Bigger Than America [Import]

After two ground breaking platinum albums in the early 80's, Heaven 17 lost it only to be over taken by former bandmates The Human League. So it's a wonderful surprise to find that Ware, Marsh and Craig have come up with a modern classic. This is the album that should have followed on from The Luxury Gap. Bigger Than America cannot be described as a simple retro step back to the electro early eighties. It's a skilful mix of modern electronica with those warm analogue synth sounds which they helped pioneer. Some of the sounds on this album could have come from their time with the Human League. But what really sets this album apart from the others is the strong collection of songs, which all have that Heaven 17 trademark of melodic perfection. Martyn Ware does a good job on the production of this album with the inclusion of modern dance beats and crystal clear vocals from the superb Glenn Gregory. Highlights include the album opener Dive and the haunting Do I Believe and there are no filler tracks on Bigger Than America. Strongly recommended if you loved their debut album Penthouse & Pavement.

Usually with your favorite bands, there is no comparison to the first few albums. Especially with 80's bands, those first few are often their best work, plus your nostalgia and loyalty often make it difficult to truly appreciate later work. However, with "Bigger Than America", I can honestly say that this is my favorite Heaven 17 album. I've had it for almost two years now and it has rarely left my CD player for the shelf. The textures, lyrics, melodies, and harmonies of almost every song are a credit to the staying power of the three members of the group. From the sultry way Martyn Ware says "Dive" on the opening number to the dance songs of "We Blame Love" and "Freak" to the chilling lyrics of "Bigger Than America"...I could list every song and compliment the songwriting and vocal talent of the band. I swear you will not be disappointed with this album. I can only hope they will continue in this vein for another record....

Lead singer Glenn Gregory helped Martin Fry relaunch ABC's first album in about 6 years back in 1997 with very mixed results. Maybe he saved all the good stuff for this record.

Gone is the crappy, fake soul of their last release "Teddy Bear, Duke and Psycho." Back is their smart, socially danceable commentaries sounding much like their best work on their first two albums. This time they've taken aim at the good old USA. Songs like "Bigger Than America," and "The Big Dipper" very coyly stab at America's genitalia with lyrics such as:

"The King of Hollywood is dead / I don't care what the President said / I don't believe in anything I've read / the Big Dipper's coming down / New York's a shanty town / The distant sound is L.A. burning down."

Other highlights include the Fascist Groove Thing-like rhythm of "Designing Heaven," the atmospheric opening track "Dive," the disco pomp of "We Blame Love" and the industrial tinged "Freak."

Heaven 17 have managed to transcend the new wave slump that have claimed the life of many a new wave comeback albums (See Modern English's last abomination, parts of A Flock of Seagulls and the Human League's as well) by incorporating smart lyrics, beats, and lots of analog synth sounds. Eight years is a long time between records. Are they still relevant? Do you even care? About the only thing that's changed about the band are their hair and waist lines. (Glenn Gregory now looks almost exactly like the Peter Barrett of Midnight Oil). If you say that good new wave synthpop is gone, pick it up and be pleasantly surprised.