Scorpions-Humanity Hour 1

SCORPIONS-HUMANITY HOUR 1

Reviewed by: Chris Goodson

Bands that have had 30+ years of experience and a pantheon of greatest hits tend to play it safe and take the easy rode in album making. Luckily for us, the Scorpions have never fallen into this category. They have just added another high mark to an already staggering discography. Humanity Hour 1 makes it perfectly clear that the Scorpions are not messing around or regurgitating old material. They are exploring new ideas and delivering ferocious hard rock just as they always have.

The enthusiasm and positive vibe that the Scorpions have on stage, translates to this whole album. The only major shortcoming of Humanity Hour 1 is that is actually doesn't last a full hour. However, this electric album is both full of darkly prophetic prose and immense power. Musically and lyrically the band as a whole has reached a new peak. Uber producer Desmond Child, contributed both lyrically and conceptually, and has helped present a clean and heavy concept album, that while at times melodic and moody still manages to satisfy.

The Scorpions sure haven't lost touch with what makes them cherished; mega power ballads, catchy riffs and a tounge-in-cheek attitude that conjures up both the sanguine subtext and showcases the musical talent of each band member. Though the meat and potatoes of this album consist of hard rock, there is a more optimistic thread including tracks like "You're Lovin Me to Death," a"Love Will Keep Us Alive" and "We Were Born to Fly." There is genuine optimism in these songs, even though there is some sappiness. Alternating between power ballads and hard rock, the album has a little something for everyone, even if the theme gets a little lost at times. First and foremost, the Scorpions are about entertaining, but the lyrical content on this album deserves closer examination. They have something to say and tracks like "321," Love is War," and "Humanity" more than prove the staying power of the band. This is introspective hard hitting stadium rock that has not lost any of its vigor or charm.

The great thing about the Scorpions, is that they do not take themselves too seriously, yet they can still delve into heavy subject matter. The post-apocalyptic themes suit them well and provide a mysterious and dark atmosphere that is never stale and provides ample opportunity to reflect and rock out on a global scale. Equal parts optimism and warning, Humanity Hour 1 delivers everything an old fan expects and everything a new fan can fall in love with.

8 out 10

SCORPIONS-Humanity Hour 1 from New Door Records is available wherever music is sold.

Originally posted on iesb.net