|
Their first couple of self-titled albums carried an infectious and tightly produced dance-pop style that won them
much attention. Then followed the yet more adventurous Outsider with its
diversity of energetic styles, including Britpop and hip-hop. Now signed up with Polydor, the guys from Stuttgart known as Normal Generation? are back with a highly commercialised collection of brand new songs,
composed by a variety of writers, but with the names of band members Simon Veigel and Stefan Waidelich rarely out of view.
There's still a dance flavour running through many of these tracks, and a few rap
verses add a touch of spice, but this is essentially pure pop - upbeat rhythms, neat programming and irresistible hook-lines that immediately win you over. 'Captured' is the most intense cut on the set;
'Heyo', with its intricate Spanish guitar improv. is a slice of celebratory Latino delight. Lyrics - all in English - are remarkably clear, non-cryptic and God-focused. String arrangements from the German Pops
Orchestra guide a couple of mellower tracks along, while group vocals are taken on board for those swaying, sing-a-long anthems like 'A friend needs a friend' and 'Hold on'
- bright rays of simple pop optimism!
A slick'n'smooth output from
Germany's top Christian band, now a foursome following the addition of harmony vocalist Rebecca, whose graceful tones are unfortunately never to the fore here. Thirteen tracks, and radio-friendly every one - though,
overall, the sounds are perhaps a bit too pop-smart, as this album rarely dares to step out of the comfort zone. Nevertheless,
v i p (proclaiming the importance of every
human being in the eyes of God) shines forth with appealing and utterly unashamed gospel witness.
Review by tom lennie - October 2002 |
