Artist: Erasure Album: The Circus

Year: 1987
Duration: 0:0-1

The Circus: A Review of Erasure's Electropop Album

Welcome, fellow music enthusiasts! Today, we'll be taking a detailed look at Erasure's second studio album, The Circus. This polarizing album was released in March 1987, under Mute Records, and was a commercial success both in the UK and European markets. Erasure, a British synthpop duo consisting of singer-songwriter Andy Bell and multi-instrumentalist Vince Clarke, is known for their infectious electropop tracks, which paved the way for a new era of electronic dance music. The Circus was no exception, and in this review, we'll be examining everything from the genre of the album to the standout tracks and even the criticisms surrounding it.

To understand The Circus, we must first grasp its genre. The album exudes electropop – a subgenre of electronic music that fuses pop and new wave. This sound was very prominent in the 80s, and Erasure was among the front runners who popularized it. The influence of electronic music in The Circus is evident from the synthetic drum machines, synthesized sounds, and the vocal manipulation used on the album. Erasure displays their adoration for various electronic music sub-genres. For instance, the use of synthesizers on tracks like It Doesn't Have to Be and Victim of Love is akin to disco music, while the track Leave Me to Bleed gives off a new wave vibe.

The Circus was a commercial success for Erasure and yielded some iconic songs. The standout tracks of the album are Oh L'amour, Sometimes, and It Doesn't Have to Be. Oh L'amour is a whimsical number with a catchy melody, and Vince Clarke's play with the synth chords is impressive. The melancholic lyrics of Sometimes and the harmonious blending of Bell's voice and Clarke's synth skills make the track stand out, while the driving beat and sharp, staccato synths of It Doesn't Have to Be make it irresistible to dance to.

While The Circus was undoubtedly a success, it was also plagued with some criticisms. One such criticism is that the arrangements of some tracks are repetitive, leading to predictability. For example, the synthesized M-1 organ base featured in Spiralling is very similar to the one in Sometimes. As with many albums, there is a standout tune, but the rest is nothing more than filler. This album is one such instance. notwithstanding, these observations must be studied alongside the context of commercial albums, as creating memorable hits that sell records can be a challenge.

The most innovative part of The Circus is Bell's versatile vocals. Bell's vocal prowess is evident throughout the album, and he showcases his skill through his smooth tenor on tracks like Spiralling and The Hardest Part. His voice also takes on a more dramatic tone on Hideaway and Pistol, serving as a testament to his ability to express a range of emotions and styles.

Moreover, tracks like Ghost and Senseless act as a reminder of Erasure's experimentation with harsh synths and darker melodies. As such, The Circus’s success despite the criticisms was largely due to its unique blend of synth instrumentation and Bell's powerful vocal performance. The album was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry at the end of 1987, which is a testament to its success.

In conclusion, Erasure's The Circus is a perfect representation of the band's contribution to the evolution of electropop. The album includes some exceptional tracks and Bell's vocal ability is undeniably a highlight. However, some repetitive arrangements and generic tracks may distract from the album's brilliance. Nevertheless, the album remains a momentous work, and if you're a fan of the genre, this album is a must-listen. The Circus is a cult classic in Erasure's catalog, and it's understandable why.

In conclusion, Erasure's The Circus is a perfect representation of the band's contribution to the evolution of electropop. The album includes some exceptional tracks and Bell's vocal ability is undeniably a highlight. However, some repetitive arrangements and generic tracks may distract from the album's brilliance. Nevertheless, the album remains a momentous work, and if you're a fan of the genre, this album is a must-listen. The Circus is a cult classic in Erasure's catalog, and it's understandable why.