NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"MADONNA"   1983 LUCKY STAR - The opening track is a Disco Pop song, which became her trademark for this debut album before moving into more Pop areas in her next few albums.  Its mid tempo beats and twangy guitars and elctro synths made this an accessible staple to radio airplay connecting to a variety of listeners.  Classic Madonna. BORDERLINE - A change of direction after the first upbeat song, this is a kind of Pop ballad set to a Disco track.  Some lovely harmonies and became her first top ten hit in the USA.  A Reggie Lucas written composition and it gave Madonna chance to explore her vocals and conveying emotion in her songs.  One of my favourites. BURNING UP - One of my top songs by Madonna.  Similar to the later "Gambler".  It is a fast paced Disco beat laden track with a rockier twist with random guitar riffs.  A real gem.     I KNOW IT - This track is keyboard led and has a nice 60s Pop/Rock N' Roll vibe akin to the later "True Blue".  A

 "JUNGLELAND" 2021   JANE GOODALL - The opening track is presumably about the renowned primatalogist and anthropologist noting the "queen of the jungle" reference.  It's a booming Gothic/Punk hybrid with a pounding beat that conveys a "jungle" background to your ears.  It's a plethora of sounds converging as one to make a cool first listen on this album.   THE STRUGGLE - I love the relentless drums on this track and the accompaniments remind me of The Jam and The Clash if they played together.  It has that almost funky rhythm with jangly guitars that were reminiscent of Bow Wow Wow (although with more "oomph") with some low toned and chanted vocals. Atmospheric at time, sounds really cool in earphones! MERCY - A nice slice of laid back bluesy Rock, a little like Van Morrison or Joe Cocker in style.  Ticks along at a mid tempo pace with a great chorus and powerful Rock vocals. SAINTS - This track is one of my favourites, a Rock track

"THE ILLUMINATION OF EVERYTHING" 2016 ILLUMINATION - Rip-roaring opening of frenzied heavy guitars before launching into classic Fireflys territory, the melodious, incredibly catchy chorus! At 2 minutes 12 seconds we get an atmospheric electronic/guitar break, almost psychedelic before heading back to an epic finish. RELEASE/REPEAT - This light Folk Rock track is already a fan favourite before the album launch due to its prior single outing. One of those tracks you just need to keep playing, a first namer on any Flys hit team sheet! BRANCHES - This song was played to death in our house, and to our friends! A beautifully crafted song, melancholic and light, the guitars remind me of Prince's Purple Rain solo, it sings of sadness and hope. Sheer class, I called it a lilting mixed masterpiece in a first review, I wasn't wrong. ANGEL OF THE NORTH - A chilled and relaxing number, a little 70s Prog Rock, a little 90s Stone Roses. After a

"RING RING" 1973 RING RING - The title track is one of the earlier memorable songs from the Abba catalogue.  A perfect slice of Europop which gave Abba their breakthrough in several European countries at the start of their career.  A simple mid tempo musical backing with one of those classic, memorable, catchy choruses for which the band became famous, made this a great start of this Pop phenomenon.     ANOTHER TOWN, ANOTHER TRAIN - A melancholic, gentle Folk Pop ballad.  Laid back, melodic, easy listening track that lilts along nicely.  Bjorn Ulvaeus takes lead vocals with the usual singing ladies, Agentha Faltskog and Anni-frid Lyngstad backing up on the simplistic chorus. DISILLUSION - The only Abba released song to have a songwriting credit to Agnetha.  She takes lead vocals too on this rather beautiful Pop ballad.  A really nice song giving Agnetha full rein to guide it with her vocals. PEOPLE NEED LOVE - A Folk Pop track with a Euro influence.  The debut single when