HAREM SCAREM
Weight Of The World
Frontiers Records, 2002

The more things change, the more they stay the same! There has been a tremendous amount of "hype" around this release. To some extent it's been a bit too much. Early reports said the record would show a "back to the roots approach" with material closer to their first two albums than their latter-day power-pop-tinged contemporary records.
Well, lo and behold, Harem Scarem anno 2002, is basically Harem Scarem anno 2002! No more, no less. Granted, the songs have a stronger AOR-focus, but it is not a major turn towards the past. On the contrary Harem Scarem has taken parts of their past and mixed it with ALL their "eras" and topped it with a contemporary production to keep a fresh sound - and it is a good record!
The title track kicks-off in a good way and has a touch of "classic" HS. "Killing Me" is another highlight. One of the best tracks on offer with a clever arrangement. "If You" is latter-day Scarem/Rubber and has every (cheap) trick (pun intended!) in the book: pure power-pop with a superb chorus. Simply great stuff!
The Japanese bonus track "End Of Time" is perhaps the most apparent AOR-track of all. Great track but by no means a classic.
But there are songs that just strolls on by without making much of a fuss. And what about including no less than TWO instrumental songs? Definitely a sign of lacking inspiration and it drags down the overall judgement a bit. Still, this IS an essential release for every AOR-fan.

Review by: Larry