her. Let’s hope...
As for the rest I miss the feeling but that’s, as always, due to Per’s voice. The man still can’t sing but write great tunes. ;-)
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www.marie-fredriksson.com
www.planet-roxette.com