I remember way…WAAAY back in the mid to late 80's a band with a weird name making a name for themselves. Harem Scarem was that band. I heard a bootleg of them and thought it was pretty rockin’, fun, and up-beat stuff. Now, years later they are still hitting the rock scene like the good ol' days. Here with their latest release, "Thirteen", we take a listen to one of the great survivors of this genre.
Kicking things off is "Garden of Eden". A bee-boppin’ romp through the valley of the shadow of Rock. This is only the beginning, because the sounds get bigger with "Live It" and "Early Warning Signs" keeps things going with more of that Pop-Rock action. Mellowing things out are the sultry sounds of "The Midnight Hours" and "Whatever it Takes". Two ballads that pack a punch. Picking up the beat are the rhythmic thumping and strumming of "Saints and Sinners" and "All I Need". These will have you singing along after the first chorus.
"Troubled Times" sets a groove that makes you wanna’ move and party like it's nineteen-ninety-two! Taking us back to the smooth ballad is "Never Say Never". It's all about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, going forth and dream on. Ending is the ultra-groovy, ultra melodic anthem, "Stardust". Yeah, you will have your lighter out and sway with your friends during this strong, encouraging song.
I have to say that over the years, Harem Scarem hasn't changed much in the context of their song-writing. They have always had hard Pop with the Rock edge and glam sound. One thing is for sure and that is they have never stopped delivering great rock 'n roll.
Downside for me is the title. Megadeth and Black Sabbath already have albums titled with a variation of "thirteen". Other than that - not anything else. Upside is the fun, the solos ("Troubled Times" especially), the musicianship and the mix. Overall, the song-writing and arrangement is top notch. If we had a "Thirteen" on our rating scale, they would have it. For now and for the genre that HS is...they would have to live with a 10.
Tim Duran, HMS
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