Scorpions

"I like to show my scorpion's (still) got its sting," sang Klaus Meine on Scorpions' Lovedrive in 1979. Well, Klaus, you and your band may be pleased to hear that I think you have a cracker here, and I think you can probably give a pat on the back to producer Desmond Child too. I could be wrong, but it seems our Scorpions have been listening to some of their producer's previous clients' work for influences.

Meine and Rudolf Schenker have had Scorpions together in some shape or form for over 35 years now, since the release of their debut album, Lonesome Crow in 1972.

This is their 21st studio release and it's close to being as strong as their most popular works from Lovedrive, through the '80s releases, Animal Magnetism, Blackout, Love At First Sting and Savage Amusement. I would say it is probably better than most of their '90s work. I did very much like their 2001 Acoustica release though. That said, I never got their last release, Unbreakable (2004) as certain things put me off that release, much like 1999's Eye 2 Eye.

I'll get my one moan out of the way with opener "Hour 1" and, putting it simply, while I understand that Scorpions are first and foremost a hard rocking band, this opener made me immediately think Metallica (who, I'm sorry to say, I don't like) -- a tad too dark and heavy. "Hour 1" is probably the darkest, heaviest most off-putting (for me) track by Scorpions, and had me concerned about the rest of the album. It was the same way I felt about Desmond Child's last rock opus, Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell 3 with its opener, "The Monster Is Loose." Way off their usual track for both bands, if you ask me.

Not to worry though. The next track, "The Game Of Life" is right up there with "Rock You Like A Hurricane" and "No One Like You" and, to be honest, gives half a nod towards Bon Jovi’s "It's My Life," but I love it!

"We Were Born To Fly" has a Def Leppard / Bon Jovi power ballad feel to it, but all credit to the band -- it's a very well written track, great chorus and song structure.

"The Future Never Dies" really hints at latter day Queen, but it's a very well put together and nicely layered song with orchestral sections and a solo that Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) would be proud of -- it sounds a little like something he’d do.

I think they've perhaps been listening to some successful '80s acts. "Loving Me To Death" has a basic backing guitar riff that is reminiscent of Billy Squier, and also like "Rhythm Of Love" from their Savage Amusement album. Very catchy stuff, and it’s hard to say it doesn’t grab you.

"3-2-1" is up next and starts with a heavy metallic sound through each verse, and when the chorus kicks in it's very strong indeed!

"Love Will Keep Us Alive" is a phenomenal ballad that deserves to be a huge hit, and if not, why not? It is really haunting, even if the basic backing track sounds a little like ... no, I won’t say it. You listen and figure it out yourself.

The next song, "We Will Rise Again" (is this for themselves?) sounds very modern musically a la "Evanescence" but the song stands out as a very strong track.

"Your Last Song" is a fairly safe pop / rock track and, you know, I'm thinking at this point about how well Klaus Meine’s voice still stands up today, especially with the challenges of life on the road and the various rock areas The Scorpions are encapsulating on this release.

"Love Is War" almost revisits "We Will Rise Again" although maybe a little more laid back, which Scorpions can carry off excellently! By the way, the guitar solo work throughout the album by Matthias Jabs is so mature, so smooth, slick and yet still rockin’ his socks off!

Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins guests on vocals on "The Cross," which is another edgy track, but with very strong hook lines. It has an excellent atmospheric feel in places.

Closing track "Humanity" almost reminds me of Queen again in the verses, but through the choruses it's strong Scorpions stuff again. The track ends with a cheesy old time band out track.

I really do feel this is a very strong release and a good return to form for Scorpions. I really didn't know what to expect in a release from them today and, yes, even with the hints of influences throughout, it is NOT a covers album, which seems to be the trend of many bands from the time when Scorpions were at their most successful.

So I wasn’t taken by the opening track, but when you look at all the different rock styles out there today why not include hints / elements in your songwriting to reach out to the masses?

Humanity - Hour I -- strange title but a strong album, worthy of bringing some success back Scorpions' way. Oh, and did I mention that "Love Will Keep Us Alive" deserves to be a huge hit single?

Can't wait to catch them on the road!