Album Review

I have to admit that I would never, out of choice, listen to Basshunter, one reason that I am on this cold, dark autumnal London morning pretty glad that I have been sent this album sampler of the bands fifth studio recording Bass Generation. Jonas Altberg (a Swedish national), at the tender age of 25, has done extraordinarily well for himself. Going through the songs on iTunes I realise that I know more than I ever thought possible considering prior to a month ago I had never heard of Basshunter. At this time of day (9.50am) I am usually listening to something upbeat but mellow (indie / folk / good old fashioned rock and roll) and I must admit that I am pressing pause on this particular CD every time someone enters my office, which is rather unfair. Basshunter have made my morning eminently better, which I guess is the point of this pretty hardcore dance music. It is not designed to make the listener think and contemplate the meaning of life, rather it is designed to make the listener and reveller feel good, want to dance and finish that last Apple Snapps.

The full album Bass Generation is a 14 track collection, which, according to the press release, showcases just why the singer, DJ and producer is the King of Dance. I in no way doubt this, but I am relieved to find that my review CD is only a 5 track sampler (with tracks only lasting a maximum of 1min and 50 seconds). I just dont think I could make it through all 14 tracks, but for me this is the best intro to the world of Basshunter I could have. The first track, Every Morning (the first single release form the album), is lyrically at a loss (but how important are lyrics in dance music?) but the beat is so catchy I cant help but bop around in my wheelie chair (slightly irresponsibly), and I fear I will be both humming and singing the pretty inane lyrics for the remainder of the day. Track 2, I Promised Myself (the second single release) has a very similar beat pattern, and I cant help but wonder whether the tracks are generated solely by computers. Nevertheless it is again super catchy and I would love to be able to dance around my office waving my arms around (alas this is not to be!). Why, track 3, is the mean and moody number and reminds me a little of something Enrique Iglesias might write, but again the beat catches you and grabs you by the shoulders, super for the morning caffeine rush.

Track 4, Day and Night is, lets be fair, a lot like the first three. But why change a winning formula? Danceable, catchy and throwaway! Perfect for clubbing! The CD closes, for me, with the dance ballad (featuring Stunt) I Will Learn to Love Again. Whereas in the world of moody Indie a song like this would leave you feeling miserable and morose, this ballad is still on top of the world, catchy and downright fun!

This five track sampler is about the most Basshunter I would ever want, and I wont be buying the full album, but I will listen to this when the indie rock and roll becomes too much and all I want to do is drink my coffee, on those dank wet London winter mornings, and pretend to be on the beach somewhere like Ibiza pretending I belong. Not a classic for me, but I can see how this is good, clean, dance music heaven!