Artist: Electronic Album: Raise the Pressure

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

Electronic's 'Raise the Pressure': A Critical Review of the Album

Electronic is a British alternative dance supergroup created in the late '80s by Bernard Sumner of New Order and Johnny Marr of The Smiths. Their second studio album, Raise the Pressure, released in 1996, is a fine example of electronic music in the '90s. The album features a mix of upbeat dance tunes and heart-felt ballads, which resonated with the music lovers of the time. In this blog post, we'll give a detailed review of the album, highlighting the best songs, the most innovative parts, and a critique of Raise the Pressure.

Raise the Pressure is an eclectic mix of electronic music, infused with elements of acid house, rock, and pop. The album features twelve tracks that showcase the talents of the band members, who were joined by guest artists such as Karl Bartos of Kraftwerk, Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys, and Denise Johnson of Primal Scream. However, some tracks sound dated, such as 'Haze,' with its early 90s synth beat.

The opening track, 'Forbidden City,' sets the tone for the entire album with its catchy beat and the signature vocal layering of the band. 'Until the End of Time' follows next, a stunning ballad with Denise Johnson's soulful vocals adding emotional depth to Sumner's lyrics. Another highlight is the track 'Prodigal Son,' a nod to Marr's guitar-driven sound in The Smiths, which is brilliantly mixed with the band's electronic beats.

The album's most innovative track is 'Out of My League.' It's a moody and addictive tune with a driving bassline and Marr's guitar riff intermingling with the synth sounds. This track is a perfect example of how Electronic pushed the boundaries of electronic music while remaining true to their roots. 'If You've Got Love' is another noteworthy track. The song features the beautiful harmonies of the band members and the guest vocals of Tennant, one of the pioneers of the synth-pop genre.

Critically speaking, Raise the Pressure is not Electronic's finest work. The album lacks the cohesiveness of their debut album and doesn't stand the test of time. Some tracks are forgettable and don't add much to the overall listening experience. The production quality of the album is decent, but it sounds a bit dated and lacks the edge and energy that electronic music enthusiasts crave.

Despite its shortcomings, Raise the Pressure is a decent album that offers a glimpse into the electronic music scene of the '90s. The album has some fantastic tracks that showcase the talent of Electronic's members and their innovative approach to electronic music. However, the album lacks cohesiveness, and some tracks sound dated and forgettable. Overall, Raise the Pressure is worth a listen for Electronic fans.