Customer Reviews

Hope

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The album is a natural follow-up to Human Nature. Knowing that this was planned as a last release, and announced so soon after Human Nature, it has a slight melancholy to it's "mood swings". But it still rocks and is still so unique in the melodic rock world, it has to be part of your Harem collection. Living in the US, I did not discover HS until a few years ago. I now own all their releases. It is an amazing journey, and it has to frustrate the band that they never broke down here (although they are not alone) in the vast radio wasteland in America. I am sure they feel like they have gone as far as they will ever go with the band, and it is time to look for larger success elsewhere. But make no mistake, Harem Scarem IS the greatest rock band that never broke out like they deserved. Someday someone will discover them and copy their sound (but probably not their talent) and make it big. It's all there, but through bad timing, bad connections, bad "karma", or whatever it was, Harem Scarem will forever be my favorite band that "nobody ever heard of". Good luck, guys. Thanks. Now, when can we expect a reunion?

It's always hard to say goodbye to a good friend,and that is exactly what HS have been to the melodic rock scene for many years.The overall mood of the cd seems to be a bit darker and more somber than their previous release (Human Nature),and it's not as catchy as some of their earlier releases such as Mood Swings and their self titled debut (maybe they are depressed about saying goodbye?),but it is an excellent addition to your melodic rock collection.

This is another great album in a very impressive career by one of the best melodic rock bands ever. Harem Scarem are one of those bands that really can do no wrong. They combine great playing with memorable song writing and excellent production to create intense albums. Harry Hess is certainly one of the best singers ever and he gives it his all on this album from start to finish with a very passionate vocal delivery. Pete Lesperance is an awesome guitarist who yet again delivers another unbelievable performance. The whole album is very rocking with just two extremely good ballads - in fact the ballads are so good that I really wish there was another! Highlights include the melodic opener "Watch Your Back", the wicked groove of "Time Bomb", the classic sound of "Never Too Late", and the two amazing ballads "Shooting Star" and "Nothing Without You". The Japanese edition also has an excellent reworked version of "Stranger Than Love" from an earlier album. This is a highly recommended 4.5 star final album from one of my favourite bands ever.

It's hard to believe it's been nearly two decades since this band started. Harry Hess, one of the finest voices in melodic hard rock, along with guitarist extraordinaire Pete Lesperance, have led this band through the 90s and most of this decade with some of the most amazing songs and harmonies that have to be heard to be appreciated. Their second effort "Mood Swings", released in 1993, showed a maturity and a catchiness at the same time that has yet to be matched by bands with a lot more years under their belts. This band, to its credit, has never repeated whatever formula that made one album succeed on their next effort. Always innovative but always accessible. Never mind that there have been at least half a dozen live albums and literally over a dozen compilations from their former label, Warner Music Canada...the songs have stood up well over the years and Hope is no exception. Their knack for brilliant harmony vocals is all over the place from the opener "Watch Your Back" to the acoustic version of their earlier track "Higher" that closes the disc. Other standouts inclue the ballad "Shooting Star" (not the Bad Company song) along with "Time Bomb" and "Days are Numbered". If you're a fan of these guys, do yourself a favor and check out their final offering. It's been a great ride, and they're all going to be branching out...Harry and Pete have both produced many other artists (one of them a runner-up on Canadian Idol who even used a few of Harry's songs and did them justice)...there are other offshoot projects. Drummer Creighton Doane has a few solo projects out and is the brother of Melanie Doane, who's just released hersixth album. It'll be sad knowing these guys have called it a day as a band, but they've left us with plenty of great melodic hard rock to enjoy for years to come. (I'd give this one 5 stars if they promised not to break up the band!) If you haven't heard these guys before, start with "Harem Scarem" and "Mood Swings" (their first two) and go from there. This one's a bittersweet goodbye...enjoy the music.

From watch your back to timebomb ,to hope this cd rocks with catchy gutar playing ,and great vocals ,as most of harem scarem stuff does.But unfornately this is their last too bad , because they are like a good wine they got better with time. I hope this review was helpfull to you