Erasure | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Established in London, England in 1985, enduring alternative dance duo Erasure combine the talents of emotive, broad-ranged vocalist Andy Bell and synth idol Vince Clarke, previously a founding member of Depeche Mode and Yazoo. Like those bands, Erasure is a synth-based group, but with stronger, more house-oriented dance inclinations, as well as a sharp, accessible sense of pop songcraft. After making their debut with 1986s Wonderland, the duos third album, 1988s The Innocents, proved to be their U.S. breakthrough, offering the Top 20 singles "Chains of Love" and "A Little Respect." They reached the Top 20 again in 1994 with the international hit "Always," then remained a regular Billboard 200 act with occasional singles landing on the club charts. While Erasure were successful in their native Britain from their inception, they had their first U.K. Top Ten album in 20 years with 2017s World Be Gone, their 17th studio LP. As one of the first openly gay performers in pop music, Bells status as a gay icon only increased with the longevity of the band. Before forming Erasure, Clarke was one of the founding members of the groundbreaking synth pop outfit Depeche Mode. He left after recording only one album with the group, choosing to form Yaz with Alison Moyet instead. After Yaz released two albums, Moyet left to pursue a solo career. Clarke participated in a short-lived alliance with vocalist Feargal Sharkey and producer Eric Radcliffe called the Assembly in 1984. Following a single with vocalist Paul Quinn, he decided to form Erasure. Clarke placed an advertisement for vocalists in a British music newspaper and received over 40 demo tapes -- he selected Bell as his partner. Released in 1986, Erasures first album, Wonderland, just barely cracked the U.K. Top 75. The duo quickly followed it with "Sometimes," a preview from their forthcoming second album. "Sometimes" reached number two on the U.K. charts, beginning a string of successful singles that would run into the 2000s. The Circus was released in the spring of 1987 and peaked at number six on the U.K. charts. The Innocents, Erasures third album, became their first number one album in Britain upon its release in 1988. The album featured the groups first American hit, "Chains of Love," which reached number 12 in the U.S.; its follow-up, "A Little Respect," peaked at number 14 in America. At the end of 1988, Erasure released the Crackers International EP, which reached number two in Britain. Erasures fourth album, Wild!, appeared in 1989, and like its predecessor, reached number one in the U.K., as did its successor, 1991s Chorus. Erasure released the Abba-Esque EP, a tribute to the Swedish pop group ABBA, in 1992; it became their first number one single in the U.K. Later that year, Erasure released a compilation of their British singles, Pop! The First 20 Hits. Two years later, the duo released its fifth album, I Say I Say I Say, which featured the hit single "Always," their first American hit since 1988. Erasures eponymous sixth album was released in the fall of 1995. It was followed in the spring of 1997 by Cowboy. Loveboat surfaced three years later. The all-covers Other Peoples Songs appeared in 2003, the same year as the oddly chosen compilation Hits! Before the release of 2005s "return-to-form" album Nightbird, Bell revealed he was HIV positive and had been since June of 1998. The 2006 album Union Street found the duo unplugging and re-recording old album tracks and B-sides with acoustic instruments. A tour with a full band supported the album and was documented on the 2007 live release On the Road to Nashville. Later in the year, another return-to-form album, Light at the End of the World, arrived. Tomorrows World followed in 2011 with the duo handing production over to Frankmusik, whose previous work included Lady Gaga and the Pet Shop Boys. In 2013 they released Snow Globe, a holiday album featuring new songs from the duo along with some classic Christmas carols. A return to their club-oriented work of their earlier years, the dancefloor-ready The Violet Flame followed in 2014 with production from Richard X. Following celebrations of their 30th anniversary as a band in 2015, the duo released their 17th studio record in 2017. World Be Gone responded to the upheaval of the late 2010s with positive, proactive songs. Accompanied by a summer stadium tour with Robbie Williams, it returned Erasure to the U.K. Top Ten for the first time in 20 years, reaching number six. They followed it in early 2018 with World Beyond, a re-recording of World Be Gone arranged for Bell and the Belgian chamber ensemble Echo Collective. Recorded across two nights at Londons Eventim Apollo as part of an extensive world tour, World Be Live arrived close behind in mid-2018. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 38 Title: Wonderland Released: 1986-06-02 Tracks: 27 Duration: 1:58:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Who Needs Love Like That (03:18) 2 Reunion (03:24) 3 Cry So Easy (03:35) 4 Push Me Shove Me (05:10) 5 Heavenly Action (03:30) 6 Say What (03:55) 7 Love Is a Loser (03:02) 8 Senseless (03:26) 9 My Heart… So Blue (04:30) 10 Oh l’amour (03:02) 11 Pistol (03:29) 12 Say What (remix) (07:21) 13 March on Down the Line (remix) (06:06) 14 Senseless (remix) (05:06) 1 Who Needs Love Like That (Mexican mix) (06:11) 2 Push Me Shove Me (extended as Far as Possible mix) (04:09) 3 Dont Say No (Ruby Red mix) (06:09) 4 Heavenly Action (12" mix) (06:11) 5 March on Down the Line (03:45) 6 Oh LAmour (PWL Funky Sisters Say Ooh La La) (07:16) 7 Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (remix) (04:58) 8 Cry So Easy (03:43) 9 Who Needs Love Like That (03:33) 10 Senseless (03:32) 11 Heavenly Action (03:38) 12 Say What? (03:25) 13 Push Me Shove Me (02:50) |
| Wonderland : Allmusic album Review : The duos full debut was a sparkling collection of synth-pop tunes that made up in enthusiasm and immediate catchiness what it lacked in overall variety or any sense of artistic progression from Clarkes past. Though the production, one of Floods earliest high-profile efforts, is detailed and often lush, anyone who had followed Clarkes career wouldnt be surprised by anything on Wonderland. Bells vocals merely tie the connections to the past further, his at-times too-shrill-for-comfort falsetto inevitably echoing Yazs Alison Moyet as well as one-time Assembly vocalist Feargal Sharkey. Allowing for all these inevitable reminders, though, still means Wonderland is well worth a listen. The key reason is the smash U.K. single "Oh lAmour," which rapidly became a staple for American modern rock stations as well. A lovely a cappella opening and instantly catchy hook, not to mention sprightly performances from Clarke and Bell both (the latter wisely undersings rather than pushing the flamboyance, letting loose more on the chorus), ensured its classic status. The two other singles, "Who Needs Love Like That" and "Heavenly Action," arent quite as strong but work in the general formula quite well regardless. Other album cuts are a touch more scattered in quality; nothing is awful, but there are some definite highlights. The slightly slower "Cry So Easy" has a great chorus, giving Bell a chance to show his chops, while "March on Down the Line" moves with a fine positive energy, an anthem without calling attention to itself as such. "Say What" is an interesting mostly instrumental, aside from a gang shout or two of the title, letting Clarkes compositional abilities come to the fore on their own. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 38 Title: The Circus Released: 1987-03-30 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:55:25 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 It Doesn’t Have to Be (03:56) 2 Hideaway (03:48) 3 Don’t Dance (03:39) 4 If I Could (03:52) 5 Sexuality (03:53) 6 Victim of Love (03:42) 7 Leave Me to Bleed (03:22) 8 Sometimes (03:39) 9 The Circus (05:30) 10 Spiralling (03:09) 11 In the Hall of the Mountain King (02:58) 12 Sometimes (12" Mix) (05:25) 13 It Doesnt Have to Be (Boop Oopa Doo mix) (07:17) 1 Sexuality (12″ mix) (06:48) 2 Sometimes (Shiver mix) (05:53) 3 The Circus (Bareback Rider mix) (06:23) 4 Who Needs Love Like That (Betty Boop mix) (07:33) 5 It Doesnt Have to Be (Cement mix) (05:34) 6 The Soldiers Return (The Return of the Radical Radcliffe mix) (05:06) 7 Victim of Love (Vixen Vitesse mix) (05:49) 8 If I Could (Japanese mix) (03:46) 9 The Circus (BBC Radio One Session) (04:42) 10 Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (BBC Radio One Session) (03:46) 11 Spiralling (BBC Radio One Session) (02:25) 12 Phantom Bride (BBC Radio One Session) (03:21) |
| The Circus : Allmusic album Review : Having gotten familiar with each other and the public on Wonderland, Clarke and Bell aim their sights higher with its follow-up, a more distinct all-around album. Flood once again mans the production boards, helping bring out Clarkes greater number of individual touches and approaches to great effect. It can be the queasy synth whoosh on "Dont Dance," the chunky pseudo-guitar blasts on lead track and single "It Doesnt Have to Be," or the funhouse keyboards on the title song, a cautionary environmental tale, all testaments to Clarkes ever-strengthening pushback of synth-pops presumed sound and cliches. Bell in turn is finding more to do with his voice, his breathy crooning more seductive and affecting, while his high-volume calls to musical arms generally avoid hyper-ear-piercing levels in favor of general appeal. Exceptions do crop up, admittedly "Sexuality," which has a slightly clumsy chorus to begin with, and Bells histrionics dont help it. But when the two members are on, theyre on in a big way, and the two major hit singles from The Circus are prime examples of Erasure in excelsis. "Victim of Love" has Bell showing off some great soul chops right from the start over an inspiring, charging melody, while "Sometimes" contains a strong dance beat and Clarkes synth/acoustic guitar mix underscoring Bells call for love. Elsewhere, the bands social conscience makes itself known without sounding obvious, especially on "Hideaway." Detailing the coming-out of a young man to his family and his resultant need to leave home, it makes its point with drama but not histrionics, Bells multi-tracked chorus at once uplifting and empathetic. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 38 Title: The Innocents Released: 1988-04-18 Tracks: 11 Duration: 40:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 A Little Respect (03:31) 2 Ship of Fools (04:03) 3 Phantom Bride (03:32) 4 Chains of Love (03:39) 5 Hallowed Ground (04:05) 6 Sixty-Five Thousand (03:23) 7 Heart of Stone (03:19) 8 Yahoo! (03:48) 9 Imagination (03:28) 10 Witch in the Ditch (03:44) 11 Weight of the World (03:40) |
| The Innocents : Allmusic album Review : Having built up a strong fan base and back catalogue in just a couple of years, Erasure turned into a full-blown pop phenomenon thanks to The Innocents, winning the British equivalent of the Grammy for album of the year and spawning a big American hit single, "Chains of Love." Stephen Hague took over as producer from Flood, perhaps smoothing out some points for a more general mainstream appeal but otherwise letting the strengths of the songs speak for themselves. It begins with another single and stone-cold classic, "A Little Respect," with a charging beat/acoustic guitar/synth arrangement and a flat-out fantastic performance from Bell, especially on the ascending chorus. Guest performances help flesh out a number of songs quite well. Wheeler and others reappear on "Yahoo!," a gospel-touched (musically and lyrically) number, while noted session performers the Kick Horns add just that to the "please come back" punch of "Heart of Stone." On their own, though, the duo continues in the same general vein of earlier releases while the Erasure formula of dance/synth/soul was now clearly established through and through, thankfully the combination of slight variety and overall performance prevents the album from dragging. The Innocents ballads are perhaps a touch prettier than the lyrics would make them out to be, but if the sheen of songs like "Hallowed Ground" cuts away from the sometimes blunt images of poverty and hopelessness Bell calls up, the music still has a solid power. The CD version adds a fine original, "When I Needed You," and a fun cover of the Phil Spector/Ike and Tina Turner classic "River Deep, Mountain High." | ||
 | Album: 4 of 38 Title: Wild! Released: 1989-10-16 Tracks: 11 Duration: 38:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Piano Song (instrumental) (01:09) 2 Blue Savannah (04:27) 3 Drama! (04:06) 4 How Many Times? (03:17) 5 Star (03:53) 6 La Gloria (03:10) 7 You Surround Me (03:58) 8 Brother & Sister (03:24) 9 2,000 Miles (03:38) 10 Crown of Thorns (03:59) 11 Piano Song (03:13) |
| Wild! : Allmusic album Review : Following the commercial and critical success of The Innocents, Erasure sidestepped slightly on Wild!, with slightly mixed results. On the one hand, the by-now-established Erasure song formula resulted in a number of tunes sounding like revamps of earlier numbers, diminishing the overall impact. "How Many Times?" is a ballad by numbers, while, some amusing bitchiness from Bell aside, "2000 Miles" is nice but a timekiller. One or two other cuts fall into this category, making Wild! something of a choppy affair at best. On the other hand, Erasure tries stretching its most since the orchestrated rerecordings on The Two-Ring Circus, often with great success. "Drama!" has a slightly hysterical tone to it, but its strong dancefloor surge and weirdly droning backing Bell harmonies help make it another winner. The gangshout /vocals (background) are also a kick as well -- especially as they were provided in part, via an uncredited appearance, by the Jesus and Mary Chain! "You Surround Me" is another flat-out winner -- its another slow ballad, but with big, echoing backing that adds a sense of extra theatricality. Other strong numbers include the relatively low key pulse of "Blue Savannah," which sounds like a light motorik/Kraftwerk number given the appropriate Erasure sparkle, and the charging "Brother and Sister," with a sharp synth hook and chorus. Beginning and ending with versions of "Piano Song," the latter letting Bell get in some of his best singing, Wild! is a mixed but still worthy affair. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 38 Title: Chorus Released: 1991-10-14 Tracks: 10 Duration: 00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Chorus (?) 2 Waiting for the Day (?) 3 Joan (?) 4 Breath of Life (?) 5 Am I Right? (?) 6 Love to Hate You (?) 7 Turns the Love to Anger (?) 8 Siren Song (?) 9 Perfect Stranger (?) 10 Home (?) |
| Chorus : Allmusic album Review : No longer making a big American splash outside of its fanbase and alternative radio -- and about to be turned into yesterdays news thanks to the techno/hardcore explosion -- Erasure on Chorus concentrated on just sounding like itself. With the notable exception of the hypersassy "Love to Hate You," Bell steers away from campiness in favor of a series of gentler meditations and impassioned pleas. "Chorus" itself is another great Erasure anthem, Clarke providing just the right combination of beat and melody for Bells surprisingly effective tackling of environmental degredation. Other cuts like "Breath of Life" and "Turns the Love to Anger" keep the quicker, more specifically high-paced dance pace going, but most of the best cuts come with the quieter numbers. Happily, rather than revamping the basic ballad format often used on earlier albums, Clarke keeps throwing in unexpected touches while Bell comes up with some inspired and often affecting lyrics. "Am I Right?" reflects on love and aging with a gentle tone and soft hip-hop beat, while "Joan" adds a touch of gospel in Bells backing harmonies to a more prominent breakbeat with equally fine results. Also intriguing is how the final songs of the album, while individually not among the bands best, still blend together to provide an excellent conclusion, from the wistful philosophy of "Siren Song" and the romantic entanglement of "Perfect Stranger" to the concluding "Home." Something of a sequel to "Hideaway" set a few years later, Bell sings of continuing to follow his own path over lovely backing from Clarke, a fine way to end the album. | ||
 | Album: 6 of 38 Title: Pop! The First 20 Hits Released: 1992-11-16 Tracks: 21 Duration: 1:18:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Who Needs Love (Like That) (03:06) 2 Heavenly Action (03:20) 3 Oh l’amour (03:07) 4 Sometimes (03:39) 5 It Doesn’t Have to Be (03:46) 6 Victim of Love (03:38) 7 The Circus (04:06) 8 Ship of Fools (04:03) 9 Chains of Love (03:43) 10 A Little Respect (03:31) 11 Stop! (02:55) 12 Drama! (04:06) 13 You Surround Me (03:58) 14 Blue Savannah (04:19) 15 Star (03:38) 16 Chorus (04:29) 17 Love to Hate You (03:56) 18 Am I Right? (04:18) 19 Breath of Life (03:55) 20 Take a Chance on Me (03:45) 21 Who Needs Love (Like That) (Hamburg mix) (03:01) |
| Pop! The First 20 Hits : Allmusic album Review : On a roll from its U.K. chart-topping success with the Abba-esque EP, Erasure celebrated with the baldly titled Pop! While scant in terms of general info, as a no-frills hit-for-hit collection Pop! lives up to its considerable brief. Taken out of context from the various albums, hearing one straight-up smash after enough becomes a pure delight. Its intriguing to hear how the pure synth-pop/soul fusions of the earliest years give way to a more fluid style, almost as if the notoriously hard-to-stay-satisfied Clarke, having finally found a perfect partner in Bell, found the time and inclination to explore other options. As for Bell, hearing his evolution from an all-too-obvious clone of Clarkes Yaz partner Alison Moyet into his own English soul style makes for a treat. Picking out highlights from already powerful material almost begs the question, but hearing the stretch of brilliant songs from the soothing jump of "Oh LAmour" to the explosive, infectious energy of "Stop!" makes for great listening, Clarkes arrangements and Bells passionate vocals hitting everything song for song. Calling a straightforward, chronologically organized singles collection one of "hits" would be arrogant if it werent for the fact that it was also true, almost every number a Top 40 placer at home, more than half hitting the Top Ten -- and its never hard to hear why. There is one wryly funny and informative bonus in the liner notes -- without explanation, though unquestionably written by self-confessed gearhead Clarke, a list of classic keyboards hes used on Erasures hits appears with this note: "This is a general list of synthesizers you may or may not be interested in. It is not a product endorsement." | ||
 | Album: 7 of 38 Title: I Say I Say I Say Released: 1994-05-16 Tracks: 10 Duration: 44:06 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Take Me Back (04:55) 2 I Love Saturday (04:02) 3 Man in the Moon (04:06) 4 So the Story Goes (04:08) 5 Run to the Sun (04:25) 6 Always (03:57) 7 All Through the Years (04:59) 8 Blues Away (05:01) 9 Miracle (04:12) 10 Because You’re So Sweet (04:17) |
| I Say I Say I Say : Allmusic album Review : Released three years after Chorus, I Say I Say I Say found Erasure for the first time fully interested in essentially staying in place. The album as a whole is at base an attractively redressed version of what the duo had already done, the occasional slight surprise notwithstanding. While Clarke in particular shows some virtuosity with his performances, helped by Human League/Heaven 17 veteran Martyn Wares production, I Say lacks any real novelty (certainly Bells singing isnt going to change any earlier perceptions, positive or negative). Its not as experimentally indulgent as the self-titled album or unfortunately unmemorable as Cowboy, but its still not quite the group at its sharp pop finest track for track. When it does succeed, though, it has plenty of the flash and verve of old. "Always," the wonderful ballad that was the albums lead single, with a slightly quirky opening, strong verses both musically and lyrically, and a flat-out brilliant chorus, Bells impassioned delivery one of his finest moments. I Says lead-off one/two combination is also a winner; "Take Me Back" also plays the sweeping, slow card effectively, Bell in particular getting in some fine singing. "I Love Saturday," meanwhile, neatly balances pepped up energy on Clarkes part with a lower-key delivery from Bell, a striking combination that makes for a better result than the strident, full-on pep of "Run to the Sun." Other winners include "Man in the Moon," which has a delightful chorus with a sweetly silly pipe/synth melody, "So the Story Goes," and "Miracle," the last two of which feature the singing of a cathedral choir. Its a nice look ahead to the reach of the self-titled record, though, with more pop-friendly song lengths and two of Bells best, strongest performances on the album. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 38 Title: Erasure Released: 1995-10-24 Tracks: 11 Duration: 1:11:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Intro: Guess I’m Into Feeling (03:38) 2 Rescue Me (06:10) 3 Sono Luminus (07:51) 4 Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer’s Day) (06:44) 5 Rock Me Gently (10:01) 6 Grace (05:54) 7 Stay With Me (06:43) 8 Love the Way You Do So (06:43) 9 Angel (05:32) 10 I Love You (06:29) 11 A Long Goodbye (05:34) |
| Erasure : Allmusic album Review : Having continued course on I Say I Say I Say without adding much to its overall reputation, Erasure took a surprising turn on its self-titled album. With statements at the time indicating Clarke claimed inspiration from the complexity and reach of prog-rock keyboard experiments, the duo entered a less pop-friendly turn for this extensive record. Clarke definitely aims for a more spacy atmosphere throughout Erasure, assisted by sometime Orb compatriot Thomas Fehlmann. While the catchy hooks with which Clarke made his name remain, the arrangements show more grandiose reflections and less full-on dancefloor fun, more Jarre than Moroder. Songs are often much longer than the quick, punchy numbers the duo became known for, sometimes getting a bit lost along the way as a result. Bell, to his credit, matches Clarkes ambitions well, trying different vocal deliveries, especially with his trademark backing vocal overdubs -- "Rescue Me" being a great example of that. While the overall results dont lead to a fully spectacular record, its certainly Erasures most experimental, an indulgence that pays off in surprising ways. One of the more interesting features of the album is who helps out on it -- the London Community Gospel Choir takes a wonderful bow on two tracks, the quietly intoxicating lead single "Stay With Me" and the gentle shimmer of "Rock Me Gently." In one of the more unlikely guest appearances of the time, meanwhile, Mute labelmate Diamanda Galas delivers haunting solo turns on "Rock Me Gently" and "Angel." If not as harrowing as much of her own work, it does provide an interesting addition to a duo not known for its particularly dark vision of life. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 38 Title: Buried Treasure Released: 1997 Tracks: 8 Duration: 21:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Top of the Pops Theme (01:13) 2 Always (acoustic) (03:57) 3 Sono Luminus (demo) (01:32) 4 Science Week Theme (04:40) 5 In My Arms (acoustic) (03:06) 6 Rock Me Gently (demo) (01:42) 7 My Foolish Heart (live) (03:33) 8 Rain (demo) (01:27) |
 | Album: 10 of 38 Title: Cowboy Released: 1997-03-31 Tracks: 11 Duration: 40:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Rain (04:11) 2 Worlds on Fire (03:37) 3 Reach Out (03:47) 4 In My Arms (03:36) 5 Dont Say Your Love Is Killing Me (03:48) 6 Precious (03:31) 7 Treasure (03:04) 8 Boy (03:41) 9 How Can I Say (03:17) 10 Save Me Darling (04:01) 11 Love Affair (03:38) |
| Cowboy : Allmusic album Review : The calmer inner meditations of Erasure behind them, the duo found themselves on Madonnas label in America and released the notably more upbeat Cowboy in 1997. The zeitgeist that the duo perfectly encapsulated in the late 80s had long been left behind, resulting in an album that sounds like it wants to keep the party going when all the guests had long gone home. While Erasure itself could drag here and there, it was still an honestly intriguing combination of new and old for the band, something the pleasant (but little more than that) Cowboy cant claim. At base, the problem is that while the basic Erasure knack of hummable hooks and fine singing remains unchanged, something seems missing -- what made songs like "A Little Respect," "Stop!," and "Chorus" more than enjoyably catchy pop isnt there. Cowboy is amiable but not memorable. Vince Clarke to his credit doggedly resists flat out following current pop trends in the hopes of greater relevance, so theres something to be said for sticking to ones guns. His usual preferred combination of gentler lead synths and rougher bass tones sounds enjoyably supple as well, with perhaps the only concession to late-90s pop being a greater use of hip-hop beats. Andy Bells voice as always hits its fine sweet-sounding heights. But beyond a cut or two, very little honestly connects beyond that, sad to say. "In My Arms," released as a single, has an attractive air to it, with a nicely sweeping chorus, but feels a little too relaxed, not as flat out energetic as it could be. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 38 Title: Acoustic Live Released: 2000-07-11 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:33:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Home (05:46) 2 Boy (04:19) 3 Victim of Love (03:21) 4 Stay With Me (05:41) 5 Love Affair (05:09) 6 Oh Lamour (03:13) 7 Alien (04:19) 8 Blue Savannah (06:09) 9 Spiralling (02:51) 10 How Many More Times (03:42) 11 Sometimes (05:47) 12 Tenderest Moments (05:36) 13 Ship of Fools (04:01) 14 Love to Hate You (05:41) 15 Against My View (03:51) 16 Piano Song (03:50) 17 Rock Me Gently (05:58) 18 Stop (04:15) 19 Chains of Love (06:08) 20 A Little Respect (04:00) |
 | Album: 12 of 38 Title: Loveboat Released: 2000-10-23 Tracks: 11 Duration: 44:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Freedom (03:09) 2 Where in the World (03:48) 3 Crying in the Rain (03:49) 4 Perchance to Dream (04:37) 5 Alien (04:32) 6 Mad as We Are (03:50) 7 Here in My Heart (03:43) 8 Love Is the Rage (04:10) 9 Catch 22 (03:38) 10 Moon & The Sky (04:22) 11 Surreal (05:11) |
| Loveboat : Allmusic album Review : Erasure perfected their synth-pop/dance sound in the mid-80s, and over the course of the next decade and a half they continued within that structure. By 1997s Cowboy, the band lost some of their melodic sense in exchange for the techno dance trip. It is nice to say that on this release Erasure went back to doing what they do best: strong melodic pop music full of angst and pain. Theres no real experimentation, just the old form of songwriting. This will not win new fans, but it might win back those few who were turned off by the groups dive into techno. Since 1997, Vince Clarke has collaborated on two experimental projects: 1999s Clarke & Ware Experiment with Martin Ware of Heaven 17 fame and the Family Fantastic album. Neither were too successful, but they did provide platforms for Clarke to expand his writing and playing beyond the pop song format. His return is very much welcomed. Andy Bells voice has never sounded better, and as usual it fits the music perfectly. A strong album, with some of the best songs they have ever produced (including the wonderful "Freedom" and "Surreal"), this is a classic sounding Erasure album, and it could not be better. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 38 Title: Other People’s Songs Released: 2003-01-27 Tracks: 12 Duration: 41:17 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Solsbury Hill (04:19) 2 Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime (03:20) 3 Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) (03:58) 4 Everyday (02:00) 5 When Will I See You Again (02:59) 6 Walking in the Rain (02:49) 7 True Love Ways (03:08) 8 Ebb Tide (03:07) 9 Can’t Help Falling in Love (03:29) 10 You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (04:00) 11 Goodnight (04:10) 12 Video Killed the Radio Star (03:51) |
| Other People’s Songs : Allmusic album Review : While theres nothing wrong with doing an album of covers, putting such a project together has its risks. For Erasure, the experiment yields mixed results. More often than not, they connect with the material in unexpected ways, and certainly with greater success than one might expect from other electronic groups. This is due largely to the fact that these guys have been around long enough to develop a sensitivity to music as being more than a beat and a hook. Their sense of humor leads them to revise "Video Killed the Radio Star" in a way thats not only highly amusing -- it actually suits the message of the song. Plus, Andy Bell remains a very convincing singer, particularly on the softer material, where his choir-boy timbre glistens and shimmers. Problems occur when they cant find a convincing way to graft their highly identifiable sound onto the song. On "True Love Ways," for instance, Vince Clarkes textures are sweet to the point of gag inducement, which makes the squirmy synth lick in the bridge section seem weirdly out of place. While they deserve credit for not mimicking the feel of the records they cover, theres something very unnerving about the disco gallop they inflict on "Ebb Tide." And when they do stay faithful to the original arrangement, as on "Youve Lost That Lovin Feeling," all the grandiosity achieved by Phil Spector sounds as if it was being squashed down to Tinker Toy sonics. Finally, just because youre able to insert a cricket sound every time the word "sleeping" occurs on "Goodnight" doesnt necessarily mean its a good idea. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 38 Title: Hits! The Very Best of Erasure Released: 2003-10-20 Tracks: 38 Duration: 2:31:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Oh Lamour (August mix) (03:08) 2 Sometimes (03:39) 3 Victim of Love (03:38) 4 Ship of Fools (04:03) 5 Chains of Love (03:43) 6 A Little Respect (03:31) 7 Stop! (02:55) 8 Blue Savannah (04:19) 9 Chorus (04:29) 10 Love to Hate You (03:56) 11 Breath of Life (03:55) 12 Lay All Your Love on Me (04:44) 13 Take a Chance on Me (03:45) 14 Voulez-Vous (05:29) 15 Always (04:01) 16 Stay With Me (04:43) 17 In My Arms (03:28) 18 Freedom (02:55) 19 Solsbury Hill (04:19) 20 Oh Lamour (August mix) (03:08) 1 Stay With Me (05:05) 2 You Surround Me (05:40) 3 In My Arms (03:35) 4 Solsbury Hill (03:38) 5 A Little Respect (03:43) 6 Chains of Love (04:10) 7 Take a Chance on Me (03:21) 8 Love to Hate You (03:56) 9 Stop! (03:56) 10 Victim of Love (03:25) 11 Blue Savannah (03:45) 12 Always (04:56) 13 Freedom (03:37) 14 Chorus (04:03) 15 Oh L’amour (04:27) 16 Breath of Life (04:39) 17 Sometimes (04:40) 18 Ship of Fools (03:05) |
| Hits! The Very Best of Erasure : Allmusic album Review : An early track record of releasing one glistening single after another made Erasures first compilation, Erasure Pop!: The First 20 Hits, a no-brainer to compile, but what to do with the duos spotty later years? Hits! The Very Best of Erasure puts the old hits with the new ones, adds some rarities and remixes, and keeps with Pop!s chronological structure. The first 13 tracks on Hits! The Very Best of Erasure cover the same, more successful, time Pop! did, and after that its all moody epilogue. Later tracks like "Always," "Freedom," and "In My Arms" dont have the name recognition of "Chains of Love," but they do show a more mature Erasure in both delivery and composition. The problem is that no one ever wanted them to be Dylan or Radiohead, and the kind of albums they put out post-Pop! dont lend themselves well to greatest-hits collections. The later tracks at least answer the "whatever happened to" question for most people, but whats really confusing is why the four-song Abba-esque EP is overly represented by three tracks while the sparkling Wonderland album gets covered in only one and Cowboy and 1995s self-titled album are ignored completely. Despite the mishandlings, theres an incredible amount of great pop and dance music here, and you can program out the fluff if you want. Just know that even as a casual fan you will at some point in your life have to get back in the car, head to the store, and buy the other Erasure collection. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 38 Title: The Erasure Show (live in Preston - 11th March 2005) Released: 2005 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:42:46 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (Three Blind Mice) (04:42) 2 No Doubt (03:38) 3 Hideaway (04:12) 4 Brother and Sister (03:31) 5 Knocking on Your Door (02:50) 6 The Circus (04:47) 7 Breathe (03:59) 8 Ship of Fools (03:56) 9 Drama! (04:19) 10 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:32) 11 Stop! (03:12) 12 Rapture (05:10) 13 Ave Maria (02:57) 14 Breath of Life (04:15) 15 A Little Respect (03:49) 16 I Broke It All in Two (04:12) 1 Chains of Love (04:25) 2 Chorus (04:42) 3 Love to Hate You (04:07) 4 Blue Savannah (04:55) 5 Always (04:22) 6 Who Needs Love Like That (03:08) 7 Oh LAmour (04:11) 8 I Bet Youre Mad at Me (04:36) 9 Sometimes (04:19) |
 | Album: 16 of 38 Title: Nightbird Released: 2005-01-24 Tracks: 11 Duration: 42:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 No Doubt (03:56) 2 Here I Go Impossible Again (03:40) 3 Lets Take One More Rocket to the Moon (04:43) 4 Breathe (03:49) 5 Ill Be There (03:18) 6 Because Our Love Is Real (03:36) 7 Dont Say You Love Me (03:58) 8 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:12) 9 I Broke It All in Two (03:37) 10 Sweet Surrender (03:56) 11 I Bet You’re Mad at Me (03:58) |
| Nightbird : Allmusic album Review : Starting soft and staying there, Nightbird takes more than a couple listens to pay real dividends, but that Erasure are revitalized is evident first time through. Gone is the trying-too-hard surface-pop of Cowboy and Other Peoples Songs and back is the intimate, introspective, and great lyrical moments of the ballads scattered among the duos best albums. Song after song displays that lead singer Andy Bell has grown remarkably as a writer. His vivid tales of isolation and painful regret dont have that Morrissey sting in the tail, but theyre just as good for weepy evenings and are just as honest/cathartic as anything the Mozz has written. Bells prerelease announcement that hes HIV positive explains the malaise thats here and there on Nightbird, but the mans been secretly dealing with the disease since 1998 and his "coming out" relief is reflected in the albums positive energy and extra helping of hope. Its Bells album, and much like thumbing through his diary, but synth whizz Vince Clarke is up to the task, providing clean and tidy tunes in classic Erasure style. He must have dusted off all his old machinery, since the bleeps and beats of the album are familiar, plus the "woah-oh-oh!" of "No Doubt" brings reminders of the great "Love to Hate You," just at half-tempo. Thats something to point out. With only two up-tempo numbers, Nightbird isnt made for the dancefloor. Its a "headphone album" or a "when youre alone" album, and considering the bands campy past, a surprisingly excellent one. Bells dealings with HIV have obviously influenced Nightbird, but he rarely points right to it, making the album adaptable to any listeners own introspection. Smart, moving, approachable, and well constructed, Nightbird is Erasures mature masterpiece. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 38 Title: The Erasure Show (live in Nottingham - 7th March 2005) Released: 2005-03-07 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:43:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (Three Blind Mice) (04:52) 2 No Doubt (03:35) 3 Hideaway (04:03) 4 Brother and Sister (03:43) 5 Knocking on Your Door (02:48) 6 The Circus (04:36) 7 Breathe (04:00) 8 Ship of Fools (04:03) 9 Drama! (04:21) 10 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:30) 11 Stop! (03:28) 12 Rapture (05:08) 13 Ave Maria (02:52) 14 Breath of Life (04:22) 15 A Little Respect (03:41) 16 I Broke It All in Two (04:26) 1 Chains of Love (04:23) 2 Chorus (04:37) 3 Love to Hate You (04:12) 4 Blue Savannah (04:47) 5 Always (04:20) 6 Who Needs Love Like That (03:29) 7 Oh LAmour (04:10) 8 I Bet Youre Mad at Me (05:01) 9 Sometimes (04:20) |
 | Album: 18 of 38 Title: The Erasure Show Tour 2005 - Live At Manchester, Carling Apollo, 9th March 2005 Released: 2005-03-09 Tracks: 9 Duration: 39:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Chains of Love (04:45) 2 Chorus (04:41) 3 Love to Hate You (04:20) 4 Blue Savannah (04:46) 5 Always (04:45) 6 Who Needs Love (Like That) (03:12) 7 Oh lamour (03:58) 8 I Bet Youre Mad at Me (05:07) 9 Sometimes (04:23) |
 | Album: 19 of 38 Title: The Erasure Show (live in Wolverhampton - 16th March 2005) Released: 2005-03-16 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:45:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (3 Blind Mice) (04:52) 2 No Doubt (03:40) 3 Hideaway (04:06) 4 Phantom Bride (04:04) 5 Knocking on Your Door (03:07) 6 Circus (04:28) 7 Breathe (03:55) 8 Ship of Fools (04:09) 9 Drama (04:45) 10 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:39) 11 Stop! (03:29) 12 Rapture (05:22) 13 Ave Maria (03:02) 14 Breath of Life (04:15) 15 A Little Respect (04:05) 16 I Broke It All in Two (04:19) 1 Chains of Love (04:44) 2 Chorus (04:29) 3 Love to Hate You (04:39) 4 Blue Savannah (04:55) 5 Always (04:08) 6 Who Needs Love Like That (03:03) 7 Oh LAmour (04:16) 8 I Bet Youre Mad at Me (05:03) 9 Sometimes (04:15) |
 | Album: 20 of 38 Title: The Erasure Show (live in Hull - 21st March 2005) Released: 2005-03-21 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:43:23 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (Rock-A-Bye-Baby) (03:06) 2 No Doubt (03:45) 3 Hideaway (04:00) 4 Phantom Bride (04:09) 5 Knocking on Your Door (02:51) 6 The Circus (04:41) 7 Breathe (04:13) 8 Ship of Fools (04:16) 9 Drama! (04:20) 10 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:37) 11 Stop! (03:30) 12 Rapture (05:18) 13 Ave Maria (02:59) 14 Breath of Life (04:11) 15 A Little Respect (03:52) 16 I Broke It All in Two (04:04) 1 Chains of Love (04:30) 2 Chorus (04:46) 3 Love to Hate You (04:37) 4 Blue Savannah (04:53) 5 Always (04:38) 6 Who Needs Love Like That (02:44) 7 Oh LAmour (04:46) 8 I Bet Youre Mad at Me (04:12) 9 Sometimes (04:25) |
 | Album: 21 of 38 Title: The Erasure Show (live in Berlin - 26th March 2005) Released: 2005-03-26 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:44:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (Mr. Gribber and His Amazing Cat) (02:38) 2 No Doubt (03:44) 3 Hideaway (04:19) 4 Victim of Love (03:57) 5 Knocking on Your Door (02:57) 6 The Circus (04:40) 7 Breathe (03:58) 8 Ship of Fools (04:14) 9 Drama! (04:26) 10 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:19) 11 Stop! (03:32) 12 Rapture (05:12) 13 Ave Maria (02:59) 14 Breath of Life (04:24) 15 A Little Respect (04:01) 16 I Broke It All in Two (03:55) 1 Chains of Love (04:59) 2 Chorus (04:44) 3 Love to Hate You (04:42) 4 Blue Savannah (04:56) 5 Always (04:16) 6 Who Needs Love Like That (02:54) 7 Oh LAmour (05:02) 8 I Bet Youre Mad at Me (04:52) 9 Sometimes (04:33) |
 | Album: 22 of 38 Title: Live at Newcastle, City Hall 3rd March 2005 Released: 2006-02-13 Tracks: 25 Duration: 1:41:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (Rock-A-Bye Baby) (03:05) 2 No Doubt (03:34) 3 Hideaway (04:02) 4 Brother and Sister (03:44) 5 Knocking on Your Door (02:52) 6 The Circus (04:45) 7 Breathe (03:55) 8 Ship of Fools (03:59) 9 Drama (04:22) 10 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:20) 11 Stop (03:09) 12 Rapture (05:26) 13 Ave Maria (02:53) 14 Breath of Life (04:21) 15 A Little Respect (03:49) 16 I Broke It All in Two (04:00) 1 Chains of Love (03:59) 2 Chorus (04:57) 3 Love to Hate You (04:27) 4 Blue Savannah (04:45) 5 Always (04:17) 6 Who Needs Love (Like That) (03:10) 7 Oh LAmour (04:35) 8 I Bet Youre Mad at Me (05:03) 9 Sometimes (04:27) |
 | Album: 23 of 38 Title: Union Street Released: 2006-04-03 Tracks: 11 Duration: 43:29 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Boy (03:49) 2 Piano Song (03:17) 3 Stay With Me (04:53) 4 Spiralling (02:26) 5 Home (04:12) 6 Tenderest Moments (05:13) 7 Alien (03:42) 8 Blues Away (03:59) 9 How Many Times? (03:30) 10 Love Affair (03:55) 11 Rock Me Gently (04:29) |
| Union Street : Allmusic album Review : With live albums, remix albums, and even an all-covers album in their back catalog, Erasure have utilized every stopgap device known to man except the unplugged album, until now. With plenty of dobro, strings, pedal steel, and nylon string guitars, Union Street is a soft, all-acoustic affair. While that may seem an uninspired choice after the excellent and purposeful Nightbird -- or downright ridiculous since they are a dancefloor-filling synth duo at the core -- the oddball song selection and elegant arrangements are surprising enough to believe this is more than a cash-in or by-the-numbers release. Instead of unplugging "Love to Hate You," "Oh lAmour," or any of the other club hits that have made an impact past their core audience, Erasure have chosen album tracks and B-sides, most dealing with heartbreak, and a handful dealing with hope. Its a limited listen, made worse by the front-loading of the best tracks. "Boy," "Piano Song," and "Stay with Me" all sound renewed and vital, but as the album progresses, the songs get cluttered with strumming and string arrangements that dont serve the tunes as well as they should. As melodies get lost in this pastoral jumble, familiarity with the original tracks helps a lot, suggesting the album would make a better fanclub release than a general one. If approached in that casual manner, a longtime Erasure fan will get twice, maybe three times as much more out of Union Street than the merely curious will. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 38 Title: Buried Treasure II Released: 2006-11 Tracks: 15 Duration: 50:27 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Who Needs Love Like That? (Audition version) (02:45) 2 One Day (audition version) (02:19) 3 Twilight (previously unreleased) (04:24) 4 Tune 5 (previously unreleased) (03:57) 5 Siren Song (alternative lyrics) (04:05) 6 I Love Saturday (early demo) (02:18) 7 Miracle (early demo) (03:01) 8 All Through the Years (early demo) (03:23) 9 Reach Out (alternative lyrics) (03:47) 10 My Love (previously unreleased) (02:31) 11 Earth (Previously unreleased) (03:00) 12 Perchance to Dream (original studio sessions) (04:33) 13 Freedom (original studio sessions) (03:12) 14 Heaven (original studio sessions) (03:13) 15 Perchance to Dream (alternative lyrics) (03:59) |
 | Album: 25 of 38 Title: EIS Live Released: 2006-11 Tracks: 11 Duration: 00:00 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Just Cant Get Enough (?) 2 Dont Say Your Love Is Killing Me (?) 3 Home (?) 4 Rain (?) 5 In My Arms (?) 6 Sometimes (?) 7 Love To Hate You (?) 8 Hideaway (?) 9 Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summers Day) (?) 10 A Little Respect (?) 11 Blue Savannah (?) |
 | Album: 26 of 38 Title: On the Road to Nashville Released: 2007 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:17:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Boy (live in Nashville) (04:19) 2 Blue Savannah (live in Nashville) (05:43) 3 Oh LAmour (live in Nashville) (03:12) 4 Alien (live in Nashville) (04:41) 5 Breathe (live in Nashville) (03:44) 6 Victim of Love (live in Nashville) (03:30) 7 How Many Times? (live in Nashville) (03:49) 8 Spiralling (live in Nashville) (02:55) 9 Sometimes (live in Nashville) (04:53) 10 Tenderest Moments (live in Nashville) (05:26) 11 Ship of Fools (live in Nashville) (03:52) 12 Love to Hate You (live in Nashville) (05:15) 13 Against My View (live in Nashville) (03:54) 14 Piano Song (live in Nashville) (03:54) 15 Rock Me Gently (live in Nashville) (05:19) 16 Stop! (live in Nashville) (04:16) 17 Chains of Love (live in Nashville) (04:52) 18 Encore: A Little Respect (live in Nashville) (03:38) |
| On the Road to Nashville : Allmusic album Review : If you made it to 2007 with a fat wallet then you probably arent a true Erasure fan. Since 2003 the group has been responsible for a slew of sideline releases -- remix albums, acoustic albums, and big stack of limited-edition, souvenir live albums -- with only the 2005 effort Nightbird offering something entirely new. On the Road to Nashville is another live album and the hook here is that the usually electronic, club-oriented act is backed by a live band, which makes for some interesting arrangements. Seeing as how theyre performing at Nashvilles Ryman Auditorium -- once home to the Grand Ole Opry -- "Blue Savannah" becomes a rollicking hoedown while "Victim of Love" sways in a rustic style, lap steel guitar and all. While these are clever, cute, and fun, seriously delivered tracks like Nightbirds "Breathe" and the chestnut "A Little Respect" are more rewarding with performances that breathe new life into these fan favorites. If you havent checked in on the boys since the millennium turned, youre better off checking the well-built Nightbird and picking some tracks off the acoustic effort Union Street before venturing here. This is for the hardcore fans, the ones who have endured a mountain of stopgap releases and somehow still beg for more. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 38 Title: Live at the Royal Albert Hall Released: 2007 Tracks: 21 Duration: 1:31:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sunday Girl (04:47) 2 Blue Savannah (04:22) 3 Drama (04:29) 4 I Could Fall in Love With You (04:39) 5 Fly Away (03:42) 6 Breathe (04:20) 7 Storm in a Teacup (04:40) 8 Chains of Love (03:53) 9 Breath of Life (04:50) 10 Love to Hate You (04:20) 11 Sucker for Love (04:02) 12 Jacques Cousteau (03:44) 1 Victim of Love (03:56) 2 When a Lover Leaves You (04:00) 3 Ship of Fools (04:07) 4 Chorus (05:19) 5 Sometimes (04:02) 6 A Little Respect (05:03) 7 Oh LAmour (03:51) 8 Glass Angel (06:10) 9 Stop! (03:37) |
 | Album: 28 of 38 Title: Light at the End of the World Released: 2007-05-21 Tracks: 12 Duration: 46:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sunday Girl (04:35) 2 I Could Fall in Love With You (04:15) 3 Sucker for Love (03:58) 4 Storm in a Teacup (04:04) 5 Fly Away (03:21) 6 Golden Heart (03:12) 7 How My Eyes Adore You (03:20) 8 Darlene (03:38) 9 When a Lover Leaves You (03:51) 10 Glass Angel (05:02) 11 Be My Baby (03:30) 12 I Dont Know Why (04:02) |
| Light at the End of the World : Allmusic album Review : After giving themselves room to roam with an acoustic album, a cover album, solo albums, and a slew of live albums, Erasure return to their comfort zone of distrust, disgust, and despair set mostly to a disco beat with the occasional ballad. Think fan favorite Wild! but with more maturity and depth and youre pretty close to painting a perfect picture of their 2007 effort, Light at the End of the World. It should be noted that the added depth has a lot to do with singer Andy Bells love affair with complete disclosure, which began with the late-2004 announcement that he had long been HIV positive. Here Bells cleaning of his closet continues with the key track "Storm in a Teacup," a vivid tale of leaving the dysfunctional nest and the bittersweet taste of freedom that comes afterwards. Bell has been forthcoming in the press that his mothers alcoholism influenced the song, but he keeps growing as a songwriter and is smart enough to make his words adaptable to any strife the listener may have back home. Like "Teacup," "How My Eyes Adore You" and "When a Lover Leaves You" are moving, soft, and could have fallen off 2005s very midtempo Nightbird, but those who found that album too sullen and glum should have no problem with "Sucker for Love," a hands-in-the-air rump bouncer with wonderful Bell declarations like "Without love/Im not tremendous." Dancefloor-aimed singles "Sunday Girl" and "I Could Fall in Love with You" round out the highlights, sounding like classic Erasure hits with bubbly synths and those smart "I love you but you sometimes drive me crazy" lyrics. If Vince Clarkes music has evolved since Erasures debut you wont hear it here, but with so many hooks and tight arrangements the album is one of the best "go with what you know" arguments since AC/DC. While Erasure certainly didnt need the "return to form" album at this point in their career, they nailed it and brought better songwriting along for the ride. | ||
 | Album: 29 of 38 Title: Total Pop! The First 40 Hits Released: 2009-02-23 Tracks: 41 Duration: 2:36:12 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Who Needs Love (Like That) (03:06) 2 Heavenly Action (03:20) 3 Oh l’amour (03:07) 4 Sometimes (03:39) 5 It Doesn’t Have to Be (03:46) 6 Victim of Love (03:38) 7 The Circus (04:06) 8 Ship of Fools (04:03) 9 Chains of Love (03:43) 10 A Little Respect (03:31) 11 Stop! (02:55) 12 Drama! (04:06) 13 You Surround Me (03:58) 14 Blue Savannah (04:19) 15 Star (03:38) 16 Chorus (04:29) 17 Love to Hate You (03:56) 18 Am I Right? (04:18) 19 Breath of Life (03:55) 20 Take a Chance on Me (03:45) 21 Who Needs Love (Like That) (Hamburg mix) (03:01) 1 Always (04:02) 2 Run to the Sun (04:11) 3 I Love Saturday (04:01) 4 Stay With Me (04:43) 5 Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summers Day) (04:23) 6 Rock Me Gently (04:08) 7 In My Arms (03:28) 8 Dont Say Your Love Is Killing Me (03:48) 9 Rain (Al Stone mix) (04:09) 10 Freedom (02:55) 11 Moon and the Sky (JC’s Heaven Scent radio re-work) (04:16) 12 Solsbury Hill (04:19) 13 Make Me Smile (Come Up and See mix) (03:29) 14 Breathe (03:49) 15 Don’t Say You Love Me (03:45) 16 Here I Go Impossible Again (03:30) 17 I Could Fall in Love With You (04:03) 18 Sunday Girl (03:15) 19 Storm in a Teacup (03:28) 20 Always (2009 mix) (03:59) |
| Total Pop! The First 40 Hits : Allmusic album Review : Since their singles have always been as well chosen as they were well crafted, Total Pop! The First 40 is top-shelf Erasure the whole way through, displaying the evolution of the synth pop band through representative singles. The set is so no-frills that the first disc is actually the 1992 collection Erasure Pop! The First 20 Hits in total. With "Who Needs Love (Like That)," "Oh lAmour," "Love to Hate You," and a slew of other big hits, its nearly perfect and the more recognizable of the two discs, but those above casual fan status will get more use out of the second disc, where the bands later (aka lesser-known) years are well sorted. "Always," "Stay with Me," and "Sunday Girl" are disc twos big hits, "Always" getting two airings with the second being a slight remix. More difficult and esoteric albums like Cowboy and Nightbird are shown in the best light here as the band grows not just older but wiser, although the occasional youthful flourish proves Erasure could still create bold club music when the mood struck. Those wanting a little more than the basics should check the Deluxe Box edition of Total Pop!, which adds a live disc plus a DVD of the duos mostly flamboyant performances on the BBC television network. | ||
 | Album: 30 of 38 Title: Tomorrows World Released: 2011-09-30 Tracks: 9 Duration: 31:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Be With You (03:33) 2 Fill Us With Fire (03:16) 3 What Will I Say When You’re Gone? (03:42) 4 You’ve Got to Save Me Right Now (02:52) 5 A Whole Lotta Love Run Riot (03:46) 6 When I Start To (Break It All Down) (03:43) 7 I Lose Myself (03:15) 8 Then I Go Twisting (03:51) 9 Just When I Thought It Was Ending (03:40) |
| Tomorrow's World : Allmusic album Review : Erasures previous effort returned the synth pop duo to form, so on their 2011 release, and 14th overall, they take the logical step of handing over a bit of their legacy to an outside producer. Electropop enthusiast Frankmusik (Lady Gaga, Pet Shop Boys) is the wise choice made here, and the results are generally quite good, sometimes excellent. Many tracks benefit from the attractive combination of lead singer Andy Bells increased lyric-writing skills and the hired producers presentation of the 2011 house music "thwak," as both "I Lose Myself" and "Be with You" are fine acknowledgments of Gaga and Benny Benassis dancefloor domination. Fans get to experience Vince Clarke’s fingerprints on "Fill Us with Fire" and "When I Start To (Break It All Down)," as the recent reunion of his Yaz project is reflected in the nocturnal synth pop and soul muscle driving these highlights. Theres a cohesiveness issue that keeps this one off their top shelf, but Erasure have settled nicely into that groove that the best veteran bands often do. Last time out it was the vital release while this time its the very attractive diversion, adding new flavors to a group that sounds much more inspired than youd expect at this point. | ||
 | Album: 31 of 38 Title: Essential Released: 2012-03-19 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:00:58 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Who Needs Love (Like That) (03:06) 2 It Doesn’t Have to Be (03:46) 3 The Circus (04:06) 4 You Surround Me (03:58) 5 Am I Right? (04:18) 6 Sometimes (03:39) 7 When Will I See You Again (02:59) 8 Video Killed the Radio Star (03:51) 9 Victim of Love (03:38) 10 Ship of Fools (04:03) 11 Star (03:38) 12 Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime (03:20) 13 Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) (03:58) 14 Chorus (04:30) 15 Always (04:01) 16 I Love Saturday (04:00) |
 | Album: 32 of 38 Title: Snow Globe Released: 2013-11-08 Tracks: 22 Duration: 2:03:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Bells of Love (Isabelles of Love) (03:59) 2 Gaudete (02:43) 3 Make It Wonderful (03:34) 4 Sleep Quietly (02:52) 5 Silent Night (03:53) 6 Loving Man (03:23) 7 The Christmas Song (02:26) 8 Bleak Midwinter (04:27) 9 Blood on the Snow (03:43) 10 Therell Be No Tomorrow (03:39) 11 Midnight Clear (03:32) 12 White Christmas (03:29) 13 Silver Bells (03:05) 1 Gaudete (a cappella version) (02:21) 2 Stop the Cavalry (acoustic version) (02:57) 3 Silent Night (instrumental version) (03:53) 4 She Wont Be Home (2013 Redux) (03:09) 5 Make It Wonderful (acoustic version) (03:53) 6 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (2013 Redux) (03:20) 7 White Christmas (instrumental version) (03:33) 8 Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus (Spoken Word Piece) (03:49) 1 The Erasure Christmas Radio Show (Recorded live Inside the Snow Globe) (52:02) |
| Snow Globe : Allmusic album Review : If the holidays are a time of miracles, its only fitting that Snow Globe at one point combines Kraftwerk beats with a 16th century song, and all by way of Steeleye Span. The track where it happens, "Gaudete", is the same carol that the Span had a hit with in the 70s, but the miracle bit is that Erasures thoroughly modern take on the cut could warm the heart of a deep space robot, echoing into the vacuum with sequencers, sacred vocals, church bells, and not the slightest hint of cheese. Its vocalist Andy Bells triumphant and sincere performance of the carol that really sells it, and with years of seeing poignancy and camp as two sides of the same coin, hes set up for a win on Snow Globe, a holiday album thats nostalgic for the animated Christmas television specials of the past with its artwork, but bold enough to drop "I dont believe in your religion/I only know what I can see" during its opening number "Bells of Love (Isabelles of Love)". There are many original holiday songs here, vividly depicting the time of year when many reflect and roll wistfully through the nostalgic thoughts in their head, all in an effort to gather some spiritual warmth after being driven inside by cold days and long nights. Vince Clarkes brand of electro-pop is the ghosts of Christmases future, past, and present all at once, with the crispness of the MP3 age meeting bleeps and bloops that could have been on Erasure album number one (1986). Old favorites get the Erasure spin as "Silent Night" is delivered dramatically as if it was Dylan Thomas "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night", while "White Christmas" is an almost audio verite piece, covering Bells scratchy record performance with a Pachinko bar worth of downtown Tokyo sounds.Thats much more effort than veteran acts usually pour into a holiday album, but with odd, quirky, and cheeky ideas popping in and out, Snow Globe is still for those predisposed to the duo. Think of it as a personal and meaningful gift for fans, not just some "didnt think much about it" trinket or faceless gift certificate. | ||
 | Album: 33 of 38 Title: The Violet Flame Released: 2014-09-22 Tracks: 10 Duration: 37:41 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Dead of Night (03:17) 2 Elevation (04:17) 3 Reason (03:43) 4 Promises (03:46) 5 Be the One (03:43) 6 Sacred (04:06) 7 Under the Wave (03:46) 8 Smoke and Mirrors (03:48) 9 Paradise (03:23) 10 Stayed a Little Late Tonight (03:52) |
| The Violet Flame : Allmusic album Review : Following a holiday album (2013s Snow Globe) with this "return to form" album means veteran duo Erasure are now on the cliched career revival path for aging pop stars, but maybe its just by chance. Make that "likely," as The Violet Flame gets right down to dancey, inspired business on its opening "Dead of Night," a track that pumps with the beat of any given single off the duos great 1989 album Wild!. Classic lyrics from Andy Bell speak to the morality play that club night can be ("Too many times youre forgiven/Now you cry like youre the victim") then the chorus is like a pair of bright red cha-cha heels (a joyful stuttering of "D-d-d-dead of night") that wont be ignored. If hearing Bell in his Maleficent costume is a decadent kind of delicious, hes still an excellent Sleeping Beauty as well, as the pumping "Paradise" welcomes a new soul mate with open arms and open heart. Synth man Vince Clarke is simpatico in these back-to-the-future surroundings, as the great "Be the One" sounds like he plundered the computer and found some early sketches of Yazs "Only You." while "Under the Wave" could be seamlessly mixed with all the minimal bleeping and blooping on Depeche Modes debut album Speak & Spell, also known as Clarkes last hurrah with the band. The big anthem this time out is "Elevation," a cut with the simplicity of Robin Ss "Show Me Love" and lyrics preaching freedom to the dancing masses ("It makes you kinda wonder, what are we supposed to do/When the fate of many, is guided by the hand of few/Who-o-oa."), then theres the closing "Stayed a Little Late Last Night" and the heart-breaking "Smoke and Mirrors," both serving the roles of a soul-filling number that sticks to the bones. With all the elements in place, the late-era The Violet Flame sits on the top shelf of Erasure albums, and considering all the greatness in the back catalog, thats no easy task. | ||
 | Album: 34 of 38 Title: Always: The Very Best of Erasure Released: 2015-10-30 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:15:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Who Needs Love Like That (03:06) 2 Oh LAmour (03:07) 3 Sometimes (03:39) 4 Victim of Love (03:38) 5 The Circus (04:06) 6 Ship of Fools (04:03) 7 Chains of Love (03:43) 8 A Little Respect (03:31) 9 Stop! (02:55) 10 Drama! (04:05) 11 Blue Savannah (04:19) 12 Chorus (04:30) 13 Love to Hate You (03:58) 14 Take a Chance on Me (03:46) 15 Always (04:02) 16 Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summers Day) (04:23) 17 Breathe (03:48) 18 Be With You (03:35) 19 Elevation (03:37) 20 Sometimes (2015) (03:32) |
| Always: The Very Best of Erasure : Allmusic album Review : Displaying the evolution of the synth pop duo by way of their representative singles, Always: The Very Best of Erasure aims to be the most concise roundup for the three-decade-old group, as it cuts the two-disc Total Pop! The First 40 Hits down to one 20-track disc. Arguing about the omissions means talking about the second tier as all the necessary songs are included, with "Who Needs Love Like That," "Oh lAmour," "Love to Hate You," and the title cut all taking their rightful place. The groups later years -- less commercially successful but arguably more artistically rich -- are well presented with career highlights such as "Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summers Day)" and "Elevation" on board, then the rebooted 2015 remix of "Sometimes" closes the set like a fun curio. As a one-stop shop, this is an easy pick for those looking for the whole career overview, but returning fans and fanatics might want to seek out the limited and bonus editions, which add 12" mixes from the groups heyday along with new remixes from the likes of David Wrench and group member Vince Clarke. | ||
 | Album: 35 of 38 Title: From Moscow to Mars: An Erasure Anthology Released: 2016-12-09 Tracks: 178 Duration: 14:09:30 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Who Needs Love Like That? (2009 Remaster) (03:06) 2 Heavenly Action (2011 Remaster) (03:29) 3 Oh L’Amour (August mix) (2009 Remaster) (03:08) 4 Sometimes (03:39) 5 It Doesn’t Have to Be (2011 Remaster) (03:57) 6 Victim of Love (03:38) 7 The Circus (04:06) 8 Ship of Fools (04:03) 9 Chains of Love (03:39) 10 A Little Respect (03:31) 11 Stop! (7″ version) (02:56) 12 Drama! (7″ version) (04:06) 13 You Surround Me (7″ version) (03:59) 14 Blue Savannah (7″ version) (04:20) 15 Star (7″ version) (03:39) 16 Chorus (04:30) 1 Love to Hate You (03:58) 2 Am I Right? (04:18) 3 Breath of Life (7″ mix) (03:56) 4 Take a Chance on Me (03:46) 5 Always (7″ mix) (04:02) 6 Run to the Sun (7″ mix) (04:12) 7 I Love Saturday (7″ mix) (04:01) 8 Stay With Me (Commercial mix) (04:44) 9 Fingers and Thumbs (Cold Summer’s Day) (edit) (04:23) 10 Rock Me Gently (04:07) 11 In My Arms (03:28) 12 Don’t Say Your Love Is Killing Me (03:49) 13 Rain (Al Stone mix) (04:09) 14 Freedom (radio mix) (02:54) 15 Moon and the Sky (JC’s Heaven Scent radio re-work) (04:16) 16 Solsbury Hill (04:18) 17 Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) (edit) (03:28) 1 Breathe (03:49) 2 Don’t Say You Love Me (03:45) 3 Here I Go Impossible Again (03:30) 4 All This Time Still Falling Out of Love (04:12) 5 Boy (acoustic Union Street version) (03:50) 6 I Could Fall in Love With You (Jeremy Wheatley radio mix) (04:00) 7 Sunday Girl (radio mix) (03:15) 8 Storm in a Teacup (03:28) 9 Sucker for Love (edit) (03:32) 10 When I Start To (Break It All Down) (03:33) 11 Be With You (radio version) (03:34) 12 Fill Us With Fire (03:17) 13 Gaudete (02:43) 14 Make It Wonderful (03:04) 15 Elevation (03:37) 16 Reason (03:13) 17 Sacred (03:29) 1 Fill Us With Fire (03:17) 2 Save Me Darling (04:01) 3 Fly Away (03:21) 4 Here I Go Impossible Again (03:40) 5 Witch in the Ditch (03:44) 6 Miracle (04:12) 7 Siren Song (04:43) 8 Mad as We Are (03:50) 9 Boy (acoustic) (03:49) 10 Joan (03:50) 11 I Bet You’re Mad at Me (03:58) 12 Golden Heart (03:12) 13 A Long Goodbye (05:34) 14 What Will I Say When You’re Gone? (03:42) 15 Brother & Sister (03:24) 16 A Whole Lotta Love Run Riot (03:46) 1 Sono Luminus (07:51) 2 Because You’re So Sweet (04:17) 3 Love Affair (03:38) 4 Home (04:14) 5 Alien (04:32) 6 Precious (03:31) 7 Don’t Dance (03:39) 8 How My Eyes Adore You (03:20) 9 Boy (03:41) 10 Blues Away (05:01) 11 Spiralling (acoustic) (02:28) 12 Piano Song (03:17) 13 Tenderest Moments (acoustic) (05:16) 14 Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime (03:20) 15 Cry So Easy (03:35) 16 You’ve Got to Save Me Right Now (02:52) 17 Weight of the World (03:40) 1 Supernature (05:45) 2 The Hardest Part (03:38) 3 When I Needed You (03:59) 4 She Won’t Be Home (03:28) 5 Knocking On Your Door (02:56) 6 Don’t Suppose (03:27) 7 Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (03:55) 8 Over the Rainbow (03:29) 9 Waiting for Sex (full length) (04:05) 10 Tenderest Moments (05:28) 11 March on Down the Line (03:45) 12 Dreamlike State (03:30) 13 The Soldier’s Return (03:06) 14 Heart of Glass (live in Oxford) (04:58) 15 Let It Flow (04:21) 16 Runaround on the Underground (03:23) 17 Rapture (05:14) 18 Paradise (04:10) 1 La La La (04:10) 2 Truly, Madly, Deeply (04:25) 3 Like Zsa Zsa Zsa Gabor (04:01) 4 Sweet Sweet Baby (04:18) 5 True Love Wars (04:07) 6 Ghost (06:11) 7 Hi Nrg (05:53) 8 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (03:22) 9 In the Name of the Heart (03:50) 10 Die 4 Love (03:32) 11 Tragic (04:20) 12 First Contact (vocal mix) (06:04) 13 Love Is Colder Than Death (02:11) 14 Don’t Say No (03:45) 15 In the Hall of the Mountain King (02:34) 16 No G.D.M. (04:05) 17 Take Me On a Highway (03:21) 18 Tomorrow’s World (04:15) 1 A Little Respect (extended mix) (06:36) 2 Waiting for the Day (Vince Clarke remix) (04:40) 3 Supernature (William Orbit remix) (06:57) 4 Blue Savannah (Little Boots remix) (04:57) 5 S.O.S. (Perimeter mix) (05:17) 6 Love to Hate You (Bruce Forest remix) (07:39) 7 Snappy (The Spice Has Risen mix) (05:14) 8 Ship of Fools (Nicka & Asle’s Stella Polaris remix) (07:51) 9 The Circus (The Equalateral mix) (09:34) 10 Elevation (Jack Antonoff remix) (03:26) 11 Stay With Me (Guitar mix) (07:16) 1 Stop (12" remix) (05:46) 2 I Could Fall in Love With You (Jeremy Wheatley extended 12" mix) (05:59) 3 Always (Always in Motion mix) (06:20) 4 Blue Savannah (Out of the Blue mix) (06:44) 5 Oh L’Amour (Almighty remix) (06:30) 6 Chorus (Aggressive trance mix) (08:50) 7 Heavenly Action (Matt Pop’s Planet Cupid mix) (05:35) 8 Breath of Life (Joey Beltram mix) (04:28) 9 You Surround Me (Syrinx mix) (07:12) 10 If I Could (Japanese mix) (03:46) 11 Rock Me Gently (A Combination of Special Events) (10:49) 1 Victim of Love (live - The Circus Tour 1987) (04:02) 2 Knocking on Your Door (live - The Erasure Show 2005) (02:39) 3 A Whole Lotta Love Run Riot (live - Tomorrow’s World Tour 2011) (03:43) 4 Joan (live - The Phantasmagorical Entertainment Tour 1992) (04:10) 5 Witch in the Ditch (live - The Innocents Tour 1988) (03:52) 6 I Bet You’re Mad at Me (live - The Erasure Show 2005) (03:44) 7 Home (live - The Phantasmagorical Entertainment Tour 1992) (04:48) 8 Spiralling (live - The Innocents Tour 1988) (02:59) 9 Sunday Girl (live - Light at the End of the World Tour 2007) (04:04) 10 Don’t Say Your Love Is Killing Me (live - An Evening with Erasure 1997) (03:38) 11 Breathe (live - The Erasure Show 2005) (03:30) 12 Sometimes (live - The Innocents Tour 1988) (03:30) 13 Tenderest Moments (live - The acoustic Tour 2006) (05:28) 14 Ave Maria (live - The Erasure Show 2005) (02:51) 15 Soldiers Return (live - The Phantasmagorical Entertainment Tour 1992) (03:14) 16 I Could Fall in Love With You (live - Light at the End of the World Tour 2007) (04:28) 17 A Little Respect (live - The Innocents Tour 1988) (03:39) 1 Who Needs Love Like That? (Audition version) (02:45) 2 Blue (Searching) (04:10) 3 Piano (Tomorrow’s World demo) (02:23) 4 Waiting for the Day (demo) (03:40) 5 Siempre = Always (Spanish version) (03:54) 6 2000 Miles (Monteverde 7″ mix) (03:28) 7 Chanson = Moon & The Sky (French demo) (04:15) 8 Am I Right? (Guitar demo) (01:56) 9 Worlds on Fire (demo) (03:22) 10 Run to the Sun (demo) (02:47) 11 Breath of Life (Piano demo) (00:29) 12 Alien (demo) (04:01) 13 A Whole Lotta Love Run Riot (demo) (02:07) 14 Moon & The Sky (The Beatmasters remix) (03:38) 15 Untitled (Loveboat demo) (03:03) 16 Amo Odiarti = Love to Hate You (Italian disco Anthem mix) (03:54) 17 UK Vibe 3 (Tomorrow’s World demo) (01:46) 18 Symphony (04:31) 19 Reason (Sirius XM radio session) (03:28) 1 A Little Respect - 30 Years of Erasure (1:59:00) |
 | Album: 36 of 38 Title: World Be Gone Released: 2017-05-19 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:22:37 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Love You to the Sky (04:26) 2 Be Careful What You Wish For! (03:21) 3 World Be Gone (03:39) 4 A Bitter Parting (03:13) 5 Still It’s Not Over (04:03) 6 Take Me Out of Myself (04:34) 7 Sweet Summer Loving (03:55) 8 Oh What a World (04:15) 9 Lousy Sum of Nothing (04:12) 10 Just a Little Love (03:33) 1 Love You to the Sky (radio mix) (03:20) 2 Nothing I Could Say (03:01) 3 Love You to the Sky (Ladytron remix) (04:51) 4 Love You to the Sky (Vince Clarke remix) (05:15) 5 Love You to the Sky (Adam Turner remix) (07:13) 6 Love You to the Sky (Matt Pop remix) (07:03) 7 Love You to the Sky (Loframes remix) (04:55) 8 Love You to the Sky (Adam Turner dub) (07:44) |
| World Be Gone : Allmusic album Review : Erasures self-produced 17th studio album, World Be Gone finds the duo honing in on a reflective synth pop befitting the wind-down portion of the dance. Affected by the political upheaval of the period leading up to its release in the spring of 2017, it features a few calls to action amid selections that are more generally about the need for love. The rousing opener, "Love You to the Sky," is a straight-up love song (and classic earworm) that begins with Krupa-like drums, establishing a thumping drumbeat that makes it the closest thing to a club track on the record. More sociopolitical in nature are "Lousy Sum of Nothing," a plea for political engagement and caring, and "Oh What a World." The latter is a darker, gothy entry that opens with the lyrics "I want to be in the witness protection program/I dont like what weve become," later adding "A million voices go unheard/What became of wanting to be free?" It builds to a gospel-tinged chorus for singer Andy Bell, who provides his own choral-style harmonies. "Still Its Not Over" is another song that begs for social change, with "a time for quiet contemplation dying on the steps of city hall." A keyboard ballad with minimal drums, it puts all the focus on Bells words and the melodic payoff of the chorus. Elsewhere, the lyrics "Please talk to me as if Im equal" carry a double meaning that works in the context of a relationship or greater society. While the albums tone is certainly restrained, its hopeful, too; "Sweet Summer Loving" exudes gratitude, and the final track, "Just a Little Love," parts on a bright note and four on the floor. While theres no real dance anthem in the bunch, World Be Gone does deliver on vocals and memorable Vince Clarke melodies, as well as on arrangements that add some oomph to slower tempos. At the time of its release, it seems on point. | ||
 | Album: 37 of 38 Title: World Beyond Released: 2018-03-09 Tracks: 10 Duration: 40:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Oh What a World (04:29) 2 Be Careful What You Wish For (03:27) 3 World Be Gone (04:00) 4 A Bitter Parting (03:10) 5 Still Its Not Over (04:02) 6 Take Me Out of Myself (04:55) 7 Sweet Summer Loving (03:55) 8 Love You to the Sky (04:26) 9 Lousy Sum of Nothing (04:12) 10 Just a Little Love (03:26) |
| World Beyond : Allmusic album Review : Following its antecedent by less than a year, World Beyond is a track-by-track orchestrated version of Erasures 2017 album, World Be Gone. The band last did something like this in 1987 on a handful of tracks from The Two Ring Circus, a companion LP to their second album, The Circus. A re-recording more than a "reimagining," it captures Andy Bell back in the studio for fresh vocal takes, this time with the Belgian chamber ensemble Echo Collective. Given that Erasures other half, synth pop icon Vince Clarke, would seem to be excluded from such an endeavor, it may surprise some to learn that he was the one who came up with the idea, for a single. (Hes credited with "bright idea" in the liner notes.) As the project expanded, Clarke was heavily involved in planning with Echo Collective, though it should be noted that members of the septet did the arrangements, and Echo Collective received the sole producer credit. With some of its songs addressing anxieties resulting from election outcomes in 2016, its one of the duos melancholier releases, and the material lends itself well to these sparer, warmer arrangements. Having said that, the bands own tendencies already lend themselves to this treatment, including their dramatic melodies, solid rhythmic and harmonic foundations, and general poignancy, even on many of their more uptempo dance hits. A track like "Sweet Summer Loving" implies electronics with twinkling mallet percussion, ornamental touches by piano and strings, and a literal bassline. Elsewhere, the keyboard ballad "Still Its Not Over" is stripped to bare-bones piano, strings, and percussion. Helped by the fact that there isnt a genuine club banger on World Be Gone, the rearrangements are often surprisingly seamless, especially considering that Erasure have such a trademark electronic sound. On tracks like the 2017 single "Just a Little Love," however, fans are likely to miss the rousing infectiousness of the original. Through its similarities, though, World Beyond amplifies how efficient Erasures own arrangements are, while at the same time giving Bell more space to command the room, which he does, with nuanced performances. | ||
 | Album: 38 of 38 Title: World Be Live Released: 2018-07-06 Tracks: 24 Duration: 1:36:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Oh lamour (Live) (03:52) 2 Ship of Fools (Live) (04:04) 3 Breathe (Live) (03:35) 4 Mad As We Are (Live) (03:57) 5 Just a Little Love (Live) (03:37) 6 In My Arms (Live) (03:41) 7 Chains of Love (Live) (04:00) 8 Sacred (Live) (04:40) 9 Sweet Summer Loving (Live) (04:20) 10 I Love Saturday (Live) (03:52) 11 Victim of Love (Live) (04:17) 12 Phantom Bride (Live) (03:47) 13 World Be Gone (Live) (03:48) 14 Who Needs Love (Like That) [Live] (03:09) 15 Take Me Out of Myself (Live) (05:32) 16 Blue Savannah (Live) (04:46) 17 Atomic (Live) (04:37) 18 Drama! (Live) (04:13) 19 Stop! (Live) (03:23) 20 Love You to the Sky (Live) (04:18) 21 Always (Live) (03:53) 22 Here I Go Impossible Again (Live) (03:31) 23 Sometimes (Live) (03:30) 24 A Little Respect (Live) (03:53) |