Roxette has to be one of my all time greats; a talented duet that seems to have faded over the years but to me their music would always stand the test of time.
So who are Roxette?
Well they are a Swedish duet made up with the following Marie Fredriksson (Lead vocals) and Per Gessle (Lyrics and some vocals). It was in 1985 that the pair formed, but it wasn''t until 1986 that they released their first album Pearls of Passion. If you was wondering why the name Roxette, simple, it was taken from a song by Dr Feelgood which happens to be one of Per Gessle''s favourite bands.
The album is a collection of their older music and hits along with four previously unreleased songs. The music spans a time of nearly a decade from 1987 to 1995 to include the track The look, which set the course of their music success. Of all their albums that have been released this has to be the choice purchase as it includes all their best contributions in the music world, some well known, some not so well know but all timeless classics. The album features 18 different tracks, a mighty generous amount if you ask me, with all worth a listen and a lot of credit.
The tracks:
No 1: June afternoon What a jolly song this is, a great summer tune with a lovely beat, simple clear lyrics, that are bright and bubbly. A nice start to set this collection off, and a perfect companion for a car stereo on a hot summers day.
No 2: You don''t understand me A slow and moving song, a relationship that has reach a stale point for one. A song that many would be able to relate to at some point in their lives. Don''t let the slowness of this song put you off, what it lacks in speed it makes up in the powerful content of lyrics and the strong at times voice of Marie Fredriksson.
No 3: The look A very catchy tune from this song, the one that launched their musical careers. This has a bit of a rock feel to it, pair that up with both Per and Marie''s superb voices and you get one hell of a song, no wonder it gave them the big break they were aiming for.
No 4: Dressed for success Another catchy tune, with a rock feel to it. The lyrics and vocals are sharp and to the point, with some points of the song sounding slightly aggressive. A perfect song to follow on from the mentioned successful ‘The look’. Great to listen to before a job interview, to help you gain that ''I am the one for the job''confidence.
No 5: Listen to your heart An all time ballad, a timeless classic one that is probably more commonly known. A real mushy, a pure weepy, perfect for those cosy nights in, snuggled up on the sofa together.
No 6: Dangerous A song of which was inspired by a 70''s action movie, hence it being one of the fastest and upbeat tracks on the album. Features an excellent array of guitar and drums of which have been played to perfection. Great to scrub the floor to for a real buffed up finish, or perhaps for driving down the motorway.
No 7: It must have been love Perhaps the second most well known songs from Roxette, after Joyride of course. The original title was called ''Christmas for the broken hearted'' for the purpose of it being released in Germany around Christmas time. A pure classic, which will be around for many years in my opinion. I love this song; mix it with dim lighting and a partner who is warm and cuddly, a perfect recipe for a beautiful evening. (This also happens to be from the Pretty Woman soundtrack)
No 8: Joyride This was a 4th No 1 hit in the States for Roxette. The name for the track was inspired by an interview with Paul McCartney; his word joyride was his was of explaining what writing songs with John Lennon were like. A catchy tune, with some fantastic lyrics contained within the song. A funky little number, with a great beat to tap your fingers to. This song makes me want to take a long drive down the Californian coast in a deep red colour sports cars, with hubby hanging off my arm (guess I will have to settle for rainy Plymouth and a bus).
No 9: Fading like a flower (every time you leave) Originally written in 1989 in a Canadian hotel room. This record was a huge success for Roxette across Europe. A nice ballad that has a bit of punch to it and the piano introduction to this song is out of this world. Overall a well performed song both vocally and musically. Once again another great song to spend those warm and cosy evenings in with.
No 10: The big L This song has it all, a punchy, funky tune, great lyrics, fantastic vocals, a hint of rock and the fun of a summer sound to it. This is another song that I love to listen to, and a fantastic choice when I have my housework head on (guess I won''t be listening to it much then).
No 11: Spending my time A beautifully written song, which is equally performed as good too. The music, lyrics and the vocals all tie in well together making it a classy melody. Oh and yes it looks like another cosy night in for hubby and me.
No 12: How do you do! Not one of their strongest songs but is still great to listen to. It has a very groovy and catchy tune to it and of course the distinct voice of Per Gessle. An all purpose song that could be listened to in many places or atmospheres.
No 13: Almost unreal This was originally written for a Bette Midler movie but ended up in a Super Mario Bros film instead. This is a cracking song, the absolute best of the whole collection but then I would say that because it means so much to me and the lyric relate to the way I feel for my husband back then and today. A real tearjerker and heart string puller.
No 14: Sleeping in my car This one holds a lot of special memories for me at a time of a bad patch, lets just say my now husband and I were living in a car for five days but that’s a long story. In a corny kind of way we can relate to this song and now look back at it with a smile. Another song that has a catchy tune with a hint of rock, strong vocals and great guitar contributions. A must for travellers or just simply driving to work.
No 15: Crash boom bang! The haunting sound to this song and the hard-hitting lyrics make it an all round fantastic song. I think it is a song that many would be able to relate to when it comes to relationships past and sometimes present. Not to be listened to if you have just split from a relationship but great when you have just got over a relationship.
No 16: Vulnerable This is my husband''s favourite of the album but he prefers to change the words a little to fit in with myself, as at the time and from time to time I can be and sometimes do feel vulnerable. A real love dedication song for the man (if you change the words a little) or woman in your life. C''mon curl up together on that huge sofa and fill the air with the sounds of this record.
No 17: She doesn''t live here anymore This is the second weakest song of the whole collection but it still doesn''t stop me liking it but perhaps not as much as the others. A simple song with short burst of lyrics, although still cleverly written as with all their songs on this album. A good all rounder but I guess it would be down to personal choice of style.
No 18: I don''t want to get hurt A truly wonderful song blended with the beautiful voice of Marie and the string arrangements Clarence Ofwerman. A great end track to complete this truly remarkable collection. Great!
- Total album length 75 minutes and 17 seconds* told you it was a generous album!
- Thank You! We appreciate your effort.
