Swedish artist September's US release represents a "best of" her three prior foreign releases. Smartly enough, it opens with the catchy #1 Billboard dance cut "Cry For You," (purchase/download) rolling right into the big bass-heavy hit "Satellites." (purchase/download)
"My Neighborhood"'s melody and programming evoke memories of mid-nineties dance-pop group Third Party ("Can You Feel It," "Love Is Alive"). A hooky melody, stacked vocal chorus, tasty keyboard work, and some well-placed bells make "Until I Die" one of the strongest cuts here.
Albeit the shortest song in the collection, "Candy Love" immediately drew me in. Its 80s-sounding toms/keys intro, keyboard solo/bridge, and bassline smack of Stock Aitken Waterman production. And not only that, there's a strong melody and some punchy spot vocal stacks amping up the choruses.
I know the incorporating of the hookline of popular 70s or 80s songs is trendy now (a la the Abba piece in Madonna's "Hung Up"), but I found that bit of "Bette Davis Eyes" in "Midnight Heartache" (purchase/download) distracting and annoying.
"Freaking Out" immediately made me smile. Its stuttery guitar work, vocal production, and programming will please any Da Buzz (another Swedish group) fan--another favorite off this project. And too bad "R.I.P." landed at the end, with its attitude-laden vocal delivery and solid songwriting. I recommend this album for anyone who enjoys good dance-pop.
Released February 26, 2008 on Robbins Entertainment.
