KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

IMO, this album holds only a couple of good songs. A typical Moodies ballad, full of romanticism, class. All the elements that made their reputation. Catchy melody and crafted music. I'm talking about "Bless The Wings".

I also would like to include "Lean On Me". Somewhat Beatles-esque which means a very catchy melody, nice arrangements as well as enjoyable vocals. A good ballad by all means. Which is exactly what is expected from the band. "Shadows On The Wall" is following the same pattern, but is not as well achieved. The mellow closing number is not bad either to be honest. At least this ballad prevents us from another painful electro beat one.

But this is only an island in an ocean of dreadful music. Flat, dull, repetitive like "Is This Heaven" (the band has definitely a great sense of humour). The nadir of this is without doubt "Say What You Mean". In this one the disco/electro is hard to bear. Press nextT. In the same vein "Hope & Pray" (which is what most fans should do to get something better) is also pretty bad. And they just keep going on with "Once Is Enough". I told you : once is enough! And there is absolutely no magic in "Magic".

It is obvious that the best songs from this album are soft ballads. Anytime that the band tries to change direction, it is to release some poor songs.

This album deserves a bit more than three out of ten. I upgrade it to two stars.