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JEFF MCCALL - "NIGHT LIFE" 2017
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JEFF MCCALL
"NIGHT LIFE"
2017
NIGHT LIFE - This opening track reminds me of Heaven 17 with a hint
of Krafwerk's electronic vocal backing on the chorus. Bright and breezy
with a great vocal, a pumping electronic beat and catchy chorus. Sets
you up nicely for the nostalgic glimpse into your 80s past that is to
come.
HAVEN'T I TRIED - Starts with a person walking and whistling before
the footsteps change into a throbbing electrobeat, synths and handclap
sounds. The verses are clearly Erasure-like but the chorus somehow
changes into Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys! Great song, the chorus is
sing-a-long catchy and the vocals and composition are perfect Electro
Pop.
WHEN YOU FALL - A powerful and emotive Electro Rock ballad with an
eerie atmospheric style. As a big fan of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet
it reminds me a little of their very early albums. The chorus is akin
to David Sylvian of Japan, with that low, almost monotone dark vocal
which adds to the track's ambience. Great track.
NEW HORIZONS - The vocals on this track remind me of Midge Ure (of
Ultravox fame) intertwined with a musical style of The Thompson Twins.
Really nice emotional vocals in what sounds like a positive song of
hope. Proves that Jeff isn't just a one trick pony, he can throw out a
moving ballad as well as catchy Pop.
SEE THE TEARS - With a pumping Electro Disco beat and full of
Electronic effects this is a mash of New Order and Orchestral Manoeuvres
In The Dark. The quickfire non stop vocals keep the track ticking
over, Has elements that make it sound like a superb remix which could
have been a hit in the clubs at the time.
AM I DREAMING - This track is the one most sounding like Human
League. My favourite on the album by far. Jeff gives us his best
Philip Oakey vocal and its so good it takes me back to 1981 when I first
bought the "Dare" album. The biggest compliment I can give, is that
this could be ON that album!
CAN YOU FEEL - A New Romantic sounding track which is atmospheric in
style. Trying to pin down a sound that it reminds me of and I had to
pick three! So it is one part Gary Numan, one part A-Ha and one part
Visage. Jeff has great 80s knowledge and knows how to create special
songs that just instil memories of your favourite 80s artists.
LOVE LOST - Perfect Synth Pop at its best, emotive with a lovely
chorus. Could be Vince Clarke and Andy Bell at their peak Erasure
moments. As good as one of my favourite songs by the band, "Ship Of
Fools". Top song!
LIFE DRAMA - Just when you think you have pinned the artist Jeff is
thinking of, he slaps you in the face with another one in an instant!
Alphaville, Blancmange, Erasure, Heaven 17 and Yello all came in my head
on listening to this. A great uptempo Electronic Pop song.
HIDEAWAY - This final song on the album didn't grab me instantly as
the previous nine tracks. Maybe its because it is an album rich in
excellence and full of "hit" songs in my opinion that this one maybe
falls short. It is still a good song, imagine the scenario, Glenn
Gregory of Heaven 17 meets Thomas Dolby who then both agree to create a
song with Kraftwerk.
PRINCE AND THE REVOLUTION "PURPLE RAIN" 1984 LET'S GO CRAZY - It's memorable opening line, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..." well you all know the rest! A powerhouse of a track, blistering guitar solos and a backdrop of spiritual spoken words about God and all things religious. Just a superb track which has many "air guitar" moments for the wannabe Rock stars, even though by their blinkered standards he was never thought of as a Rock guitarist...quite ridiculous in my opinion. TAKE ME WITH U - A sultry Pop ballad sung with Apollonia Kotero. Jill Jones, Wendy and Lisa sung on backing vocals to add "sexy fullness" to Apollonia's vocal. It was released as a double A side with "Let's Go Crazy" and was often played on the radio as an alternative. Allegedly it was going to appear on an Apollonia album. Romantic, sultry and sexy, all in the best possible Prince taste! THE
ABBA "THE ALBUM" 1977 EAGLE - The album opens with one of my alltime favourite Abba songs. Its mystical, space age, almost sci-fi musical backing and effects really got my mind engaged. This is just a superb composition, and in headphones this whisks you away into the sky, free as a bird. Almost 6 minutes of class. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME - One of the band's most successful singles, a great sing-a-long memorable chorus and chug-a-chug style backing. Europop Disco at its best. ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN - Piano and synthesised led track with string parts make this a lovely ballad with Frida (Anni-Frid Lyngstad) on the leading vocals. THE NAME OF THE GAME - Such a clever song, so many different sections in the song, even the vocals are jointly led by Frida and Agentha Faltskog with solo parts too. There is a lot going on and is very complex if you listen closely. Another hit single. MOVE ON - This is a Waltz song that starts
MADONNA "RAY OF LIGHT" 1998 DROWNED WORLD/SUBSTITUTE FOR LOVE - This opening track on Madonna's 7th studio album reached number 10 on the UK singles chart. The album as a whole has a much fuller pure vocal from Madonna and this song has a very eclectic mash up of sounds. There is a little Trip Hop, Pop and Techno hints while keeping the beautiful melodious backing keeping a mysterious ambient air. SWIM - A very open Trip Hop style similar to Morcheeba with some great vocal changes happening through the song, another great melody and some nice Acoustic guiitars too. The production on this album is superb, in headphones you can hear every little sound spinning around your head. RAY OF LIGHT - The title track and a Madonna classic, although very different from her 80s Disco tracks. This is a brilliant frenetic Pop, Club, Disco, Rock, Electronica crossover. Should have been number 1 but reached number 2 in the UK chart. Love this track and a real favourite of
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