Popular German melodic rock vocalist Michael Bormann continues his life outside Jaded Heart and various other bands like Redrum, Powerworld and Silent Force, with this, his 5th solo album.
Closer is a pretty diverse set of tunes – Michael seems to be bringing a set of contemporary and commercial songs that might appeal to radio/mainstream after his appearance on the German version of The Voice.
The various musical paths are all wrapped up in a familiar melodic rock theme, one that fans of Michael will instantly recognize, but with additional attributes added such as effects, programming and a couple of questionable extras.
The album starts strongly with a typical fired up Bormann driving the rocker I'm Not Your Entertainment. This is classic Bormann/Jaded Heart material and is joined by an effects filled Let's Make History plus straight ahead rockers Living It Up and I Wanna Be a Rockstar as the album’s traditional base.
As far as ballads go, Michael delivers a few quality tunes. The closing piano ballad Warrior is perhaps the best, but also very enjoyable is the heavy For This One Time in Life, which is followed by the other piano ballad Closer.
Because We Are the World is another sentimental, hands in the air rock ballad, but it concludes with a German children’s choir who’s pronunciation of the lyrics doesn’t quite work.
That’s the good – the majority of the albums tracks thankfully – but there are a few tracks that don’t work. The first is the mid-tempo Never Say Die, backed by a strong programmed drum beat and a moody vocal; it kinda kills the momentum of the first two tracks.
That’s followed by the hideous Can't Get a Touch Too Much. It’s a true WTF moment and doesn’t belong on this album at all. The rapping-Kid Rock-styled beat driven song, featuring female backing vocals (…and is that a banjo??) is tragically bad.
Rich Men's World is another track with a jarring beat and you are left waiting for Bormann to break into another rap. It doesn’t come thankfully. Down to the Bottle is however when it does appear. Mike - stick to the singing mate – you’re awesome!
Some of Mike’s best solo material here. A well-produced and solid album with the unfortunate diversion of four tracks that just don’t belong. Skip those however and you’ll be right at home in the best musical era of Jaded Heart.
