Loveboat

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
The U.S. release of 'Loveboat', the ninth studio album by beloved English synthpop duo Erasure, will not be until 2001. 'Loveboat' finds vocalist Andy Bell and former Depeche Mode member Vince Clarke working again with their original producer, the always enigmatic Flood (who has worked many top alternative & techno acts in the '80s & '90s, including U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Curve, Cranes, New Order, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Soft Cell & Psychic TV). The result is 11 original compositions that started out as purist sketches using just stylophone and guitar, but wound up with beats and textures from across the contemporary spectrum added, which further broadened the band's already wide stylistic range. Highlights include the record's first single, 'Freedom', complete with it's acoustic guitar accompaniment, 'Crying In The Rain' (which welds bent hip hop beats to Bell's angelic keening), 'Mad As We Are' (which provides a gainst orchestrated Broadway pivot halfway through), 'Moon & The Sky' (featuring thumping beats churning beneath rave-referenced keyboards) and the tender ballad 'Surreal'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Freedom
Where In The World
Crying In The Rain
Perchance To Dream
Alien
Mad As We Are
Here In My Heart
Love Is The Rage
Catch 22
Moon & The Sky
Surreal

Amazon.com

Along with the Pet Shop Boys, Erasure long-ago cornered the market in pure synth pop. While credited as early exponents of house, techno and club culture, both duos have at their core an unashamed love of the catchy hooks and anthemic choruses of pop, but their latter day releases have featured an added component: subtly. For Erasure--considering the hands in the air exuberance of hits "Stop!," "A Little Respect," and the sequins and glitter of their Abba tribute EP Abba-esque --Loveboat's seductive tunes and sensitive words are almost excessively subtle. Despite the pounding beats of "Perchance To Dream," the sci-fi electronica of "Here In My Heart," and the album's title, their ninth studio album isn't about the joy of love, but the pain that goes with it and indulges in melancholic melodies and a sense of longing that takes the pair straight back to those early bitter sweet hits "Oh L'Amour," "Sometimes," and "Victim Of Love." Sequin-free and relatively sedate, Loveboat, for all its subtleties, still has its share of addictive tunes--"Aliens" and "Freedom" prove that they've lost none of their penchant for pop and can still write a catchy classic when they put their minds to it. --Dan Gennoe

Album Description

Originally released internationally in 2000, three years after their Maverick issued album Cowboy, Erasure's ninth collection of original pop songs was co-produced with Flood, Erasure's original producer. Mute. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Take a cruise........2007-07-17

No one saw this coming. In the wake of their previous album 'Cowboy', which had featured shimmering production and a very upbeat atmosphere, Erasure's 'Loveboat' docked with a resounding thud, both commercially and, more importantly, sonically. This album has the dubious honor of being Erasure's worst selling, and some would say worst-sounding album.

Although it continues the whimsical, computer-generated cover-art style of 'Cowboy', the similarities between the two records pretty much end there. The sound mix of 'Loveboat' is certainly the record's most infamous characteristic; producer Flood (with Erasure's cooperation) mixed this record down into a dubby, lo-fi, bass-heavy collection featuring dirty beats, hip-hop rhythms and a far-away, spacey atmosphere, which brought the record some critical acclaim (unusual for this band), but disastrous sales. It barely registered on the UK charts, and wasn't even released in the USA until 2003 (Maverick, their US label at the time, refused to release it without major remixing (and subsequently dropped them entirely), but finally Mute offered their own US release).

Despite its demo-like sound quality, 'Loveboat' does contain some outstanding tunes which, when taken on their own merit, rank among Erasure's best (and most uncharacteristic). Certainly the lead single "Freedom" would show up on most fan's 'best-of' lists, while the tender ballad "Mad As We Are" is a simply gorgeous track, building up from a dreamy start to a stratospheric conclusion. "Where in the World" is a melancholy masterpiece, "Love is the Rage" is a tuneful, guitar-based sing-along, and "Moon and the Sky" is an intense, dubby dance trip (the single version was drastically altered for commercial airplay). More traditional Erasure tracks "Here in My Heart" and "Catch 22" sound somewhat like 'Cowboy' outtakes, although they too have been mixed down into a lo-fi state. The tender ballad "Alien" is a standout, and the album's lovely closer "Surreal" ends the proceedings on a dreamy note, courtesy of Vince's atmospheric synths.

Indeed, Vince's synthetics throughout the record are heady and spacey, seeming to come out of nowhere at times. This gives 'Loveboat' an atmospheric ambience, and justifies its lo-fi mix. The entire record feels rough and underproduced, which, according to Vince, was the band's intention.

Most controversial among fans are the R&B-flavored tracks "Perchance to Dream" and "Crying in the Rain". Their hip-hop beats and altered vocals are uncharacteristic of the band (although traces of this style can be found on 'Cowboy'), and the bass lines literally take over the tracks. Erasure's charm had always stemmed from their bubbly, melodic songs that sounded superb ('Cowboy' in particular had been produced to a glistening sheen), so these tracks are rather jarring at first. In hindsight, "Perchance" would have made an excellent single, but slow album sales probably killed off any further single releases.

In some ways it is sad that 'Loveboat' is remembered mostly for its sound mix, since it contains so much interesting and adventuresome music. When taken on its own merits, 'Loveboat' offers an enjoyable cruise. It deserves a better reputation than it currently has, even among longtime fans.

One of Erasure's very best.......2006-02-23

I know that I'm going against the grain in choosing this as one of the group's best--but I truly believe that it ranks with "Chorus" and "I Say, I Say, I Say." Others have docked this one points for its mixing, but on a good sound system it sounds just fine. People are not accustomed to the heavy bass and downplayed vocals, but the material here is well suited to this approach. The album was produced by Flood, who produced the first two Erasure albums with sparkling clarity, and who has produced many of the biggest names out there, including Depeche Mode and U2. The album sounds the way it was meant to.

Perhaps another reason for the lack of enthusiasm is that, other than "Freedom," there are no real Hi-NRG numbers, which were once the bread and butter of the group. It is a much more peaceful, pensive, and even melancholy record. I love nearly everything here, from the devastating "Mad As We Are," to the lovely "Alien," from the techno-blast of "Moon and the Sky" to the wistful romanticism of "Here in my Heart."

For me, this is the best Erasure album since "Erasure," far superior to "Cowboy" and "Other People's Songs," and more complex and interesting than "Nightbird."

Weird, but good.......2005-02-06

This album is quite a departure from previous Erasure albums. The songs are a bit more abstract (even more so than their self-titled Erasure album). Several songs seem to hint at a more acoustic sound, although the familiar electronic elements come in here and there. Upon first listen, it's easy to see why this album never really took off. It actually takes effort to listen and truly hear the musical arrangements. However, with that effort, you will hear a very well-written collection of songs.

My rating of three stars SHOULD have been four, but I had to take one away for the TERRIBLE mixing and cleanup of the sound. The album sounds like an old cassette tape. The bass is abnormally strong and messy, and some of the more important highs are drowned away. It's really a shame, because the record has huge potential to be one of Erasure's best.

Highlight tracks include the infectuous "Freedom", the melancholy "Alien", and the beautiful acoustic "Love Is The Rage", which is probably one of the best Erasure tracks I've ever heard.

I'd recommend this record for fans only. If you're unfamiliar with Erasure, check out The Best of, Chorus, I Say I Say I Say, Nightbird or The Innocents.

Mediocre, horrible sound editing -- wait for the 2005 CD.......2005-01-24

I have almost every Erasure CD there is, including imports... I have been to all of their concerts in my city... and this CD is by far MEDIOCRE. The songs could be so much better, but the sound editing is so horrible that the you can hardly hear the music.

True To Form.......2004-08-29

An avid collector of Erasure music (singles, imports, etc), I was anxiously awaiting the US arrival of this long-delayed album. My first impression of this album was mixed. It was not truly in the tradition of the syntho-pop music that made Erasure so reknowned. Nevertheless, I gave "Loveboat" a chance and put it through multiple listening sessions.

Driving along the interstates of Texas, I suddenly realized that this was the Erasure of the 2000s. The message of their music, which meant so much to me growing up, carried through. The sound was somewhat different than what the Children of the 80s may have anticipated, but it was beautifully adjusted to a more current beat.

"Mad As We Are" is a fantastic piece which begins like black & white television then morphs into a classic Erasure ballad. Simplistic and haunting, this song speaks loudly. "Catch 22" is an upbeat tune in the tradition of early Erasure albums. "Alien" is yet another tune that should appeal to the hardcore Erasure following.

There is a new twist to the album that will leave some Erasure-ites with mixed emotions. Several of the songs have a harder edge that speak to a more alternative sort of taste. It took several listenings for me to adapt to this new sound from Bell & Clark.

This album is traditional, campy and innovative. Be prepared for an experience that ranges from expected to the unexpected from our British Boys. The hardcore Erasure fan will find another gem. The casual listener looking for the sound of the 80s may be disappointed. Overall, however, the album is a keeper for anyone who considers themselves a connoisseur of the Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Depech Mode tradition.

Average customer rating:

I DON'T UNDERSTAND...
Not Bad Music
The "Titanic" of Erasure albums
Classic Erasure meets acoustic sensibilities
All Aboard!

Loveboat
Erasure
Manufacturer: Mute
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004Y263
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

Freedom
Where in the World
Crying in the Rain
Perchance to Dream
Alien
Mad as We Are
Here in My Heart
Love Is the Rage
Catch 22
Moon & the Sky
Surreal

Album Description

The U.S. release of 'Loveboat', the ninth studio album by beloved English synthpop duo Erasure, will not be until 2001. 'Loveboat' finds vocalist Andy Bell and former Depeche Mode member Vince Clarke working again with their original producer, the always enigmatic Flood (who has worked many top alternative & techno acts in the '80s & '90s, including U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Curve, Cranes, New Order, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Soft Cell & Psychic TV). The result is 11 original compositions that started out as purist sketches using just stylophone and guitar, but wound up with beats and textures from across the contemporary spectrum added, which further broadened the band's already wide stylistic range. Highlights include the record's first single, 'Freedom', complete with it's acoustic guitar accompaniment, 'Crying In The Rain' (which welds bent hip hop beats to Bell's angelic keening), 'Mad As We Are' (which provides a gainst orchestrated Broadway pivot halfway through), 'Moon & The Sky' (featuring thumping beats churning beneath rave-referenced keyboards) and the tender ballad 'Surreal'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

The Andy and Vinnie Show Continues Into the New Millennium with a Return to Retro Form with Flood Back at the Helm Once Again. In Case You Haven't Been Listening to the Last Few Albums, the Boys have Been Writing Some of the Best Songs of their Careerand this One Already Has the Critics Abuzz Ready to Welcome them Back to the Mainstage.

Customer Reviews:

I DON'T UNDERSTAND..........2006-04-30

This album was one of my favorites, I think the objections to its mastering: too much bass etc. are totally trivial; that's why the equalization settings have been placed on your audio equipment.

Not Bad Music.......2003-05-07

I have heard every Erasure release to date. I was thoroughly disappointed in this release. The songs have great potential, but with the muffled singing and over the top bass, I could not get any feeling from the songs. Surprised, I must admit. I sincerely hope this is not the beginning of the end?

The "Titanic" of Erasure albums.......2003-02-04

Being a long-time fan of Erasure, I'm surpised and shocked to find such a misfire amongst their rather accomplished catalogue. The recording is muffled, the melodies go nowhere, and Erasure seems to be lost adrift at sea. So bad that no one would release it in the USA for good reason.

Classic Erasure meets acoustic sensibilities.......2003-01-19

Like any Erasure CD, Loveboat is full of memorable hooks and Andy Bell's amazing vocal range. "Mad As We Are" is perhaps the strongest tune here, with the title track "Freedom" coming in a close second. "Surreal" and "Love is the Rage" are also very strong. In fact, there are only a few weak points on the entire CD.

While it's not as "out there" as the self-titled "Erasure" CD from 1995, Vince Clarke has once again proven that he is a master song smith and in my opinion, Andy Bell fits his style to a tee. Andy's vocal stylings (he does almost all his own backing vocals as well) are perfectly cast against the wash of synthesizers and acoustic guitars. His lyrics, while often times trite, will hit home with many people as well. They're simple, but they're also to the point.

There are only 2-3 tracks that are danceable, which is what most people know Erasure for; many tracks they wrote over a decade ago are still club standards. Like 1995's CD, the majority of these songs are more exploratory and slower in tempo. That's a good thing if you're a fan like me, but those expecting a CD of dance tracks may be disappointed.

I still wish that Vince Clarke had stayed with Depeche Mode as Martin Gore is a masterful songwriter as well but with the "darker" edge. Mixing those two again would produce some interesting results. As it stands, though, both have made names for themselves, both have persevered, and both deserve a spot in any CD collection where beautiful synth work and catchy music are important.

All Aboard!.......2002-06-24

"Loveboat" is the followup to Erasure's 1997 "Cowboy," a release that can only be described as average, at best. This record doesn't equal the heights of their self titled 1995 release or "I Say I Say I Say," but it's still a welcome return to form. The first thing I noticed is the use of the acoustic guitar, which can be heard on the single, "Freedom" and the goregous "Love is the Rage." Elsewhere, it's business as usual. "Here in My Heart" is classic Erasure: catchy chorus and a hook strong enough to grab Jaws. "Crying in the Rain" is also another infectious stomper, with its thick bassline and bleeping synths. As of this writing, this album has yet to be released domestically, indicating the possible demise of Erasure's career in the US. But if you can get your hands on this import, it's worth it. "Loveboat" is a decent album that should please many fans of this long-enduring duo.

Average customer rating:

you guys are RETARDED
They can't win...
Unmemorable Work
Varies
Great addition to Erasure's growing library of albums.

Loveboat
Erasure
Manufacturer: Mute
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004ZD6U
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

Freedom
Where in the World
Crying in the Rain
Perchance to Dream
Alien
Mad as We Are
Here in My Heart
Love Is the Rage
Catch 22
Moon & the Sky
Surreal

Album Details

The Andy and Vinnie Show Continues Into the New Millennium with a Return to Retro Form. Producer Flood (U2, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails) is Back at the Helm Once Again. In Case You Haven't Been Listening to the Last Few Albums, the Boys have Been Writing Some of the Best Songs of their Career and this One Already Has the Critics Abuzz Ready to Welcome them Back to the Main Stage.

Customer Reviews:

you guys are RETARDED.......2005-06-30

this is actually one of my favorite albums in general. I can see why this album has been put down, because of the lack of amazing hits, but aas a whole this project works. 'Perchance to Dream' is a very different song, its beats are original, and the keyboards flow in a way other people couldn't make them flow. Flood really knew what he was doing here. The fans that dislike this album prove to me the lack of openness to the changing times. Their more recent ventures would not have taken place if this project was not made.
Sinply put this, like all of their other albums holds its own. They aree unable to fail. We fans on the other hand, fail to realize what they are saying. Move on guys. Erasure is erasure. They can do no bad.

They can't win..........2004-11-15

You've got to feel sorry for Erasure. For years, they are harassed by fans and critics alike for having much of their music and lyrics sound the same. So, finally, they decided to try something new with "Loveboat," which was trashed by the fans but adored by the critics.

On its own, Loveboat stands fairly well; it just doesn't work well as an Erasure album, with many hip-hop and Eurotrance beats dominating the album, and with some almost entirely acoustic songs. As an album by itself, it works very well. The songwriting and the music are top notch. Sadly, Vince Clarke's superb keyboarding skills are pushed down and hardly used at all.

Some of the songs, such as "Freedom," "Perchance to Dream," and "Mad as we are" are repitive and boring to listen to. The last four tracks, however, are the best songs on the album, with the exception of the beautiful "Alien." They are truly original and fantastic songs.

It's hard to say more about this album...all I can say is, don't buy it expecting classic Erasure.

Unmemorable Work.......2003-08-24

Erasure's previous album "Cowboy" (1997) was one of their strongest later releases and arguably one of the best three albums they had made. Loveboat, musically, is produced in a similar style to Cowboy but is paced significantly slower; the best description I can give is a cross between Cowboy and the self-titled "Erasure" (1995). Unfortunately, for the most part it is blander and less convincing than either.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to think which of Erasure's 10 or so other albums are weaker than this. The only clear example would be their latest flaccid effort of remakes entitled "Other People's Songs": it is obviously not a good sign if a group's ultimate and penultimate releases vie for least auspicious!

There are a couple of outstanding songs, however. "Alien" is a slow to medium paced song of great beauty which develops elegantly. Similarly, "Mad as We Are" is characterised by exquisite atmospherics and evokes memories of Erasure's greatest slow songs.

Yet these are the exceptions and on some of the tracks here (eg. "Love is the Rage"), there are even hints of acoustic guitar as if Erasure have truly run out of ideas...! Although this admittedly forms the nadir, nonetheless most of the tracks are, simply, poor imitations of ones on the most recent two albums before. Listening to this does make one appreciate the earlier works more keenly, which is one good thing.

Varies.......2003-05-11

There are some great tracks on this disc, but those who have commented on the varying volumes and production are right. You must keep your fingers on the volume control throughout the CD unless you have a limiter hooked up! Still, many of the cuts are vintage Erasure and it is too bad it wasn't released in the US. I still enjoyed it!

Great addition to Erasure's growing library of albums........2003-02-25

I'd rank most of these songs in the 7's, 8's, 9's, and 10's when it comes to Erasure's greatest hits ever. The only thing I noticed is that this CD needed more engineering. (It could've been my copy only) There was tape hiss, and high pitched noises on the CD.....CD were invented to remedy these problems that plagued audio tapes so it's annoying, at best, to have this on a professionally done CD. Other than the quality of the recording, this is a must buy for Erasure fans.

Average customer rating:

Loveboat; Erasure returns

Loveboat
Erasure
Manufacturer: Mute
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000053VIC
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Tracks:

Freedom
Where In The World
Crying In The Rain
Perchance To Dream
Alien
Mad As We Are
Here In My Heart
Love Is The Rage
Catch 22
Moon & The Sky
Surreal

Customer Reviews:

Loveboat; Erasure returns.......2001-08-18

Erasure have been my favourite band for 7 years now and I must say that Loveboat is one of the better albums they've released the last 7 years.

"Loveboat" is a perfect example of how Erasure can still be fresh after all these years. "Freedom", the first track on the album is an old-fashioned Erasure song, strong hooks and very upbeat. "Where In The World" is a beautiful ballad, with Andy's voice coming out beautifully. "Crying In The Rain" is a dramatic song in Erasure's best tradition, still there's a rough edge to the album, giving it a special sound. "Perchance To Dream" is one of my personal favourites. It's a very weird song, with Andy singing in his beautiful falsetto voice, a true uplifter! "Alien" is probably the descendant of "Sono Luminous" from the selftitled album, serene and beautiful. "Mad As We Are" again is a kind of 20's song, melodramatic and chilling. "Here In My Heart" is an upbeat song, more of the old tradition.

"Love Is The Rage" is a bit of a dark song, I love it. "Catch 22" is again a very upbeat song, a bit like "Angel" on the selftitled album. "Moon & The Sky" is probably the most commecrial song on the album, a great dance-song which will be the new single. "Surreal" is the closer, and as in good old Erasure-tradition, is a ballad which leaves you wanting for more.

Tracks:

Freedom
Where in the World
Crying in the Rain
Perchance to Dream
Alien
Mad as We Are
Here in My Heart
Love Is the Rage
Catch 22
Moon & the Sky
Surreal

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful! Inspirational! Erasure!.......2002-12-18

Probably one of erasures best works to date. The combonation of euphoric, dark, and love songs on this album make it a must have! The boys really did wonderful!

I tried it, I liked it, I'm an American.......2002-11-24

Cowboy is still my favorite Erasure cd but I like this one alot too.

Not Worth The Wait.......2002-10-06

Erasure's strength over the years has been that they have stuck to what they did best: catchy, danceable pop songs with plenty of hooks and memorable melody lines. Vince Clarke, who has made this his songwriting trademark for two decades, has gone off-track with "Loveboat", a bland effort in comparison to 1997's catchy, danceable "Cowboy". There are only a couple of up-tempo songs, and most of the melodies are forgettable. Very little of it - other than "Freedom" or "Alien", possibly - even comes close to being catchy. The production and mixing is substandard as well.
Other reviewers have observed and praised the "new direction" that Erasure has taken since their self-titled album. I feel that (with the exception of "Cowboy") that this change has not been a positive one. I admit that I do prefer their "lighter" efforts - "Wonderland" through "Chorus" - over their later releases. Erasure has abandoned the pop sensibility and sense of fun that defined what Erasure was all about during their heyday, and that kept me listening to them for so many years. This album was a big disappointment, but I keep hoping that better days are still to come.

Excellent for the die hard Erasure fan!.......2002-06-16

When I listened to this CD for the first time, I thought, "Oh, no!" Now, I totally love it! The songs grow on you even if you didn't like them the first time around. "Freedom", "Where In The World", "Here In My Heart", "Love Is The Rage" and "Moon & The Sky" are the best, but the others are marvelous, too.

If you are looking for something more mainstream and (sometimes) overplayed, go for The Innocents or Wonderland. If you want something different but still totally spectacular and 100% Erasure, get this!

The New Erasure.......2002-06-15

If you're into the old stuff, you're going to need to make an adjustment. Since the "Erasure" self-titled CD, Andy and Vince have gone in a different direction. For me, the change is excellent. They have nothing to prove in the pop arena. The Erasure, Cowboy and Loveboat CDs are unique.

For me, all three CDs started out the same way. I didn't much like them. After a couple of listens, the genius starts to come through, though.

I could be wrong about this, but there seems to be something pretty horribly wrong with the mastering on the domestic US release. It is bass-heavy beyond belief, blurry and indistinct. I flatten out my home system and it sounds great, but if you do your music listening anywhere other than a high quality audio system, it might sound pretty muddy. I've listened to it in my car, on MP3, etc...and it just doesn't come through the way it should.

As far as the songs go, Alien and Mad As We Are are the standout tracks for me.