Customer Reviews

Mensch

5 star:		(7)
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This new Grönemeyer album, long anticipated, will not disappoint! The lyrics are brutally honest and personal, reflecting his grief of losing his wife and brother to cancer ("Der Weg" "Dort und Hier"), and then transcends to new hope ("Lache, wenn...") Musically, this album has it all: beautiful orchestra arrangements ("Zum Meer") to rock ("Neuland"). Purely genius, the titletrack "Mensch" will soon be another Grönemeyer classic, joining the ranks of "Männer" and "Alkohol". Grönemeyer is finally back, and he's better than ever!

In a world where American music dominates hit lists in almost every foreign country, it's nice to take a refreshing break and cultivate a taste for something different.

"Mensch" which translates into "person" or 'human being", is along the lines of German rock, but not the awful rough hard rock, nor the bubble gum type. It's a very classy type of rock.

It may seem strange at first listening to someone sing in German, but I assure you the melodies are top notch and sophisticated. Besides, his lyrics have been translated into english ten fold and easily found on the web.

That is not to say you will have an easy time deciphering the message in each song, as Groenemeyer is notorious even in his native country for using obscure and often abstract lyrics, the likes of Stairway To Heaven I can use as an example.

Other songs however, are distinctly obvious even if translated, and reflect the singer's innermost thoughts and feelings.

For an American gal here who appreciates good music, I found this album to be very rewarding and heartfelt and if you have any interest at all, you should be pleased with it.

I was turned on to Mensch while watching MTV in Germany on vacation last year. While my German skills are somewhat limited, I've learned all the lyrics. Every song has it's own mood, style, and vibe. The only complaint I have is that the audio data on the CD is intentionally corrupted (they call it "Kopier-geschützte" or "Copy-protected"), so I was unable to add it to my digital music library.

Herbert Grönemeyer is next to Westernhagen, Germany's most succesful musician ever. For years he has shown the people
his multiple talents ,which also include acting in movies like in the oscar -nominated "das boot" from 1981. But of course his
biggest talent was as a musician. He has had numerous number one
hits and all his records , "Mensch" is his eleventh, were on peak position for months on end. "Mensch" was on number one for about 3 months in Germany.
This Album brought Grönemeyer back in to business after a 3 year break. He took this break because both ,his wife and only a few monts later his brother died of cancer. These tragedies in Grönemeyer's life are reflected in many of his songs, especially in "Der Weg" which is the most moving song I've ever heard in my life. The title Track "Mensch" was 2002's biggest hit in Germany.

I first heard Herbert Groenemeyer while studying in Germany. Years later he still has fabulous passion, integrity and musicianship. I still want to sing along to all his songs. This CD is a great work. Each track has its own personality but all are full of energy and spirit -- vintage Groenemeyer. "Der Weg" will break your heart; "Lache, wenn es nicht zum weinen reicht" will compel you to get up and dance!

An amazing album from an amazing artist...

I have listened to "Der Weg" a hundred times and it still brings me to tears every time. What an incredible tribute to his wife, who died of cancer, and whom he obviously loved so much. Being able to understand this song makes the 20+ years I have spent learning German totally worth it.

However, even non-German speakers should enjoy this album. The music is varied and interesting, and he has a unique singing voice.

Highly recommended!

Herbert Grönemeyer is a major recording star in Europe, and once you've listened to this CD - the biggest-selling German-language album of all time - you'll understand why: marvelous compositions, great musicianship, and provocative lyrics make "Mensch" a truly worthwhile experience.