Disco de t.A.T.u.: “Dangerous and Moving”

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 LOVED t.A.T.u's first album, "200 K/M In The Wrong Lane" - it was one of the best CDs of 2003. In 2005, the girls finally returned with "Dangerous And Moving" - the girls weren't lesbian no more, but they were still feisty.

This album is very good, but not as likably instant as their first. I liked all the songs on the first listen on the 1st album, but it took me quite awhile to get into this one.

What are the standout tracks? "Craving (I Only Want What I Can't Have)" is my favourite - this track is sweet, slow and midtempo. It's not boring in any way though - it's very catchy and chantlike, easy to sing along to. The lyrics are amazing too. "Gomenasai" is another standout, it's another slower song. "Gomenasai" means 'I'm sorry' in Japanese. The song is in English though. Again, the lyrics are outstanding, and I love the piano. As for the upbeat tracks, I love "Loves Me Not" - this track is very reminiscent of their first album, it sounds like "Show Me Love" or "All The Things She Said." Instantly likeable and catchy, this is great to sing along to. "We Shout" is a very short 3 minute track, it's simple and chantlike, but works. The all Russian track "Obizienka Nol" is great - it's very rocky and loud, and a fun song.

After listening to this album a couple of times in a row, the songs start to sound the same, which loses it a star. This doesn't happen with their first album. But overall, this is a very good album.