Customer Reviews

Universe

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

 

 

Universe will definitely go down as one of the best albums produced and performed by Modern Talking ever (and that includes a comparison from their 1980's discography too). Let me offer my assesment of each song on this album individually. The opening track, TV Makes A Superstar, sounds an inspiration from Britney Spears - as this song will certainly capture the teenage market. I must say that Dieter Bohlen made use of a very clever tactic in making this song but the music followed is just too young for these two guys and in my honest opinion, there's really nothing special about this track and I've already started skipping it while listening to the CD. The video is pretty impressive though and should be one of the best made. The 2nd track, I'm No Rockerfeller is one of the best eurobeat songs written by Modern Talking and I find it a good nominee for the release of it as a 2nd single from this album. This song truly gives you an 80's music feel but it has'nt been produced on those kind of instruments. The song's theme is set in Paris and the Accordions in the background are really catchy. Track no.3, Mystery sounds like the track, No Face - No Name - No Number from their 9th Album - YEAR OF THE DRAGON, but trust me, this song is at least 5 times better and the theme seems to be a Spanish beach party. The 4th Track, Everybody Needs Somebody seems to be a song from their third album, Ready For Romance because this song is truly about eurodance and love, but again the instruments used are very modern. The next track, Hear Of An Angel, should be one of the best ballads of Modern Talking ever produced. What sets this song apart are the lyrics and the style of continuity. Track no.6, Who Will Be There IS HORRIBLE AND IM GOING TO RATE IT AS PURE TRASH! There's that particular sound or instrument which I've grown to hate and its predominant in this song. The next track, Knocking On My Door is defintely more happy - sounding and its a pure - party number! It sounds like Billy Joel's smash hit, Uptown Girl. Track no.8, Should I, Would I, Could I is a fast dance number which is typical europop. The chorus line is pretty catchy and musically it can grow into you. Track no.9, Blackbird, ahhh ....THIS IS THE MOST UNTYPICAL MODERN TALKING SONG EVER. I thought that Juliet from their 11th album, Victory was outlandish but THIS SONG IS IMPOSSIBLE. NO NO, THIS AINT A BAD SONG, BUT ITS VERY GOOD, NO MAKE THAT EXCELLENT! This song is PURE JAZZ, YES, JAZZ! and Modern Talking deserve full credit for getting it so right! When I first read this song's review, I WAS ACTUALLY WORRIED OF WHAT I WILL BE HEARING, BUT IM REALLY RELIEVED and I actually keep listening to this song over and over again and keep humming the lyrics - FULL MARKS GUYS, CONGRATS! The next track, Life Is Too Short, is the average Modern Talking song which seems to pop out every now and then from these two guys. It's a very 'pick me up' song which is probably present in every Modern Talking album. The theme and lyrics can be compared to earlier songs like, We Take The Chance, Anything Is Possible and probably even You Can Win If You Want - this song is decent stuff otherwise - no harm listening to it once in a while. Track no.11, Nothing But The Truth, was originally a book written by Dieter Bohlen last year in German. Thomas Anders sings beautifully on this song just like he used to in the 1980's. This song is again brilliant eurobeat and those heavenly background vocals and echos really turn you on. I have an intution that if a 2nd single is released from this album, then it has to be this one as it sounds very different and has a dash of finnesse which is probably lacking on the other songs of this mega - album. However, i don't think that there will be a single no.2 from this album because I've come to know that by this month's end, Modern Talking is releasing their 13th album succitintly titled, THE FINAL ALBUM which would include all their hit - singles from the 1980's until TV Makes A Superstar and some new singles (I HOPE!) Sad that Modern Talking has decided to end such a wonderful career but then, the age factor does come in, right ? WELL LETS NOT GET NOSTALGIC FROM NOW ON AS I HAVE ONE MORE SONG TO TELL YOU READERS AND FANS ABOUT, yes, the 12th and the closing track of this album, Superstar. Lyrically, this song is very similar to TV Makes A Superstar but musically, ITS MUCH BETTER, not to forget and ignore that this is a dance - floor smash ! A neat way to close and round - up such a brilliantly produced album which also has some neat artwork, making you think of the magnetic Modern Talking of the 1980's. THEY ARE EVERY EUROPOP FAN's SUPERSTARS, and even when they go after releasing their 13th and last album on 23rd June, 2003, Modern Talking will always hold a big reputation - in the music industry, and in our hearts as well! ALL THE BEST TO DIETER AND THOMAS for supplying us with such beautiful music. WE'LL SURELY MISS MODERN TALKING - at least I will, won't you all ? Bye

I remember beginning to listen to music when I was 10 or so, and MT was my introduction to music. I loved their songs; I still remember how excited I was every time an album came up, that was late 80s. Then they split. Each album till their first split was a favorite for me. Then they came back, started well and now we have the latest album "Universe". I previewed it. Sounds like the last one and the one before - not good. I stopped buying MT with "America" as it was their sign of going down in quality. And now looks like a second split is happening. I suppose we all got the maximum mileage out of MT, it can no longer sustain. Hard to understand why Dieter with all his skills cannot seem to write the next big song. It is a sad time, to have to see them be a part of history once again and probably for good this time. I suppose it is "Back for Good" into history.

I thought it must be a very predictable album in terms of recycling knowing that Dieter must have produced in the past few months 4 new albums. But surprisingly, there does not seem to be that much recycled stuff like United (The album for Deutscheland Superstars).

What surprised me even more is the excellent quality of the album and it must be THE comeback album that resembles the 80's the most (especially, you have to listen to the HPVs of a few song yourselves to understand and believe what I say)!!! I think it still takes more listens for me to really say that it is THE best MT comeback album although I am very tempted to say so after some 10 times listens so far.

Here comes my review:

(1) TV Makes A Superstar: The song was released as the first single and became immediately heavily attacked for its Britney Spear/boy band flavor. But to be objective, the song has very catchy melodies and decent HPVs. So far its peak position on German chart is 2, higher than most of the Modern Talking singles since their comeback (***)

(2) I'm No Rockefeller: A typical Modern Talking song that has similar beats to Ms. Robota. You can sense a strong French flavor not only by the French speaking intro but also the melodies. This one definitely is a strong candidate for the next single. Good analogy on Rockefeller!!! But I think the HPVs are underused here. The song would have been even more awesome with longer HPVs!! (*****)

(3) Mystery: Yeah, the upbeat Latin is back!!! It is a beautiful LOVE song that has the same beat and tempo with No Face No Name No Number. Lyrics wise, it reminds me of 100 Years when it comes to "Love is a mystery, with an L and an O and an V and an E". (see where I am coming from?) (*****)

(4) Everybody Needs Somebody: This must one of the best songs on Universe. Extremely catchy melodies; typical Bohlen lyrics; red hot beat; nostalgic HPVs!!! What more can I say???? Love it!!! (*****)

(5) Heart of an Angel: Big surprise to me!!! Did I really expect Universe to carry such a moving and touching ballad??? I am a hater of Bohlen's comeback ballads. But this one has my 2 thumbs up to it!!! The song is about a woman who is a great giver to the poor, lonely and sad. The lyrics are just so smooth and touching that I almost doubt whether it was only Dieter who's behind the lyrics writing. Nobdy can interpret Dieter's music beter than Thomas. Our heavnly voice just depicts this gracious lady so vividly right in front of me more than anybody can do... I really hope that Dieter makes it the first comeback ballad single!!!! (*****)

(6) Who Will Be There: Another high energy dancer floor filler. Typical Bohlen arrangement, lyrics, melodies and HPVs. Reminds me a bit of Higher Than Heaven. But I think the melodies are just a bit weak especially when they get to the refrain and HPV parts. (***)

(7) Knocking On My Door: The intro really got me into doubting whether it is an exact cover of "Uptown Girl", but the first verse took the "Uptown Girl" away. However, the refrain took back some familiar, very familiar melodies. Are they from an old Barry Manilow song? Really can't tell. Despite the recycling, I think it's generally a fun song to listen to (****).

(8) Should I, Would I, Could I: Title wise, was Dieter inspired by Celion Dion's new album??? This song is a typical Bohlenish high energy song with excellent melodies in the verse. The refrain gives you a heard-that-before-but-could-not-name-what-it-is feel just like the refrain of "Knocking On My Door". But overall the song is a very good dance song! (****)

(9) Blackbird: A soft and slow Jazz song that does not fit too well in such a red hot dance album. But that does not mean that it's a bad song. It gives you a real nice and relaxing break from the Bohlen beats before they kick back in with Life Is Too Short (****)

(10) Life Is Too Short: A dance song that is arranged in Win The Race tempo but with lighter percussion. The HPVs remind me of those in TV Makes A Superstar. Not a strong song in my view. Fans of Modern Talking (by Mark Ashley) and Love, Sex and Sunshine (by Mr. President) are better songs than LITS if you are looking for songs in WTR tempo(***)

(11) Nothing But The Truth: Another song with the "Ms. Robota" beat. Very catchy melodies that remind me of the 80's. A candidate for the next single!!! (*****)

(12) Superstar: Finally a very big gem of the album surfaces at the end just like "New York City Girl" on America and "Who Will Love You Like I Do" on Victory. This must be one of the best high energy songs since MT's comeback. Everything is so jaw-dropping that I can bearly believe what I hear!!! The wonderful intro, the dead-awakening beat and the beautiful HPVs!!! I wonder why Dieter did not release this one as the first single??? (*****)

Last words on Universe: Dieter and Thomas still rock like the 80's!!!! I can't imagine that someone would dislike the album! My hat off especially to Dieter who proves to us that he is now not only a savvy business man and still the same old talented artist! Despite a few songs that sounds a bit weak to me (those with 3 stars), I would still give this album a 5 star rating as I would give a few songs 6 stars if possible.

Fischer (from China)

Their most magnetic music was recorded in the 80s before the split. They are still successfull but always tempt me to criticize their 90s records. This 12th release goes along the same lines as all their albums after "Alone" - little bit of this and that, nothing super-duper overall - but offers some hope to old-time Modern Talking fans. I gave this disc two chances (of listening from beginning to the end) and can isolate four songs (I'm No Rockefeller, Nothing but The Truth, Superstar, and Everybody Needs Somebody) that bring that good old feeling I have when hearing their 80s classics. It's those goosebumps melodies that Dieter sometimes (unfortunately now very rarely) comes up with that keep me buying Modern Talking music.
It may be my own problem, but I just cannot sit through their whole albums anymore. It is the self-repetitions, borrowed fragments of the lyrics, sampled current popular cliches, and the feeling that quantity preceeds quality. They might release two records a year in the 80s, but back then there seemed to be a substantial quantity of quality tunes in Dieter's arsenal. It's just not the case any more. I am not saying they have to sound like 80s EuroDisco, the youth would not buy it. But why do they have to appeal to young audience by sounding like Backstreet Boys clones on the most tragic of all first single?
I am a big fan, and I guess that is why I expect a lot more from one of my favourite band than another mediocre release.

Well, I know: All bad things written and said about MT are certainly true - and then again completely irrelevant. If you like MT, like I do, you will like UNIVERSE. It is fun and, yes, it has this certain MT-feeling in it, so many people love but cannot really define.

"TV makes the superstar" heavily leans on Max Martin's style - fine with me. It blends well with Dieter's composition and Thomas' voice. "Rockefeller" gets a "wow!" for its chorus, where Thomas surprises with head-on staccato vocals and a high pitch that hits the lyrics into your mind like a typewriter. Certainly, I do know the French song, where they got the sound-costume from - again, it goes well together with Modern Talking and I am sure all copyright issues have been settled amicably.
"Heart of an angel" would have been better off with acoustic sound and less electronics, but it has a very warm and forceful melody. One of their best ballads ever. Take "Mystery" if Latino-inspired sound kicks you, particularly the bridge of this song is catchy and smooth.
All other songs also make fine Modern Talking listening. Songs that did not convince me were Blackbird, Life is too short and Knocking on my door, to which I simply prefer the original "Uptown girl" by Billy Joel.
So, all you people in the knowing out there: Buy this stuff, and let the Rockefeller rock you wild!

Dieter (the producer) didn't actually know it at the time but this was Modern Talking's last album. Since 2003 was the most successful year for Dieter Boheln as he had hits with Alexander's etc...

This album was no.1 on the day of its release but actually week position is no.2. There are some super tracks, but this album is the most average album of Modern Talking. The first 4 tracks are the most memorable and the rest really goes downhill except for the last track ' Superstar' which is brilliant. The most surprising thing in this album is that most MT albums after the first 2-3 tracks there is a ballad / slow song. This album goes on with super dance tracks one after another.

A super ballad 'HEART OF AN ANGEL' is one of MT's best. The best tracks are 1,2,3,4,5,9 and 12. Another surprise is 'BLACKBIRD' a soft Jazz track which is unusual for MT but there it is. A total of 3/5 isn't bad but not their best album but a dignified album to be their last. My personnel favorite album from the 80's is IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE and their FIRST ALBUM.

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This album is the best MT album in the 21st century!
Catchy melodies, wonderful rhythms, and no boring ballads!

My favourite songs are:
03 Mystery [in latin style]
08 Should I, Would I, Could I [euro-dance]
10 Life Is Too Short [catchy]
12 Superstar [yes, DIETER BOHLEN is]

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First song [was unacceptable], ballads were OK, the majority of songs was very good. Almost as good of an album as "Victory" and "The 1st Album"

I have all MT Albums. I have to say that their last three albums have been a bit of a dissapointment to me. Of course newcomers might not know their "old" style which surely is magnificent to some. I believe Victory was a bit better than Universe but still each album has some catchy songs. Their last album that was a pleasure to keep hearing was Year Of The Dragon. I believe from their return that "ALONE" and "YEAR OF THE DRAGON" had that catchy sound that you keep wanting to hear over and over again. From this album I really like the songs I'm No Rockefeller and Superstar. I am possitive though that these remarks that fans make will have surely have an impact to MT next albums which surely will be much much better since talent is never lost.

bueno te puedo decir que este album esta exelente al estilo de modern talking y con eso basta, lo que me parecio un poco malo fue que apenas son 12 canciones pero de las 12, 11 estan buenisimas, para mi este es el mejor grupo que existe soy refam y que viva modern talking.
modern talking forever.
thanks dieter bohlen and thomas anders You are the best.