Artist: Erasure Album: Tomorrow's World

Year: 2011
Duration: 3:34

Erasure's Tomorrow's World: A Revolution or a Regression?

Erasure, a synth-pop duo formed in 1985 by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, has been a staple in the electronic music scene for decades. Their latest album, Tomorrow's World released on October 3rd, 2011, received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. In this critical review, we will take a closer look at the album's genre, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critique of the album.

The genre of Tomorrow's World is undoubtedly synth-pop, which is a subgenre of new wave and electronic dance music. The opening track of the album, Be with You, starts with a catchy melody, Bell's familiar vocals, and a synth riff that builds up the momentum. The second track, Fill Us with Fire, is among the best songs of the album, with a spirited chorus, a driving beat, and a hopeful message.

The third song, What Will I Say When You're Gone? slows down the tempo and showcases Bell's vocal range. The synth-pop ballad has a melancholic tone that juxtaposes the optimistic lyrics. The album's mid-section, however, is where the album falters. Songs like You've Got to Save Me Right Now and A Whole Lotta Love Run Riot are mediocre and uninspired, lacking the spark that Erasure is known for.

The album's most innovative part lies in the production and instrumentation. The keyboards, basslines, and drum machines are crisp, clear, and layered intricately, which demonstrates Clarke's and Bell's mastery of electronic music. However, the album's reliance on auto-tune and electronic manipulation on some tracks, like When I Start To (Break It All Down) and I Lose Myself, is overdone and somewhat gimmicky, detracting from the organic sounds that prevail throughout the rest of the album.

The best songs of the album are undoubtedly Fill Us with Fire and Then I Go Twisting. Fill Us with Fire is a triumphant synth-pop anthem that empowers the listener, while Then I Go Twisting is a retro-futuristic dance track that stands out from the rest of the album. The song boasts an infectious melody, a funky bassline, and a pulsating beat that makes it a memorable addition to Erasure's discography.

Overall, Tomorrow's World is a decent album that showcases Erasure's abilities in the synth-pop genre. However, the album falls short in the middle section, where the songs are uninspired and lack the energy that Erasure's fans have come to expect. Furthermore, the album's overreliance on autotune and electronic manipulation detracts from the organic and authentic sound that characterizes their music.

Erasure's Tomorrow's World is a decent album that will appeal to their fans and synth-pop enthusiasts. The album's strengths lie in its catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and intricate instrumentation. Still, the album's flaws, such as its overuse of electronic manipulation and uninspired tracks, prevent it from being a groundbreaking or revolutionary addition to their discography. In conclusion, while Tomorrow's World may not be their best work, it is still worth a listen by fans and newcomers alike.