Customer Reviews

Voice of Reason

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

 

 

Canadian AOR master's third album in 1995 shows their modern rock approach. It became a bit gloomier than "Mood Swings" unmistakable AOR masterpiece in 1993. So much so but it is excellently done as you can find in "Breathing Sand","Blue". If you like modern alternative rock such as REM, Lifehouse and Goo Goo Dolls this album may be a good starting point. If you are a classic 80's hits appreciator, I strongly recommend their 1st, 2nd(Mood Swings) or the latest"Weight Of The World".

Harem Scarem's third album is a big departure from the straight-forward melodic rock of their first two releases, though it is a very good album in its own right. The trademark harmonies and crunching guitars remain in place, but the songs and lyrics have a darker, more alternative feel. "Breathing Sand" is the closest they come to their classic "Mood Swings" sound. This album takes repeated listenings to fully appreciate its many merits, though from the first listen there is no questioning the musicianship or the top-notch production.

I came on to the harem scarem scene by accident picking up mood swings for a couple of bucks and was blown away. I could not WAIT for the next release and in the interim the hard rock/metal scene fell apart. Everyone had to get "dark", not sure if it was management, label, or whoever, that's kind of how it went, but that said, this is a fantastic album. I'm psyched wounded bird has grabbed the Harem Scarem cds that they have (although there's many more never released in the u.s.).

There's all the Harem Scarem cues, great songwriting, vocal harmonies to die for, guitars, but it's more downbeat & cynical, which worked at the time.

Not sure someone jumping in from 2010 could get into it immediately, but this is in the top 3 of all their studio releases, and a melodic rock classic.

I discovered Harem Scarem a few years back and didn't buy their cds in chronological order. This is one of their top 3 efforts. I bought Mood Swings first, which is their best effort, and bought the others searching for another Mood Swings. This is one stands up. Different feel than Mood Swings, but equally appealing. If your already a HS fan and don't have this one, you're in for a treat.

Man, I was blown away by the wah-wah work on the album... The lyrics were so dark and beautiful, especially the track "Breathing Sand".Now let me tell you something, if you're a wah-wah freak, YOU NEED THIS ALBUM!

Are you the type of guy who goes for melodic hard rock? These Canadian guys have a lot to offer that most hard rock bands don't have. Be it beautiful vocal arrangements, guitar parts that sound cooler than you do, and balls-to-the-wall hard rock where they never lose their heads, this is the band to beat. For me, this is my best Harem Scarem album. And these guys definitely deserve more credit!!!

Most fans will disagree, but I actually like this album better than "Mood Swings". The modern approach works well on this album. This was a good recording for 1995 and 10 years later it still stands up.