REVIEW: Erasure, I Say, I Say, I Say
- Bob Gajarsky
The British synth pop duo of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, better known as Erasure, have released their eighth album I Say, I Say, I Say.
The dreamy, airy keyboards of Clarke are a sharp contrast to his previous works on earlier Erasure albums. The first single, "Always", is very typical of this album; keyboards that aren't the focal point of the song, but are a constant throughout the track. A solid song that has helped Erasure re-establish themselves on the American pop charts.
Another standout track is "So The Story Goes". Bell's vocals sound very religious, as if he were a priest. A quick look at the liner notes indicates that these stylish changes were definitely planned; the Choir of St. Patrick's Cathedal appears on this track as well as "Miracle".
"Take Me Back" is quite similar to a previous single of Erasure's, "Ship of Fools" in its airy beat and the irresistible hook of "I Love Saturday" could prove to be another dance club smash.
Erasure has only slowed down the music on a few tracks on I Say, I Say, I Say. "Run To The Sun" is a combination of Bell's vocals with an almost techno beat, a switch for Clarke. Bell also opens up his personal feelings more than before. For instance, on "Run", he notes that "For the first time in my life / I'm up to run away / It's not a choice I made easily." On the melancholy "Blues Away", Bell notes that he's "Always had my reservations / Who am I to blame / Walked into the ring of fire / Heart in a wall of flames".
In conclusion? Erasure's I Say, I Say, I Say won't bring back "lost" Erasure fans who came and went with the band through The Innocents album and their two big American hits, "Chains of Love" and "A Little Respect". But, both tried-and-true Erasure fans and new fans of the new single "Always" will find this album worth every penny .
