Scorpions-'Humanity Hour 1'

[HARD ROCK UNIVERSE]

Scorpions
Humanity Hour 1
Sony/BMG

Review by Nightwatcher for Rock N Roll Universe

After the more than respectable return to their hard rocking roots with 2004's 'Unbreakable' there has been some speculation on whether Germany's foremost metal export could deliver the goods once again. Was it just a fluke? Would Desmond Child co- producing and writing inspire the band to go back to spitting out ballads in a vain attempt for long since elusive chart success? Well, the wait is no more, and I'm happy to say that with this album these veteran rockers have put out their finest effort since perhaps 1988's 'Savage Amusement'.

While it doesn't quite bring them back to the heights of the classics that are 'Virgin Killer,'Taken By Force' or even more latter day efforts such as 'Lovedrive' or 'Animal Magnetism', with 'Humanity Hour 1' these Scorpions show that despite this year being the 35th anniversary of their debut album 'Lonesome Crow,' there's still plenty of sting left in their collective tails. If you were a fan of the band previously, but have been hesitant in testing the waters again after the disaster which was 'Eye II Eye' you can be assured to find much to enjoy here. Say what you will about Child, but he does have a knack for a catchy tune, and melded with the fine musicianship, this is an album full of memorable tracks.

From the opening track, the heavy rocking 'Hour 1', it's quite obvious that there's an energy here which was largely missing from their work from the mid 90's on, and didn't reappear until the previously mentioned 'Unbreakable'. The rockers vs ballads quotient is higher than it has been in quite some time, and even said ballads, such as the somewhat Beatlesque power ballad "The Future Never Dies" are solid. Klaus Meine is in fine form after all the years throughout, and sounds more convincing vocally than he has in years. While there are nods to modern guitar sounds on the opening track and on "The Cross,"(which features vocals courtesy of The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan) for the most part this is a return, both musically and production wise to an earlier time. Matthias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker have stepped up their game here, with plenty of hard driving riffs and fine lead guitar work on display throughout. This is a consistent album, with no bad tracks to be found, and while it doesn't quite reach the level of being a classic, it's still a fine, satisfying representation of the band today, and will most likely end up being one of the top albums of 2007 for classic rockers.

Supposedly the first part of several concept albums, with results this good, let's hope that it's not another three years until the next one. While it's not likely to restore them to top of the charts status here in the U.S., this is a band whom, based on the evidence of this, and the previous release, are going a long way towards restoring their reputation, and for rockers everywhere, it's cause to rejoice. 8.5/10