t.A.T.u. Album: “Dangerous and Moving [Import Bonus Tracks]”

who says that a bands second album shouldn't sound like their first? i say dont fix what aint broken. this is basically 200km pt.2......but better. the songs are a little deeper and more polished. the standout tracks for me are, "all about us", "craving" (beautiful song), "we shout", "perfect enemy", "dangerous and moving", "friend or foe". the latter song features sting on bass. how can you beat that?

nothing groundbreaking here, but it is a very enjoyable cd. if you liked their first album or any of the previous singles, you'll love this album.

Although it seemed they had disappeared from the planet, Russian duo Tatu returned in 2005 with their sophomore attempt, Dangerous and Moving. Dropping all pretences of being a lesbian couple, the gimmick that brought them into the spotlight in the first place, the girls offered up a second album that, like their debut, was accessible to everyone, and full of excellent music. Some of the songs still do have lesbian overtones, but seeing as one of the girls is bisexual (not that it matters), it makes sense. This album makes it clear that the girls' voices have improved greatly, especially Julia whose borderline screeches put a slight strain on their debut. If people would just get past the whole issue of the girls pretending to be something they weren't, they would realize that both albums from the pair provided quality music, often with lyrics better than artists whose native language was English. This album is a step up from their already great debut, and hopefully they keep moving in this direction (no pun intended).

An engaging intro kicks things off, immediately capturing the attention of the listeners. It's a fast-paced instrumental track, which easily sets the mood for the rest of the album. With almost a dark kind of sound, it is reminiscent of songs on Tatu's debut album as well as sets the tone for other songs here. Lead single "All About Us" follows, and considering how good the song is, it is baffling as to why it didn't do better when it was released. This song is almost a sequel to "Not Gonna Get Us", but without sounding like a carbon copy. In it, the girls sing about how their relationship is about them and no one else. The lyrics are touching and well-written, although a little on the simplistic side. Following this is an absolutely stunning track entitled "Cosmos (Outer Space)", although I can't quite put my finger on what makes it so great. There's something about the almost dark, moody tone to the lyrics that makes it intriguing. Their voices sound much stronger here than their debut, this really showing how far they've come in the past couple of years. The bridge in particular sounds amazing, although the entire song is wonderfully haunting ("Outer space is where we get together/in the cosmos we are free...").

"Loves Me Not" is a touching song about how one of the girls complicated things by falling in love with a boy, and her confusion over what to do about the situation. The verses really convey the confusion and almost loneliness the girl in the circumstance is feeling, which is a large part of what makes the song so great. The bridge again is excellent, as it has one of the girls singing a previous verse slower, and more emotionally. "Friend or Foe", featuring bass guitar played by Sting (although barely audible), describes a faltering relationship and how the girls don't know where they stand anymore. The instrumental part in the middle of the song is incredible, as is the transition back to vocals, where the girls sing softly, conveying the emotions really well. The lyrics aren't the best here, but they fit perfectly with the rest of the song, so it is excusable. "Gomenasai" is rumoured to be an apology dedicated to the people of Japan after the girls had to cancel a tour date there. The song itself has the girls apologizing for letting someone down, and letting them know they made a mistake but feel badly for it. The emotive vocals and beautiful instrumentation in this song are both incredible, and along with the sweet lyrics make a brilliant song.

"Craving (I Only Want What I Can't Have)" is a chorus-driven song, although the verses are much stronger lyrically. This song definitely shows the improvement the girls have made in their vocals. The vocals here are almost haunting, yet sweet and beautiful and suit the tone of the song incredibly. Like the previous two songs, this has an excellent instrumental break toward the middle which only serves to make the song even more enjoyable. "Sacrifice" is, like all the songs here, superbly produced and Julia, who sings lead here, sounds amazing. The verses are hauntingly sung and the lyrics are beautifully written, although many would say they don't make any sense. This was the only song that for whatever reason I didn't really like at first, but it grew on me by the second listen to the album. Instrumentation here is again extremely well-done. "We Shout" is another beautiful ballad, and contains arguably the best lyrics of all the songs on the album. Everything about this song is beautiful, in a melancholy and evocative kind of way. Although all the songs on this album are excellent, I would have to say this is one of my favourites. The stripped down instrumentation during the verses really allow the girls' vocals to shine, and shows off the vast improvement from the last album.

"Perfect Enemy" was the only other song, along with "Sacrifice", that was not immediately likeable. However, also like "Sacrifice", I loved it by the second listen to the album. Rumour has it this song is dedicated to their controlling ex-manager, but I don't know how true this is. I must say though, if it is true, the lyrics really do fit but they could also be applied to a situation with an ex-love. The second verse, which I believe is sung by Lena, sounds particularly beautiful. "Obezyanka Nol" is a Russian song that seems somewhat out of place at first, but quickly becomes a welcome addition to the album as a whole. I have no idea what this song is about, but the dark tone fits perfectly with the English songs on the album. Vocally, both girls once again show off how far their voices have come in the past couple of years. Finally, the title track "Dangerous and Moving" is another favourite. Incorporating the music from the intro, I believe this song is supposed to be about rumours and such in the media. The lyrics fit best if applied to this interpretation of the song, but also work well if the song is about other topics. The second verse in particular is amazing ("No mercy for the lost/no soothing for the sad..."). This is an excellent way to close off an already amazing album.

Overall Mark: 5/5

In the world of modern pop music, it is rare for any artist to put out an album where every single song is enjoyable. Even more rare is an album where the vocalists convey the messages in the songs with a great deal of emotion, even if their voices may not be the best. "Dangerous and Moving" is a perfect example of both of these. Though many can't look past the fact that the girls are still using lesbian overtones when they have already denied that they are lesbian, it becomes irrelevant. Music is about the quality of the album and the songs, not about the image of the artists. With that said, "Dangerous and Moving" is without a doubt one of the most consistent and deepest pop albums that has been put out in a long time.

I admit, like most others, that it was the hook of ATTSS that drew me in. It was reminsicent of Ace of Base, Garbage, a mix of Techno and Rock. That, essentially is t.A.T.u: techno rock. The first album was a good one, but the songs were all very similar. I suppose they stuck with what their producers said to do. And it worked, but wouldn't again on a second album. So here we've got album No. 2, and has it improved? Yes. While also retaining the unique quality the girls had in Album 1. 200 KM/H was techno rock that worked, but thank god they branched out. Songs like "Loves Me Not," "All About Us," and "Dangerous and Moving" stick to the old formula, but there are some new styles being toyed with in songs like "Gomenasai," "Craving," and "Sacrifice." Their music is growing, and so are they, but at heart, they're still t.A.T.u.

All About Us 3/5: Repeating what ATTSS was known for: catchy chorus. Good, but nothing spectacular.

Cosmos 3.5/5: t.A.T.u is stamped on this one. Hard song in the verses, but the chorus lets us know they're still vulnerable at heart.

Loves Me Not 4/5: Unfortunately, repetitive. BUT the chorus is so catchy it's forgiveable. And t.A.T.u singing what only they can sing so well: songs about sexual ambiguity.

Friend or Foe 3/5: I like the different feel this song has, but again the chorus is catchy catchy catchy. It works, but is not anything spectacular.

Gomenasai 2/5: Either you love it or go "meh" over it. It's pretty, but to me is "30 Minutes" off of 200 km/h all over again. The girls do sing it beautifully, though.

Craving (I Only Want What I Can't Have) 3.5/5: This song sounded NOTHING like t.A.T.u at first. It takes them in a new direction entirely. Not one that I think I'd want them to stay in, but it's nice for what it is. Kind of mid-90s vibe to it.

Sacrifice 4/5: Excellent balance of old and new t.A.T.u styles, though Yulia's voice is strained in the chorus. Excellent lyrics.

We Shout 3.5/5: Executing what Gomenasai missed out on: real feeling. Beautiful song, and old-school t.A.T.u. (Based off of Nich'ya, so no wonder.)

Perfect Enemy 2/5: Most uninspired on the album. I say this because it is too old-school and sounds like it could've been Ya Tvoi Vrag off of Dvesti po Vstrechnoi. Just filler.

Obez'yanka Nol 3.5/5: Russian, their beautiful language! The girls sing so unlike they do in English, they really acheive the emotion they sometimes miss in English. Love Yulia's voice here.

Dangerous and Moving 3.5/5: I prefer Lyudi Invalidy, the Russian version of this song. It's about people whose emotions don't exist, that are practically monsters. It's a dramatic song, but danceable as well. I love the idea behind it, and the darkness.

t.A.T.u. won over Americans in their U.S. debut 200 km/h The Wrong Way by being proud lesbians who announced this in every song they had a chance to. However, after accusations of being fake lesbians t.A.T.u. faded away from the American scene, never to be heard from again ... 'til now. The duo returns with their U.S. sophomore album Dangerous And Moving. However, those expecting to be blown away might find this album a tad boring. Music wise, there's hardly anything wrong with it ... other than the whole album is basically 200 km/h The Wrong Way pt. 2. Take the first song (besides the intro) "All About Us" for example, once the chorus hits one might replace the words with "show me love/ show me love/ give me all that I want!" ("Show Me Love" from their debut album.) Like wise with "Cosmos (Outer Space)", one will think back on "Clowns (Can You See Me Now?)" Now keep in mind, none of these are bad songs per se, just none are strikingly different. However, some do hit originality, and dare I say just plain brilliance, especially with lead single "Friend or Foe" ft. Sting on bass. And "Craving (I Only Want What I Can't Have)" is also original and great. However, these hardly save the album. While it's not bad, it's nothing special.

I just picked up a copy of this album after listening to a few select tracks online, and I have to say, wow.

I am honest about the fact that I am a snob when it comes to music, don't even ask my opinion on the current state of the music industry, however, this album is phoenominal. High quality production value, lyrics that don't make you feel dumber for listening to. I normally don't listen to "pop" music, especailly when anyone is around, but this is one of those albums you can play around your friends and not have to either defend it, or worry about your buddies ripping on you. This is one of those rare gems that you dont have to be embarrassed about playing in public.

These chicks can wail!