I am stunned. Andrew at Melodicrock.com got me curious about this CD, which he gave a rave review to recently. In addition, it is on sale at Best Buy now (with a bonus track) for just $7.99. I'll put in a disclaimer here that no Scorpions CD has ever excited me beyond the hits compilations. For me, they've been a band that can occasionally come up with a good tune, but most of the other tracks on individual records just didn't do anything for me. Further, the juvenile cock rock lyrics that permeate most of their songs just don't make them worth listening to.
All that has changed with the 2007 release "Humanity Hour 1". The band sounds more wiser than older, and I am beside myself that they have pulled off such a 180. I was actually laughing out loud at how good this is, proud in a way of what these guys have done. Instantly evident in their maturity is the more intelligent and reflective lyrical content, and an amazingly good updated sound. You read about aging rockers "modernizing" their sound all the time, but it usually fails because they lose the essence of what their fans enjoy most about them (or the "modernizing" is an over-statement or sounds forced). Not so with "Humanity." The sound of the band is certainly more modern, but all that is good about the Scorpions, including their trademark sound, has somehow been retained and shines through.
The sonic quality on this CD is astounding, and these seasoned rockers sound tons better than their younger counterparts. An urgency and energy comes through in nearly every track. The production team of James Michael and Desmond Child work like a match made in heaven with the Scorpions. Most tracks have a heavier, driving guitar sound, augmented at key intervals with ringing acoustic guitars. Clever harmonies, superb lead guitar work, and great hooks abound. Highlights include the title track (and current single), "Hour 1," "The Game of Life," "The Future Never Dies," and "The Cross," all of which form a mini-concept album warning us about the cold advances of technology and the widespread adaptation of the "business model" dissolving the human spirit of individuals. Long time fans are rewarded with a straight-forward salute to rock and roll with "321," and those who enjoyed the ballad "Winds of Change" or "Send Me An Angel" will equally be turned on by "Your Last Song" and "You're Lovin' Me To Death." The only track that doesn't do much for me is "We Will Rise Again," although the title is foreshadowing of what the Scorpions have done with their career here.
The Scorpions are on tour, and you can track other news at their web site.
A video performance is available for the title track, "Humanity":
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