Erasure Album: “Erasure (Elektra)”

Having listened for the first time both "Erasure" and "Cowboy" one right after the other, there are definitely some contrasts between the typical music of the latter album and the uniqueness of the former. In this album Erasure try to show what their skills really can do when they push themselves into something they don't usually do. The work from this new situation was by all means a very successful experiment. Vince turns out beautiful soundscapes and beats, and Andy takes his talents one notch further. I admire Vince for not using some cheesy drumb and bass sound, and his reliance on analogue synthesizers gives his music a unique Erasure quality. Some of their songs on this album are their strongest, in terms of their emotional and lyrical power, with "fingers & thumbs" being one of their best dance ballads yet. This is more introspective than the others, and listening to it shoulld be done when one feels in a reflective mood. Truly a remarkable album.

I am relatively familiar with Erasure's music, although I cannot say that I know too much about their work pre-I Say I Say I Say.

That aside, though, I feel compelled to express my opinion on this, their self-titled album. To begin with, this is an album that you will probably HAVE to listen to in its entirety in one sitting (or, in my case, over and over in one sitting) in order to grasp the full impact behind this work of art. Each and every track is a beautiful, emotional, melodic journey straight to the heart. When taken as a whole, however, they form to produce one of the most cohesive "concept" albums ever (truly this album is greater than the sum of its individual parts). THIS IS WHAT MUSIC SHOULD BE. Some have expressed their discontent with the length of the album (over 70 minutes) or individual songs (the longest clocking in at nearly 10 minutes). This is an example of the attitude toward and unfortunate state of "pop" music today. True art cannot, and should not, be judged by predetermined expectations of various constraints. Certainly in some cases albums tend to ramble on with unnecessary tracks or endless vocal repetitions. This is not the case here. If you are a connoisseur of romantic ballads and are weary of the current slate of musical offerings, I HIGHLY recommend this brilliant work by arguably the most accomplished synth-popsters in recent memory. You may end up wishing the album went on for another 70 minutes....

The self-titled "Erasure" marked a departure of the typical Erasure pop-wave style, and the end result is an honest, emotional excursion into melancholy.

Vice Clarke still paints with an electronic palette, but the music is more focused, almost minimalistic, accompanied by Andy Bell's desperately honest lyrics and powerful delivery. All is not bleak, as there are real moments of joy throughout.

Actually, Vince and Andy pull off a bit of misdirection; the album begins with a very "Erasure" sounding song, "Intro: Guess I'm into Feeling," followed by "Rescue Me." The mood makes a sudden change with "Sono Luminus," and its emotional pull is unmistakable. "Sono Luminus" segues into "Fingers and Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)" and the listener is carried along with the emotional tide for the remainder of the album.

"Erasure" is not as accessible as "The Innocents" nor is it the upbeat, cheesy pop found on "Abba-esque." However, for the patient listener, the payoff is 71 minutes of haunting, emotional music.

I have been a fan since their first album, Wonderland. and this is my favorite Erasure album.

Why?

Because it is brilliant in the way Pink Floyd's the Wall is brilliant...well, not really. Anyway, you get my point.

Erasure's Erasure feels and plays like an experimental album, with each of the songs somehow seguing into the next effortlessly. The songs themselves are unorthodoxically structured, with layered sounds that never cease to amaze even after multiple listenings. Kudos to Vince.

Andy's vocals are brilliant here. He is able to convey emotions and feelings into his songs unlike he has before or since. My favorites are Sono Luminous, Rescue Me, Fingers and Thumbs and Angel.

The songs are atmospheric, moody and melodic, and they never get boring.

Erasure at their finest.

I have to agree with the majority of reviews...this is truly a masterpiece among Erasure's musical arsenal. There was never before, and will probably never be after, another Erasure album like it. On its own level, it is a definitive Erasure project and most undoubtedly, their most significant.

While I will always believe The Innocents to be the sole definition of Erasure...as it (like this album) can never be repeated in its perfection, "Erasure" will stand on its own for the sheer awe-inspiring epic that it is. I was so disappointed to hear and read that so many fans felt that this was the worst Erasure album ever. I can only assume that those who felt this way are only fans of Erasure for their dance sensibility, and nothing more.

For new Erasure-philes, The Innocents is your introduction. For the seasoned listener, "Erasure" will seal your appreciation and respect for the greatest musicians we've known.