I decided that because there is a huge increase in members/viewers to the GearLive boards I would start my own little CD review for others to read. I know my taste in music probably differs from the ordinary person but I will post anyways and hope it is useful or interesting to at least someone.
My first review is of the album Imagine by Armin Van Buuren.
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I will do a track by track breakdown and then a final score.
1. Imagine
This is an excellent way to start the album. It is your typical Armin anthem song. It isnt a crazy song to get going to but a simple soft opening to the album which really nice because the album itself isnt all that intense i should say. With a huge vocal album this song gives you the impression that this album isnt going to be an intense upbeat sort of album. Dont get me wrong this song by no means is going to put you asleep.
2. Going Wrong
I have read alot of reviews on this album and everyone seems to hate this song. I personally like it very much. The lyrics are great and it vocalist is not bad either. I have heard many numerous people say they would rather have a girl sing it but I personally think the guy gives it a more catchier aspect. As far as vocal songs, it gave me that same kind of feeling when i listened to Beautiful Things by Tiesto (feat. Gabrielle and Dresdan). It is a great rock trance song you could put it.
3. Unforgivable
This songs continues the cd with great vocals and decent lyrics. I personally found it a little boring and wasnt as catchy as other songs on the CD are but that is to be expected. Alot of female reviewers seem to admire this song so I guess maybe as a male I have different tastes.
4. Face to Face
This song is also a slower type song. It didnt quite reach out to me and is one of the only instrumental tracks on the album. I found it didnt quite progress after the intro.
5. Hold on to Me
One of the best songs on the album hands down. It has a nice intro before it quite steps into pace. The production is good and it is quite a catchy song after you have listened to it a couple times. I personally like Audrey Gallagher’s voice in this song and it really adds to it. The lyrics are quite good as well.
6. In and Out of Love
Another vocal song. I thought it was alright. It didnt really catch me as some of the other songs did but it is still a pretty decent song. It isnt something you will listen to over and over again but it is a good tune to put on a playlist for sure. It feels as if lyrics are missing.
7. Never Say Never
Another excellent song this cd contains. The Piano intro is excellent but you kind of wish it would have been kept throughout the whole song instead of a 10-20 second interval than completely dissapear. The lyrics for this song are quite catchy and the beat is very catchy as well. This is a song you will definately return to over and over again. I found this song keeps you interested in the album and wanting to keep listening.
8. Rain
I found this track to just be okay. It is of course another vocal song but its just good. It doesnt stand out to me but suits the album. I wish more work would have been put into this song it could have been done better.
9. What If
I didnt really like this song too much. I found out sort of boring to listen to. There is partial vocals but without vocals and a catchy beat the song fades off and my interest in listening to the song dies.
10. Fine Without You
This song has great lyrics and is another vocal song on this cd that stands out from the rest. It has a nice soft catchy beat with intimiate lyrics to catch your interest. It is great from start to finish.
11. Intricacy
This is another instrumental song on the album. It is fairly catchy but it isnt quite your Serenity. It is quite similar to your opening song Imagine and is a great way to end the album.
Overall
8.5/10
This is one of Armins better CD’s in my opinion. It definately is a good album to pick up for those of you who are Vocal Trance fans as this is what the CD mainly consists of. It has a great variety in music from soft to more upbeat songs. You have a great mixture in catchy songs such as Going Wrong or Never Say Never. If you are expecting to hear songs like Serenity then do not buy because it is nothing close to that style of Trance. I have listened to this Album almost twice a week for the past month and will continue to do so.
Thanks,
Gohan_Bcc1
