Customer Reviews

White on Blue

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

 

 

Hi I just purchased this cd thinking it would be a great rock import for the band "crossfade" --WRONG-- this isn't the same band that has the hit "Cold" no this band is some happy Swedish folk music band....so just to warn you..unless you actually listen to this exact cd....it isn't rock...it isnt the same band...so dont get it...thought i would warn you from my mistake...D*mn Im mad about this... :(

Unfortunately there is some confusion because a recent group from America uses the same name. Be careful, because the two bands play very different styles. Crossfade is a very slick, well-produced, pop/rock band from Sweden. I only ran across this band because their CD is linked to my own on cdbaby. I sampled their music and liked what I heard.
This record (can you still say record?) is firmly AOR. I have seen this music described as "west coast." If that means to you that they sound like Toto, Ambrosia, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins - then it is an apt description. The musicians are talented and the music is alternatively powerful and subtle, capturing moods and evoking emotions rather than just showing off. The lead vocals are very polished, somewhere between Kenny Loggins and Bobby Kimball, with a slight Swedish accent that only really surfaces on the two ballads, which are the weakest tracks on the CD; not bad by any means, but fairly conventional.
Generally, the songwriting is also strong. These songs were crafted, not just cranked out. If you are a fan of the aforementioned artists, then you will very likely enjoy this band. I look forward to more from Crossfade.

One of the best, if not even THE best, westcoast-album to emerge from Sweden. With studio-musician-veterans Per and Sven Lindvall (Per known from work with Michael Ruff) and singer Göran Edman (Street Talk, Yngwie Malmsteen, Radioactive...) this is a very good craftsmanship. From the fade-in of the drum-loop on the first track "The Day The Music Died" (reflecting on Sept. 11, 2001, NYC) via the funkier sounding "Did You Really", the east-coast-groove of ""Flying", beautifyl ballad "Time" and all the way to close-up rocker "You" the whole band really performs a great album - and even adds an additional horn-section on some tracks (thanks!) Very well worth buying if you're anywhere near being into Toto, Foster, Steely Dan, Pages, Graydon and the likes of them.

Would you imagine that the cold Sweden is the place where the sunny atmosphere of California in the Seventies comes to life again? If not, then take a chance and listen to this CD. Refined, crystal polished-a pretty unusual sound during these days-you will enjoy the perfect arrangements, the solos, vocals, sided by a metronomical rhythm section will take you to the high places where Chicago, Pages, Toto, Airplay flew many years ago. Make no mistake: this is all but a nostalgic piece of work. It's fresh and up-to-date, but still honey for ears like the one once enjoyed Graydon & friends. Believe me: this is an absolute gem!

Crossfade are yet another quality Swedish band made up of awesome session players and lead by the amazing vocals of Goran Edman. The music here is very well-crafted west coast styled melodic pop and the production is immaculate. The mix is crystal clear and the horns add a little class to an already quality sound. There's a range of influences here from early Toto and Boz Scaggs to Chicago and Steely Dan. Highlights include the Toto sound of "Did You Really?", the Steely Dan influenced "Flying", the amazing ballad "A Deeper Shade Of Love" featuring a killer vocal performance from Goran Edman, the Toto-like melodies of "Loving Eyes", and the Mr Mister sounding closing track "You". White On Blue might not be a rocking album but the laid back smooth style and consistently high quality musicianship makes it essential listening for fans of west coast style music.

So I buy this CD thinking it was from the REAL Crossfade and was promptly disappointed. This CD is good in its own rights (good west-coast music) but, as my title says, it's not what I thought it would be. A definite loser in my book.

This is good West-Coast AOR for sure, but I am confused by the people who bought this thinking it was the American band Crossfade (who incidentally, this band can easily outplay, even though they're "grandparent" music as was so poetically stated previously). This album is not my specific taste musically, but I totally appreciate the talent and songwriting skills these guys possess. So, if you're looking for the American band Crossfade, THIS IS NOT THEM. Do some research before you plunk down $40 or $50 on an import! COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!!!

Would you imagine that the cold Sweden is the place where the sunny atmosphere of California in the Seventies comes to life again? If not, then take a chance and listen to this CD. Refined, crystal polished-a pretty unusual sound during these days-you will enjoy the perfect arrangements, the solos, vocals, sided by a metronomical rhythm section will take you to the high places where Chicago, Pages, Toto, Airplay flew many years ago. Make no mistake: this is all but a nostalgic piece of work. It's fresh and up-to-date, but still honey for ears like the one once enjoyed Graydon & friends. Believe me: this is an absolute gem!