Pearls Of Passion - Roxette > Reviews > Not very passionate!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Average
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	One hit and lots of B-sides
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Unmemorable
Value for Money	Satisfactory

Advantages:	Some amazing songs
Disadvantages:	Some pretty bland songs

Recommend to potential buyers:

no

Full review

This was the 1st album in 1986 from the Swedish duo consisting of Per Gessle and Marie Fredrikson. The general sound is very different from some of their later work, but if you like general 80's inoffensive pop music, you'll like this album.

The album starts with 'Soul deep' later to reappear on the Joyride album. This is the rockiest on the album, an indication of their later stuff. It's a rocky track, with strong drumbeat and lots of guitars and sing a long lyrics. Admittedly, not one of my favourites on this album though.

'Secrets that she keeps' starts slowly, and the start is almost enough for me to want to press fast forward. It's a typical inoffensive poppy track, with a strong drumbeat. On the whole though, this track doesn't stand out for me on this album.

The following track 'Goodbye to You' is pretty similar, just Per's voice rather than Marie's. This is another track that doesn't stand out for me.

Oh dear, 'I call your name' continues in this vein. Another inoffensive, bland poppy track, similar to the other 2.

'Surrender' has a similar start, but for some reason, this is the track that breaks the mould. With a more upbeat, dancy vibe, it's the 1st track on the album that stands out for me. I love the lyrics and the music, this has a real romantic vibe to it.

'Voices' has a haunting melody. This stands out from the poppy vibes of the first few tracks. This has emotion, with a haunting melody running through it. The vocals are stand out on this track for me. Definitely one of my favourites on this album.

'Neverending Love' brings us back to the pop that Roxette are famous for. Singalong lyrics, a strong melody and the sound that Roxette do so well, this sounds like familiar ground and while it's a poppy track, it does stand out amongst some of the blander tracks on the album.

'Call of the wild' is pure romance. Almost sickeningly sweet, this is the most romantic track on the album and another of my favourite tracks.

The bland poppiness is back with 'Joy of a Toy' which sounds like the first few tracks put into a blender and this is the result. After the last few tracks, this poppiness is almost a disappointment.

'From one heart to another' is another romantic track, although for some reason, it does nothing for me and blends in with some of the blander stuff on this album.

'Like lovers do' is just cringeworthy, and the less said the better!

The version of the album that I have ends with 'So far away' a track that also makes an appearance on the Tourism album. This is another haunting track, and admittedly, where this album is concerned, the haunting romance is what works, the pop is too bland.

I'm undecided about this album. The tracks I do like are outstanding. I really like them, yet the rest of the album is a disappointment. I wouldn't really recommend this album, as a lot of it sounds the same.