Customer Reviews

Blue Play

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"Blue Play" is the second album by the little-known Finnish band Passionworks. I say "little known" because I've been unable to find any media profiles or reviews in any language but Finnish, though the band seems to have a following in Germany too.

The band's name is shared with the name of an album by Heart. I assume, but don't know, that this is intentional homage, since the bands share a similar female-led rock/metal sound, and the lead singer lists Heart (and Abba!) as among her primary musical influences.

The band puts Harriett (Harry) Hägglund's vocals front and center. She's up to the task, with a moderately wide range but her voice sometimes sounds a bit flat. Though she is Finnish, she sings with an Australian accent. I have no explanation for this.

The music is often catchy, in a style between rock, hard rock, and pop metal, with a healthy number of ballads. The songs tend to have basic rock structures but unlike most popular rock the band prefers to write in minor keys. It's not as hard-rocking as, say, Joan Jett or Pat Benatar, but probably compares best to Heart.

I LOVE this CD. It is rock, alternative, and foreign. It is exactly what I wanted. I had seen the music video for "falling" and fell in love with this group. I listen to this CD all the time. Very Good.