E-Type - Eurotopia FLAC

Eurotopia really feels like an extended EP rather than a full album. It has only 9 tracks, and some of them don't feature E-Type on vocals (Make Us High, Inside) or barely at all (To The Lions), and in fact "Inside" comes off like it doesn't even belong on the album (completely generic sounding club song). It's also disappointing that "Line Of Fire" was left off the regular version of the album.

If you liked Loud Pipes Save Lives, Eurotopia is pretty much just an extension of that album's sound. I would say 4 or 5 tracks are actually good enough to be singles in their own right, the only downside is a lot of them have such a similar tone, it comes off as one run-on song. Even so, Eurotopia is a fun listen, and if you're a big E-Type fan like me you probably need it. If not, I would definitely pass and pick up any of his previous works.

3/5

Starting feelings:

In the late 90's, when Eurodance-genre practically died, it was a totally sweet surprize, that so far in the 21:st century is to be found material so faithful to it's original elements.

Pre-expectations weren't so high, because the eurodance-genre has lately been mixed up with hard dance and else such styles.

So, let's just load the disc and listen to what the new E-type album has to offer.

1. True Believer {3:40}

The starting is typical E-type drive-in, from which the track evolves quite soon to dancefloor material and Martin's vocals are able to speed up the sound. The refrain is singed by Sanne Karlson, who equals to even Nana hedin in reliability.
The Drum machine is perhaps too round and the track tends to get numbning. Vocal hooks are just about right, and melodies are nice. The starting track doesn't quite blow the bank, but it is nice work, nevertheless.

2. The Tide {3:57}

Second track starts with Sash!-style melody and effects. The drum machine has now more drive, and when Martin gets in the singing, it is easy to notice, that "The Tide" is far more better and traditional case. It contains certain kind of melancholy and idea, which fits to this album, like a hand into a glove.

Sanne Karlson is outstanding also in this track. due to it's drive, melody structures and excellent drum machine, "The Tide" rises clearly above the starting track.

3. Eurofighter {3:47}

Somehow same kind of starting, than In "True Beliver." The drum machine is lighter than in the both of first tracks, but on the other hand the background bass and the fast beat suits this track beautifully. The bubbling melody structure in the refrain's intro is downright intelligent! Martin's singing and once again truly outstanding perform from Sanne Karlsson bring this track to at least same quality level with "The Tide." Clearly A Potential Hit.

4. Make Us High {4:09}

Fourth track starts with bittersweet, melancholic and powerful melody. After the Martin's sigh: "make us high" the track simply explodes on the fly. After that, one must alomost sigh from the admiration. Sanne Karlsson draws out so unbelivably beautiful singing, that it's beyond words. Melody Structure and the arrangements are 110% perfect. Background bass can be found as beautiful series of pearl-necklace and the drum machine is absolutely perfect. The bubbling melodies and unbelivable drive together with Sanne Karlsson's singing make this track overwhelmingly best track in the album. Desipite the fact, that we're not able to hear Martin in it.

5. Like A Child {4:17}

"Like A Child" starts clearly more progressively than other tracks, and it lacks a certain kind of forwarding element. Background is somewhat repeative, which can be found a little tiring. However the Martin's and Sanne's vocals save this song from total disappointment and the melodies are also very nice. I would say, that it's not absolutely outstanding track, but a nice one, that is suitable to this album.

6. Last Day Alive {4:01}

The start promises a true eurodance-feeling and after Martin's shouting, it starts to roll beautifully indeed. Although the blandness of the drum machine is reducing the enjoyment. But soon it forgets, however, when Sanne starts to sing. Even to my own surprize, it has to be said, that even Nana Hedin hasn't got a voice talent as this. Last Day Alive is a nice mediocre roller to this album, but fails to equal with the best (Eurofighter, Make Us High, The Tide). At the same line with "Like A Child" if you ask me.

7. To The Lions {3:42}

Sanne's melancholic vocals are heard right from the beginning, and after that, comes quite stupid-sounding part, where the drum machine is played quite strangely. In Refrain, the situation fortunately gets much better and remains good in the second stophe as well. We do not hear Martin in this one, but aside from that, it's nice song with its melodies and drive. Better than "Like A Child" and "Last Day Alive" but is simply not enough to beat the rest. Quite up to par with "True Believer"

8. Ding Ding Song {3:34}

From the first sounds, it was clear, that this is not eurodance-track, but a pop song, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The song is quite summery and easy-going. E-typish melody can be found also from this one, and Martin's funny singing is pleasing to hear. Female vocals are done by Anna Nordell this time, and you can definitely sense the huge difference. The name of the song deserves a long, long minus. It's apalling.

9. Inside {4:52}

The finnisher of the album starts with really nice melody and synth-sounds and one would expect a nice eurodance or even eurotrance track with good drive in it. Ain't gonna happen. The drum machine is crackled and attacking sound, which brings Benny Benassi in mind, and I mean in a bad way. The vocals has also been mixed too much in the background and one cannot pull much off from this track. Truly miserable track, which could've been replaced by something entirely different.

Summary:

I've read from somewhere, that Martin hurt his hand in the accident during the recordings of this album, and due to that, there was hurry to finnish off the tracks and unfotunately it can be heard from some parts. The whole album is like a overgrown single. Two last tracks were big disappointments, especially the last one. But the beginning half of the album is nice and tight package, that can stand many times of listening. This is, after all, one of the best albums from E-Type.

Highligts: Make Us High, The Tide, Eurofighter
At The Bottom: Ding Ding Song, Inside

Final grade: 4/5

(Original review in finnish, translated into english)