MICHAEL BORMANN - review added 26th November 2010
Album Review: Different (2010)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and more of the same
Follow up to his 2008 release "Capture The Moment" (and the 2009 release "The Gift Of Life" - by The Trophy - on which he performed all vocals), "Different" again sees well regarded singer Michael Bormann pumping out a solo album that exposes the world to the wonders of his voice.
Michael, initially and best known as the singer of German act Jaded Heart (who he left several years back), is one of the most reliable singers out there. If he records an album, or even if he's simply featured on someone else's, it's normally a good bet it'll be enjoyable. "Different" is, er, no different.
The sound - mostly created by Michael, but with a little help from Andreas Rippelmeier, Chris Ivo, Eric Ragno, Lanvall and Marco Grasshoff - is rocking with hints of soul, soft metal and more. In fact it sounds just like typical Michael Bormann. And if you are a fan of his other work it's unlikely there's anything here that will put you off.
Good:
The voice, obviously. He's as silky as a silky thing and couldn't hit a duff note if his life was on the line. There's a nice balance between rockers and ballads. The musicianship and production are, though unexceptional, spot on.
Not So Good:
I'm not sure about the German-language song at the end. Beautiful melodies, but hard to bond with. After repeated listens there are no 'gigantic' songs on the album...although there are plenty of 'big' ones.
The Songs:
Groovy opener 'Life Is A Miracle' is fun, although the G'N'R quote is strangely annoying. 'To The Top' is okay but nothing more. The slower 'Think Twice' is nice, and a definite grower. 'Somebody' is an upbeat stripped-back entry, almost tribal in places. 'Mr Rock'n'Roll' is a quality fun rocker and one of the best songs on the album. 'My Favorite Time' is nice but doesn't really get anywhere.
'Breathless' ramps the heaviness up, and the musicianship is perhaps the best out of all the tracks, but again it isn't hugely catchy. 'Don't You Tell Me' is a lovely ballad with a real emotive quality. 'Wouldn't Let You Down' is a brooding slower track with a cool vibe. The speedier 'Who Really Wants To Get Older' is fun, if a tad shallow. 'No Way Out - It Hurts' is another pleasant but unexceptional entry. 'Was Mir Fehlt' is lovely sounding, but the lyrics are sung in German and don't do it for me.
In Summation:
This is a easy album to like, although it doesn't excite quite as much as I would have liked it to. Michael Bormann is in rude form, but he need stronger songs to match the talent he has elsewhere.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall:
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. Life Is A Miracle
02. To The Top
03. Think Twice
04. Somebody
05. Mr Rock'n'Roll
06. My Favorite Time
07. Breathless
08. Don't You Tell Me
09. Wouldn't Let You Down
10. Who Really Wants To Get Older
11. No Way Out - It Hurts
12. Was Mir Fehlt
Label: AOR Heaven
Artist's website(s): Michael Bormann | MySpace
