In The 21st Century

That pithy statement is one of my favorite MWH-isms, and it reflects the extra little bit of grittiness that creeps into some of the music on this record, the follow-up to "Pop Goes the World". But despite that and the extensive presence of guitars, this is still definitely a MWH album. Even more earnest than "Pop", if that's possible, the sound here is roughly halfway between that record and the subsequent "Sideways". It's a more reserved album than their others, but the first two songs are worth the price of admission alone. The lead track, "In the 21st Century", still gives me goosebumps.

There is no better or worse when it comes to Men Without Hats. Every album offers the same dose of ballads and barnstormers. It's unfortunate that their only song known by most people is the over hyped "Safety Dance". These men do some seriously musical stuff if you can listen beyond the "slightly gruff at first" lead singing.
"You & Me" is absolutely pretty. Sweeping strings and lovely piano dominate in all the right places. The lyrics (sample: "Then I saw your face, and thought how life's so good to me; we were meant to meet each other in the middle of a mystery; We were meant to be together, You & Me") may not be pure poetry, but they are charming, and will have you singing along with the chorus on your first listen.
"Everybody's Selling Something" is one such barnstormer. This song really gets you moving! The Hats have come to be known for intelligent and quirky lyrics, and this song really shows off their talent for clever wordplay as well as their knack for perfect stadium pop/rock. This is one of the best of that type they have ever done.
I got through almost the entire song "S.O.S." before realizing where I had heard it before. They have turned a sucrose dripping ABBA song into a proud symphonic/rock tour de force. You just have to hear this! Lot's of fun is heard on "Eloise & I". Long before Tori Amos hammered the harpsichord in her anthems, the Hats were using it just like any other band instrument. In this song they use it for pounding rhythms as well as subtle twinkling. I'm sitting here bouncing all over my chair just humming it to myself. You will hum and bounce too!
These are just a few examples of why you should listen further to this group. There's lots more good stuff here, and on their other earlier collections. Don't let "Safety Dance" make you miss out on all the other things they offer. The Hats are realy fun to put on.

Truly and example of how varied and polished a band can get. While "sideways" did leave fans a little underfed, "Men & Women..." is a full course.

MWH has consistantly been a good pop band in the very truest sense of the word. This CD showcases lively songs, worldly thoughts, and insightful messages. Ivans voice is well rounded and is showcased in the prominent fashion it should be.

My only word of caution is this: If you are getting this just for the Safety Dance remix - don't. It's an instrumental that leaves much to be desired. And is in all honesty, the sore spot on a rather lovely collection of music.

Also... Ivan released a solo CD, that is simply put 'Proper pop' it's called "the spell". Check it out. It picks up where MWH's leaves off.. and then goes off on it's own path.