Back to the forefront of UK pop (Nightbird - Erasure)

Member Name: competition.man

Product:	Nightbird - Erasure
Date:	06/09/05 (86 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Erasure back to their very best .

Disadvantages: Track1 is too depressing .

<> Backdrop <>

Finally in February 2005 and after many a months delay ( it was due to be launched in October '04 ) , 'Nightbird' , Erasures 1st studio album in 4 years was finally unleashed upon an eager crowd .Also unleased at the same time was Andy's HIV status and news that Vince had finally wed ( in a registry office followed by fish & chip reception - who says all pop stars are pretentious ) .

Erasure’s pop career can be likened to a hot air ballon , after a slow take off ( it took two years for 'Wonderland' to become a hit ) , a steady rise to reach the ( regular ) heady heights of No. 1 status in both album and singles charts during the late 80's , early 90's , followed by a steady decline in fan base and popularity . There has although always been the die hard fan base around to support them .In fact Erasure are the best selling British duo in pop history - all done through a private record label in Mute records .I've enjoyed their music from 'Wonderland' was released , but to date only seen them live once - a memorable experience too .

Erasure have always produced a great cover version throughout their history and the album ' Other Peoples Songs' , released in 2002 once again brought them to the publics attention . Ironically prior to recording ' Other Peoples Songs' Erasure were effectlively on a hiatus , Andy had been recording tracks for his solo album and also recording cover versions of a few of his all time favourite records . On a chance meeting , Vince got to hear these tracks , and together they decided to record their favourites as Erasure . Having found new energy from the recording , plus a sellout UK tour , they decided to record a new album , which was to become ' Nightbird' .

This time around they certainly seem to be commercially adept , with tunes to suit all people - nothing offensive ( as if Erasure would ) . The album is very retrospective throughout with lighter moments , the odd dark song , both slow and uptempo beats . Its personal . I think it's brilliant , definately Erasure back on track.

When released it cost between £9.99 and £13.99 depending where you shopped . Today just seven months after its release you can , if you shop around , pick this up for as little as £5.49 - a bargain for sure.

<> The Tracks <>

1) No Doubt
Haunting , atmospheric , slow , yet to me the poorest track on the CD . A little to depressing for my liking . 6/10

2) Here I Go Impossible Again
Simply brilliant - a true synth ballad , typical love at first sight lyrics . 9/10

3) Let's Take One More Rocket To The Moon
Haunting yet upbeat , Andy's voice just draws you into this track . 10/10

4) Breathe
The top 10 first single release . Unmistakably Erasure , catchy , sultry , wonderfull . 10/10

5) I'll Be There
Hi-energy - a song about relationship mistakes and the positives within . 9/10

6) Because Our Love Is Real
Slow , simple yet a beautiful true life ballad . 9/10

7) Don't Say You Love Me
The second and final single release and top 20 . Slow to start yet reaching and maintaining a catchy pop level very quickly . From Andy's vocalisation you fell this song is very personal to him . 10/10

8) All This Time Still Falling Out Of Love
Hi energy - about a relationship breakdown . Somehow does not quite fit in with the other album tracks , never-the-less still a great track . 8/10

9) I Broke It All In Two
Ever broken up with some one , regretted it ? - well this song is for you - so hmmmm . 10/10

10) Sweet Surrender
Reminiscent of early Erasure - very catchy . High on the synth , and Andy's energetic vocalisation . 9/10

11) I Bet Your Mad At Me
Ending in similar vein to the opening track only more upbeat . Deep , moody , oozes sophistication - what's it all about , I don't know too many mixed messages within . 10/10

<> Overview <>

A classic must have album for Erasure fans . Not into Erasure ? - don't worry you'll love it anyway . Erasure are back and back with a bang . Go buy a copy today .

Summary: rejuvinated , re-invented , a must have album