Customer Reviews

Stargazing

5 star:		(4)
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another strong & emotional release from Alpha. fans of corin dingley & andy jenks' distinct downtempo grooves will, yet again, be pleasantly surprised by their familiar approach in creating a mood that is fueled by love and unrest. although this is a common thread that links all of Alpha's albums, this release is different. like the title, STARGAZING is playful, hopeful & energetic --- which may be indicative of their recent departure from Massive Attack's Melankolic label. the vocal team of martin barnard, helen white & wendy stubbs return; with a new addition of kelvin swaybe who makes a powerful contribution on "elvis." many tracks can stand alone ("lipstick from the asylum," "once round town," & "blue autumn"); however the relationship between each song is what makes this album poignantly beautiful.

ok, i own every cd ever released by this group, but this cd is by far the best to me. the orchestral arrangements are quite unbelievable. i mean, i just cannot put the greatness of this album and group into word. quite amazing. everyone should have a copy of this in their music collection. it's what good, strong, powerful, slow-loving sex feels like

If you liked both Alpha album, but thought The Impossible Thrill was a bit sirupy at times with its grand ochestral movements, fear not this one. It will win you over like Come from Heaven did. The songs with new vocalist are just hauntingly beautiful (pace M. Barnard!).

I won't discuss how much I paid for this baby, but being the avid Alpha fan that I am, I could not go without "Stargazing"! Of course, I had to special order it, but it was all good and well worth every penny! This is more of the same from Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks--orchestral, melodic trip-hop with a downtempo twist--only this go 'round these guys have graduated to a slightly more uptempo groove and have added stunning vocalist, Kelvin Swaby to the mix, who sounds like a Prince/Curtis Mayfield hybrid! His addition to the sultry-sophisticated vocals of Wendy Stubbs, Helen White and Martin Barnard has given Alpha an even more distinct sound. Every song here is beautiful, and the lyrics, once again profound! Is "Stargazing" better than "Come From Heaven" and the "Impossible Thrill"--maybe--but right now it's kinda hard for me to say...I can't seem to get past song number 10.