 Combining the classic Roxette sound with new, modern instrumentation, Good Karma surprise listeners. ROXETTE - GOOD KARMA (2016) Aiming to blend styles to highlight both their classic sound and a more modern musical concept, the duo Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson return with their 10th studio album, Good Karma (the butterfly on the cover alluding to the Roman numeral ‘X’ for 10). Released on June 3, 2016, and produced by Christoffer Lundquist, Clarence Öfwerman, and Per Gessle, this new work was propelled by the single "It Just Happens," released in early April. In "Why Don’tcha?," the 80s vibe comes alive with its danceable rhythm and vocal duality, featuring innocent rhymes; "It Just Happens" is the lead single, with captivating voices in the introduction and softened verses that charm the listener with its pleasant melody and well-balanced instrumentation; "you fall in love; it happens…," the chorus simply states, before the title track ("Good Karma") stands out with its introductory piano and bolder verses, containing interesting nuances. "This One" is less inviting with its deep verses, but it shines when the feminine touch seeks redemption in the heights while the electronic touch maintains its course until the end; "You Make It Sound So Simple" opens dramatically with piano, recalling epic tensions in a complicated world, and is a delightful surprise on the album for its approach to finding a simpler way to face the journey, even in troubled environments. "From A Distance" offers a view of the world from afar, yet manages to keep the traveler close with its harmonious sound and the lightness of the air it breathes in its precious reflection; "Some Other Summer" maintains the same contemplative style in nature but with more festivity and enthusiasm; "you'll do better," the protagonist assures, immersed in the future. "Why Don’t You Bring Me Flowers?" has a sweet romance well-placed between piano notes and voices that seem to sigh in its contained verses and emotional chorus, standing out with its orchestral background; "You Can't Do This To Me Anymore" is different from the others, a less attractive experiment in the verses, with certain exaggerations in a jealous view of an unstable relationship. A sense of mystery eventually takes hold but disconnects the listener from the journey for a brief period, remaining in stand-by with "20 BPM" and then returning, in full force, with the beautiful piano of "April Clouds," the most poetic and profound song on the album. This ensures a wonderful farewell to the work, the listener, and those involved in the dedication; "I wish you the best…," it concludes, with heart. ★★★★ (out of 5 stars) |
