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This album is partly a commercial pop-rock record that might not win over fans of early symphonic-prog Machiavel. However, there's another perspective to consider: viewing it as a snapshot of the state of Belgian studio musicianship and technical prowess around 1987. I see this album as a milestone in the history of Belgian music from the 1980s. The era of influential and ultra-creative Belpop, coldwave, new wave, and synth music had ended by 1987, but its impact was still evident. New underground movements were on the brink of emerging. Studios in Belgium were equipped with cutting-edge technology, and acts like ICP were gaining international recognition. Production techniques and engineers had reached a high level of expertise while still preserving that unique Benelux feel. Musicians from various backgrounds came together in studios, either to make a living or to exercise their creative freedom [for instance, Thierry Plas played on WHERE IS CHINA's amazing album "invading" just a few months prior]. "The Cry of Pleasure" showcases these musical and creative collaborations. Granted, most of the album is standard pop-rock, and it's clear that Machiavel aimed to appeal to a broad audience. But there are four standout tracks: "Flesh and Blood," a short, fast, powerful, keyboard-driven rock anthem, and its counterpart "Silences Lead," a stunning ballad with a superb melancholic atmosphere. Both tracks highlight Mario Guccio's vocals and the interplay between synths and guitars. Then there are "Wait" and "Your Soul," which truly make this album worth rescuing from the bargain bins and cherishing. Fans of TC MATIC's brilliant 1985 album "Yeye" will be instantly delighted, as there's a very similar feel of artful overproduction. Arno Hintjens himself plays harmonica on "Your Soul." "Wait" and "Your Soul" are the crowning achievements of this album, blending elements of rock, Europop, disco, and new wave into a superb and joyful mix.
on one hand, this is quite a commercial pop-rock album that might not win over the fans of early symphonic-prog Machiavel. but then again, there's another way to look at this album: as a snapshot of the state of Belgian studio musicians and technicians around 1987. I see this album as a milestone in the history of Belgian music from the 1980s. the significant and ultra creative belpop, coldwave, new wave, and synth years had ended by 1987 but left their clear marks - new underground movements were on the brink of emerging. studios in Belgium were packed with cutting-edge equipment, and acts like ICP gained global recognition. production techniques and engineers had reached a very high standard but still managed to preserve that unique Benelux vibe. musicians from all backgrounds came together in studios, either trying to make a living or simply exercising their creative freedom [for instance, Thierry Plas played on WHERE IS CHINA's amazing album "invading" just a few months prior]. "the cry of pleasure" is a testament to these musical and creative collaborations. sure, most of the album is indeed standard pop-rock, and it's evident that Machiavel aimed to appeal to as many "ordinary" people as possible with this album. but there are 4 outstanding tracks: "flesh and blood", a short, fast, powerful, keyboard-driven rock anthem with its counterpart "silences lead", a gorgeous ballad with a superb melancholic atmosphere. in both tracks, Mario Guccio's vocals and the interplay between synths and guitars shine. then there are "wait", and "your soul" that truly make this album worth rescuing from the bargain bins and cherishing. fans of TC MATIC's brilliant 1985 album "yeye" will be instantly delighted because there's a very similar feel of artful overproduction. Arno Hintjens himself plays harmonica on "your soul". "wait" and "your soul" are the highlights of this album because they are a perfect blend of elements from rock, europop, disco, and new wave. superb and joyful!
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