Have A Nice Day - Roxette > Reviews > Circa 1999 Roxette style

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	Some truely wonderful tracks
Disadvantages:	One definite poor quality track

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

// 'Have A Nice Day' - Roxette \\

Released in 1999 , this became Roxette's 9th album release , and was released on their own Roxette Recordings label , via EMI/Crysalis : UK CD ref. 499 4612.

Having toured extensively until 1996 , Roxette then decided to take a break , and both members went on to release solo albums. However by 1998 , the urge to get back to the recording studio had been rekindled , and so begum the beginnings of this release.

What you will notice with immediate effect is harshness of this album. More emphasis is given to synthesiser use , and many tracks have a distinct power pop / rock feel to them . This is not a bad thing , but that said it does take listening to a few times before you can actually appreciate the album as a whole . There are of course the odd love song / ballad included , and as always a few standout tracks .

As for the tracks , well for your dosh , you get a total of fourteen tracks , so no complaints here . They are as follows :

1) Crush On You

A rebellious track to kick start things , with powerful vocal lead vocal by Per and superb chorus by Marie , all against a mean electro-rock backdrop. 7/10

2) Wish I Could Fly

First of the ballads , and later to be included in Roxette - The Ballad Hits compilation album. This is the Roxette that many know and have grown to love , comprising of sympathetic lyrics against a upbeat yet romantic tune . 8/10

3) You Can't Put Your Arms Around What's Already Gone.

Now that's what I call a song title. Per once again takes on lead vocals on what is quite a racy track . Typical Roxette power pop with trade mark hook line chorus. 8/10

4) Waiting In The Rain

Neither pop nor ballad , a strange one is this , with a very 60's feel to it . You could almost imagine the Mamma's and Pappa's singing this . 6/10

5) Anyone

Orchestral based ballad , which would again find itself on The Ballad Hits compilation. Fantastic lyrics sung with compassion by Marie 9/10

6) It Will Take A Long Long Time

Guitar based ballad , that is so laid back . Again lead vocals taken quite superbly by Marie . One of my favourite tracks . 10/10 .

7) 7Twenty7

Going back to his rock roots , Per resumes lead vocals on this quick tempo Roxy Rock track . 8/10

8) I Was So Lucky

A true gem of a ballad , dreamy backing matched by vocal by Marie . You could imagine Sade wishing she had performed this track . 9/10

9) Stars

A song that has everything . Rock backing , fast paced lyrics and a chorus sung so sweetly by a choir of female child angels . A fantastic power ballad , and the most outstanding track on the album . 15/10 . Play it loud !

10) Salvation .

Again a ballad that would later find itself on The Ballad Hits compilation. This song oozes charm , sophistication and captures the notion of when true love has been found. 10/10

11) Pay The Price

Marie unusually takes leads vocals on a rock based ditty , whose chorus is so unexpected and totally against the norm for Roxette tracks. 7/10

12) Cooper

Slow , sombre , even weird . By no means a typical Roxette recording and my least favoutite of tracks. Just not Roxette ! 4/10

13) Staring At The Groove

Back to the melencholic rock feel , and again led by Marie , with a heavy acoustic feel to it . 6/10

14) Beautiful Things

The final offering , a sad sad bitter sweet love song , sung with determination by Marie . 8/10

\\ The Sleeve //

A typical twelve sided gatefold booklet , synonimous with Roxete recording of late. Glossy , colourful and complete with track by track lyrics , track credits and a decent scattering of Roxette photographic images . 9/10

\\ Conclusion //

A bit of a mixture presented here , with some standout tracks of true quality along with a liberal amount of typical album filler material , which is very unusual for Roxette .
That said, tracks 2 , 6 , 8 , 9 & 10 do make this album worth investing in , especially if you are into Roxette .
Overall scoring a decent 8/10 .