SECRETS OF THE BEEHIVE

"Secrets of the Beehive" is the 4th full-length studio album by experimental pop/rock artist David Sylvian. The former Japan frontman showed great promise on his first couple of albums but "Secrets of the Beehive" stands as something very special in his discography. The musicians he has chosen for the album are perfect for the job and it´s very audible. Especially Ryuichi Sakamoto, who is credited for organ, synthesizer, piano, arranging, string arrangements and woodwind arrangement, has a big part in the warm and unique sound on the album.

The songs are generally sophisticated vers/chorus based pop/rock songs. David Sylvian´s warm and emotional voice is the center of attention and he has never sounded more confident yet at the same time vulnerable as he sounds on this album. Some of his strongest lyrics are also to be found on "Secrets of the Beehive". I´ll make a short quotation from the song "When Poets Dreamed Of Angels", which is one of my favorites on the album: "She rises early from bed, Runs to the mirror, The bruises inflicted in moments of fury. He kneels beside her once more, Whispers a promise, Next time I'll break every bone in your body". There are several strong themes like this one on the album. This short quote about domestic violence is just one of them. Others I could mention are "The Boy With the Gun" and "The Devil´s Own". What is most important about the music on the album is the melancholic warmth it possesses and the emotional impact it has on me. "Secrets of the Beehive" is probably one of David Sylvian´s least experimental albums, so I don´t listen to the album to be challenged or to experience progressive details, which is sometimes the case with his other releases.

The production is warm and pleasant. A real treat to my ears and it suits the music perfectly.

I listen to lots of music each and every day in many different genres and styles, but very seldom do I find music that has an emotional impact on me like "Secrets of the Beehive" has. Such a rare achivement is of course awarded with a 5 star (100%) rating. A brilliant album this one IMO.