Humanity Hour 1 Reviews

• Oh Hell Yes!!!

  
  By A2Z8WNTXFB228H on 2007-08-29
  After the last CD by the scorps "Unbreakable" i was somewhat skeptical about the hype that surrounded this CD, such as this being the best since the mid-80s. But I have to agree for once withthe hype! This is an amazing collection of intelligent, at times aggressive music. The Scorpions prove once and for all that they can hold thier own riff wise with the likes of Rob Zombie and the like (Hour 1, 321) Its nice to see that some of the great masters of metal music are still willing to get up off thier butts and show the young punks how its done! Bands like Heaven and Hell, Judas Priest, and now the Scorpions. I'm not going to bore you with blow by blow discriptions, just go out buy the damn CD and let it blow you thru the wall!!!
  
  

• SUBLIME

  
  By A37IQUP1MECOHQ on 2007-10-05
  Well its definately the release of the year in this household. What a sublime set of intelligent well constructed classic rock tracks this release has. I can't stop playing it. And fear not the name Desmond Child either, because to these ears he has pushed the Scorps to their best effort in a long long time if not of all time.
  
  "Hour 1" kicks off proceedings with military precission, a tytanic build up to a rip-snorter of a chorus that won't leave your head any time soon. A loose concept runs through this disc and this song is the scene-setter, warning us if we don't change our ways we will loose our humanity, 'try to stay down, you better run for cover underground' the final consequence when machines finally rule the world. Building off the pace set by the premier song we have the first of many highlights in "The Game Of Life". A subtle builder leading to another winning chorus, the passion in the vocals and guitar work is heart stopping. I love it. Just when you can't believe the song can get better it has a fantastic bridge and classy guitar solo to help your jaw drop further.
  
  "We Were Born to Fly" launches off some aggressive (relatively speaking) guitar work to an atmospheric vocal. It contains a sublime couplet 'take another breath, just close your eyes let nature do the rest' and is another five star plus moment. Simple piano work leads us into "The Future Never Dies" before exploding soncially as it climbs the keys with lush orchestration abound. Beautiful lyrically and musically. It reminds me a little of Queen at their most glorious and most pompous, and I hear a little of "Winds Of Change" an ecclectic mix but a very succesful one. The gentle piano work returns to close us out in the coda.
  
  "Your Loving Me to Death" and "321" are the most typical Scorpion numbers offered here but that is not a bad thing good solid rock songs. I feel the first is the better of the two. "Love Will Keep Us Alive" is the ultimate track on offer on this release and I swear that I will never tire of this great song. An acoustic and strings blend ballad, with sublime electric guitar work. I think this has to be my personal highlight amongst many shining stars. It is so perfect it nearly brings a tear to the eye everytime I hear it. The hard rock brigade may not be so forgiving of this but I can't help liking what I like.
  
  "We Will Rise Again" builds off another wall of guitars and breaks through to another hum-dinger (is that a German word?) It hold court to a brilliant chorus and fine vintage vocals. It just gets stronger the further down the track listing you go. "Your Last Song" is textured melodic rock of the highest quality, lyrically either a romance ending or saying goodbye to the world.
  
  "Love is War" is the winner of the best chorus award of the decade, "The Cross" winner of the most unexpected but successful collaboration nomination with Billy Corgan. I feel this one points a finger at the contradictions of religion and is perhaps the deepest offering lyrically, certainly another favourite moment. Closer "Humanity" returns us to familiar Scorpions territory and the military drums heard in Hour 1 are back. A strong closer with frenetic violins bringing things to a fantastic climax.
  
  Phew if it sounds like I am gushing, then you would be right. Don't let trends dictate what you will listen too, this is a winner, a thorough bred amongst a field of contenders from the 70's and 80's who are quite happy to release second rate 'best ofs' and in the process not be creative anymore. Support the brave and buy a classic.
  
  
  
  

• SCORPIONS RISE AGAIN

  
  By A2VUP5US1F5HG5 on 2007-08-29
  Easily the Scorpions best album since CRAZY WORLD, HUMANITY HOUR 1 is a triumph of soul-searching hard rock. A concept album loosely constructed around a vision of the future in which humans and androids battle for control of the Earth, HUMANITY HOUR 1 is a total departure from the band's most recent releases (EYE II EYE, UNBREAKABLE) and far more powerful because of it. As a concept album, the album doesn't necessarily tell a coherent story, and the individual songs generally don't rely on the concept for their artistic merit, but the thematic backdrop of man fighting for survival against his own creations does provide a strong focus for the Scorpions to delve into the human psyche and explore the mortal realm of love, desire, disillusionment, and the cost of survival in a world gone mad. I was a little dubious about the influence of Desmond Child on the album, but the band makes it work and the result is a cd no other heavy metal group in the world could've pulled off. As for the individual tracks themselves...
  
  1. "Hour 1": A dark and stormy introduction to the chaos. 4 1/2 stars
  2. "The Game of Life": Scorps have always been good at rockers designed to challenge and inspire their fans to rise to new heights, but this one's darker than most. 5 stars
  3. "We Were Born to Fly": The power of love to take us out of even the darkest storm. 4 stars
  4. "The Future Never Dies": For good or bad, there's always another day. 3 1/2 stars
  5. "You're Lovin' Me to Death": More of a traditional rocker's love song. 3 stars
  6. "321": This one's for the head-banger's out there...an underlying desperation makes this hard-rocker more than it seems...would probably play best in an arena where it could rock the house. 4 1/2 stars
  7. "Love Will Keep Us Alive": Possibly the weakest song on the album, though still not bad. 3 Stars
  8. "We Will Rise Again": An instant Scorpions classic. Captures the sturm & angst of souls caught up in forbidden love with power and operatic majesty. 5+ stars
  9. "Your Last Song": Bittersweet ode to good love gone bad. 3 1/2 stars
  10. "Love is War": A once star-crossed man learns the rules of love the hard way, and he'll never be the same. 4 stars
  11. "The Cross": The Bible says we must all take up our cross, and for the betrayed young man in this song that cross is love itself. A song of righteous despair, and like "We Will Rise Again" one of the best Scropions have ever done. 5+ stars
  12. "Humanity": The final coda to the cd's overall vision, at once an existential nightmare and a heartfelt plea for every man to stand up for the humanity in himself. 5 stars
  
  Unfortunately, Scorpions have fallen so far out of the mainstream consciousness in American rock that it's unlikely HUMANITY HOUR 1 will be appreciated by any outside the band's loyal fanbase. Most of these tracks probably won't get much playing time in the States, though hopefully in Europe they'll get more exposure. The album is undeniably heavy on ballads--at which Scorpions have always excelled--and straightforward heavy metal rockers may not find what they're looking for here, except in "321" which is something of a throwback to "Rock You Like a Hurricane". But however many copies it sells, HUMANITY HOUR 1 is a hard rock masterpiece, and longtime Scorpions fans--members of that "Family of Spiders"--will embrace this album for the classic that it is. Highest Possible Recommendation.
  
  

• All modern hard rock bands make notes... Four-and-a-half stars

  
  By A7VYYVTMIFT9M on 2007-06-10
  The Scorpions, along with Styx, Def Leppard, Judas Priest and a handful of other bands are among the world's finest. Now, Def Leppard, the Priest and Styx haven't done anything to write home about lately, but the Scorpions are still going strong. This album proves it. I find it hard to believe that no one can write a handful of catchy rock and roll tunes that are actually musical nowadays. A person has to look to a band that is almost in their 60's to find good rock and roll without some dude growling or making no sense whatesover... Guess the younger generation of hard rock artists has lost it's sense of melody and class.
  
  I want to rate these songs objectively based on lyrics, melody and riff quality. Here it goes:
  
  Humanity Hour 8/10
  The Game of Life 8/10
  We Were Born To Fly 9.5/10
  The Future Never Dies 6/10
  You're Loving Me To Death 8/10
  3-2-1 9.5/10
  Love Will Keep Us Alive 8/10
  We Will Rise Again 8/10
  Your Last Song 7/10
  Love is War 7/10
  The Cross 7.5/10
  Humanity 9/10
  
  In conclusion, I feel the Scorpions have had three albums that are in the league of being "classic, must have". Those are "Love At First Sting", "Blackout", and "Animal Magnetism". I only say that because they have several songs each that are "tens". This CD does not have any tens, but it brings the Scorpions back into the elite category they once held. The album of the year, hands down...
  
  

• Oooooh That STING!!!!!!

  
  By ADFR0SMWK9YX7 on 2007-09-02
  Yes,I loved it!!! Being a fan of the Scorps since Blackout,this one ranks up there with the best. Big shame ,the way U.S. fans are with the Scorps.If this one was released back in the 80's,it would have gone platinum.Nowadays,forget it.Bottom line is,I love it and am sure you will to.If you have been there for the Scorps through the 90's from the 80's,you should check this one out. It has the trademark rockers and ballads. Standouts are...Hour 1,The Game of Life,321,Love Will Keep Us Alive,We Will Rise Again,The Cross and Humanity.The latter being my favorite on the album along with 321,Love Will Keep Us Alive and THe Game of Life.It is rich in content and you will like it a lot.I purchased their album with a bonus track,"Cold",at a local record store, which is real good and should have been on the album anyway.I give it a solid 4.5 stars.It will amaze. Go buy it now!!!! Hopefully Klaus and the boys will be back again....I know I will continue to be there.
  
  
• Sounds like 1982 again! And that's a good thing.
  By A1MHTHU9A6OFN3 on 2007-09-23
  I've always preferred the Uli Jon Roth 70s era Scorpions to anything that came after and you'd have to go all the way back to 1982's "Blackout" to find a Scorpions album that I thought had more good songs on it than bad.
  
  But a friend was playing this in the car recently and I have to admit I like it. Liked it enough to get a copy myself. And like it more every time I listen to it. (Humanity, The Cross and Love is War caught my ear immediately!!) It's even made me curious about some of the other stuff I've missed; now I'll have to look at the rest of their more recent material and give the ones with the highest reviews a listen.
  
  But I have to say, you folks out there giving this 5 stars....it isn't Animal Magnetism or Blackout...so don't get carried away!! If you give this 5 stars then what do you reserve for those two? For the superbly magnificent Tokyo Tapes?
  
  Bottom line, if, like me, you gave up on the Scorpions when they became "Hair-metal", give this CD a listen, it's pretty darn good.
  
  
  
• Desmond Child poops on another great hard rock band
  By A1SC682D5FO0KC on 2007-06-19
  Desmond Child seems to want the Scorpions to become "the Moths", as he's taken away their sting and bite, and much of their distinctive beauty and melody.
  I'm quite surprised at the positive reviews for this album, as I was all excited to get it but quite disappointed upon listening. I think I can say with confidence that (up to now) the least favorite (for myself and others) Scorps album would've been Eye II Eye. And why? Because they abandoned their hard rock/metal roots for mainstream pop (soft rock/r&b/techno) and they let the producer have too much of a hand in writing the music, despite the fact that they established their reputation on their own distinctive writing style. Unfortunately, HUMANITY-HOUR 1 makes the same mistake. Although the songs aren't as clear a departure, a look at the songwriting credits will show that (although a Scorpion gets partial credit for every song) 75% of the songwriting is attributed to non-Scorpions. At first, I figured this might just mean they helped with the lyrics and gave some arrangement ideas, but the sad fact is more than one song bears a strong resemblance to some of the lame Aerosmith ballads from the 90's (Aerosmith having succumbed on NINE LIVES and others to letting producer/songwriters - including Desmond Child - suck the life out of their albums).
  Supposedly it's a concept album about war between humans and robots, but the lyrics aren't printed in the booklet and a casual listen doesn't imply anything other than the usual pop lyrical focus.
  There's some great heavy guitar on this album, but only about 10-20% of it. Most of the songs are ballads or mostly-slow pop-rock songs that rock out only occasionally. And the thing is, the Scorps write a nice ballad, and their excellent (non-rocking) CD PURE INSTINCT shows that they are quite able to write good songs that aren't "heavy metal". Unfortunately, the folks writing the bulk of this material don't have the style and talent Schenker and Meine do. Desmond and friends write schmaltzy, forgettable, bland pop music that fans of Celine Dion may like, but that don't hold much value for a Scorpions fan. I can't help but wonder why:
  - If these songwriters/producers aren't into hard rock, they're bothering with the Scorpions
  - If the Scorpions so recently as 2004 were releasing great metal, they don't hook up with a metal-friendly producer/songwriter like Roy Z instead of a lame poser like Mr. Child
  So, the final product is hardly recognizable as a Scorpions album. The boys put enough of themselves in it to make it decent, but not nearly as good as other Scorps CDs (even Eye II Eye can be distilled down to a pretty darn good 30-40 minute CD if you skip all the weaker tracks). If you have all the other Scorps albums, go ahead and get it (I'd recommend one of the Amazon marketplace people who have it at a reasonable rate, though!). You'll probably enjoy it. But if you're looking to rock, I'd recommend any of their previous albums first.
  And, of course, if you like modern pop-rock and aren't really into classic metal, this may be the Scorpions CD for you!
  
  
• Ignore the "Nu-metal" Comments - this is Pure Scorpions!
  By A3L6TOD06A9510 on 2007-09-07
  The Scorpions have always incorporated bits and pieces of what has been popular in pop-metal at the time - mostly successfully (conveniently forgetting about "To Be Number One" and "Du Bist So Schmutzig" which I have probably misspelled). "Humanity - Hour 1" is really just the Scorpions doing their thing, and really kicking it up a couple notches.
  
  It seems that many Scorps fans considered "Unbreakable" to be a return-to-form and in many ways it was; the band dropped the experimentation of "Eye II Eye" and just rocked out like it was 1984. That may have been exactly what the fans needed to hear at that point. I like nearly everything on "Unbreakable" and consider it to be their most consistent album since "Crazy World" - but I hardly ever listen to it.
  
  "Humanity - Hour 1" shows the Scorpions making a few stylistic leaps, while sacrificing none of their trademark sound, if that's possible. The hard rockers are here - "Hour 1", "Game of Life", "321", "The Cross" - and they'll more than satisfy fans of "Unbreakable" or "Blackout", even while experimenting a bit. "You're Lovin' Me To Death", "Love is War" and especially "Humanity" (truly a standout) fit that ballad/rocker hybrid model of "Rhythm of Love" and the remaining tracks, with the possible exception of "Love Will Keep Us Alive" (think softer version of "Where the River Flows") should be received well by fans of "Winds of Change" or "Still Loving You".
  
  Without knocking the Scorps' lyrical "legacy" too much, I have to mention that the lyrics on "Humanity - Hour 1" seem to be light years ahead of previous efforts. OK, so there's a "321...are you ready to rock?" here and something about a "deer leaping highest at dawn" there...but overall, I've found myself paying attention to the words on this album because they work well in the songs and don't, generally, fall to the level of Herman Rarebell's contributions in the 80s or some of the embarrassing statements made on the "Eye II Eye" album (which coincidentally holds several of my favorite Scorpions tracks).
  
  All the songs on "Humanity - Hour 1" flow well together, while mixing things up stylistically and keeping an edge. This album may be my favorite by the Scorpions - I hope that fans will get past the fact that it isn't so much of a throwback like "Unbreakable" and see it for the career-high that it should be.
  
  
• Scorps are back...
  By APXJEU06W2USB on 2007-06-02
  A solid, cohesive work from start to finish. Has a real "old school" feel with modern elements. Must have for any Scorpions fan or fan of solid, rockin' music. Do yourself a favor and buy this one!
  
  
• No Masterpiece - Downgraded to 2 Stars.
  By A1E245AS064786 on 2007-08-29
  As a long time Scorps fan, I was eager for the follow-up to Unbreakable, which I thought was the best album they'd put out since Savage Amusement and one that rivaled any from the 80's. In my opinion, while this album isn't on the whole "bad", it doesn't entirely hold up. I found myself placing songs into one of three categories:
  
  SONGS I LIKE:
  
  Hour 1: solid riff oriented song; very good opener to the album
  
  We Will Rise Again: a song to rival the opening track. Interesting composition and arrangement.
  
  Your Last Song: A more mellow track, but not a "ballad" in the traditional sense. More importantly to me, it sounds not only good, but a tad bit original.
  
  The Cross: Excellent main riff, great contrasting guitar lines in the verses. Strong song.
  
  Humanity: The song begins in a way that reminds me of their 70's era material, while the verses take me to the 80's, and the choruses have that 21st century "Unbreakable" feel. Very good song.
  
  SONGS I COULD IGNORE, or MAY HAVE TO GROW ON ME:
  
  The Game of Life: harmonics in the verses remind me of "In Your Park" from Virgin Killer, which is very nice. Other than that, I'm not sure.
  
  We Were Born to Fly: decent song, in the vein as the previous track
  
  Love is War: listenable, like other tracks on the album but nothing that strikes my fancy.
  
  Cold: This is the Best Buy bonus track. It's decent, better than many on the album but not outstanding. That being said, it IS worth having.
  
  SONGS THAT EITHER SUCK OR CONTAIN MOMENTS TOO LAME TO OVERLOOK:
  
  The Future Never Dies: "I'm lost in your eyes" - lame, cliché lyric. The piano in the verses is a tired 80's pattern that reminds me of "Home Sweet Home", and that's not good. The best thing I can say about this song is that it's better than most of its ilk.
  
  You're Lovin' Me to Death: cheese city - nothing special
  
  321: great meaty opening riff but falls flat from there. "baby 321 are you ready to rock"? That's just dumb.
  
  Love Will Keep Us Alive: It seems like I've heard this before, and didn't like it. Cheesy. Not a bad song per se, just not very interesting or original.
  
  On the whole:
  
  I'd rather have this than no new Scorpions album, for sure. However, I don't think this is a "masterpiece" as some have claimed.
  
  Update: After giving this album much time and consideration I've come to conclude that it's worse than I had originally thought. I stand by the content of my review, but it's proven to be an album that is forgettable, with a few decent tracks, at best. 2 stars.
  
  
• Humanity Hour 1 Only Grabs You For Minutes...
  By ASS3QV4KKE7WO on 2007-08-30
  Reference my review of "Unbreakable" to see how excited I was about Scorpions returning with an excellent effort. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about this recording. I knew I was in for trouble immediately when I saw the two words that are the kiss of death for any band "Desmond Child", on the back of this CD.
  
  Where as "Unbreakable" saw Scorpions update their sound to the day's current environment with strong songs that only lacked grandiose solos, Humanity Hour 1 is made up of mediocre songs that are over produced and lack substance or any moments that grab you and hold onto you the way "Unbreakable" did.
  
  On a positive note Klaus sounds great vocally.... but that's where it ends for this disc.
  
  
• Scorpions Pack a Six String Sting!!!!!
  By A3M4Y36QT8Y6CZ on 2007-06-05
  True to their name, the Scorpions never fail to amaze us with their unique blend of "heavy rock." The song writing ability of Meine/Schenker, five brilliant musicians and one of the very well-known producers combine to make Humanity Hour 1 a delightful listening experience. "Hour 1" begins with Kottak's drums (ala Megadeth's TRUST) before the rest of the band joins in. "Humanity" "Game of life" "We were born to fly" represent a good blend of melodies and powerful riffs...my favorite being "The Cross" cuz of its infectious rhythm and guitar work!
  
  As Klaus Meine sang in Lovedrive "I'd like to show why scorpions got a sting..." they sure do! Happy listening folks :-)
  
  
• Scorpions make another classic!!
  By A2LSPRVEWRSUL9 on 2007-06-07
  From the very first drum beat and guitar crunch on the first song Hour 1 to the very last vocal on the las song, Humanity, the Scorpions bring the house down with an incredible album.
  
  This isn't just a good disc, it is a must. Many others have broken down the the concept of the album, so I'll just back up the consensus that this album is a must own for any rocker.
  
  The production is crisp and clear and just superb. Guitar solos are sizzling and the flow of the album is great.
  
  I honestly can't say enough good things about Humanity - Hour 1!
  
  
• Scorps Still Stinging!
  By A2QU9L5SQTA3ID on 2007-06-14
  It's true, rock fans - Scorpions have created THE rock album of the year and one of the best in their long history. From the opening riff of Hour 1, it's clear that Germany's greatest rock band has come to rock you like only they can. The group has teamed with songwriter/producer par excellence Desmond Child in a calculated effort to update their sound, while retaining all of the classic Scorpions sting. The record has a loose concept forewarning of a future where man will be pitted against intelligent robots of his own making. Granted, it's not a new theme by any stretch, but it's the songs that really matter and the band delivers in spades with several of the heaviest tracks they've ever recorded and some very fine ballads that stand up to anything in their catalog. This record also sees a marked increase in the amazing lead guitar work of Mathias Jabs, one of the great metal players of the last 20 (almost 30!) years. He shreds up a storm on tracks like "We Were Born To Fly" and the super-heavy "We Will Rise Again". Singer Klaus Meine has also delivered perhaps his most incredible performance to date. At 59, it's apparent that this vocalist of vocalists is still improving, making his well-documented vocal problems (nodes, total voice loss, two surgeries, therapy, etc.) of the early 80s a distant memory. While Meine can still wail with the best, he also employs the lower register of his range to great effect, as evident on "Love Is War". Throughout the disc, his harmonies are more spellbindingly gorgeous than ever, provoking chills on "The Future Never Dies" and "Love Will Keep Us Alive". The writing chores seem to have been split evenly between the three principals, Rudolf Schenker, Meine and Jabs with help from Child and the versatile Marti Frederiksen (who collaborated with particularly fine results with Jonny Lang on Lang's "Long Time Coming" disc from 2003). This is Jabs' largest contribution to the writing of a Scorpions record since he replaced the legendary Uli Roth in 1979. If you include the Limited Edition bonus track, "Cold", Jabs boasts 5 credits to Schenker and Meine's 4 each. The amazing thing is that every track is uniquely a Scorpions song in every way, with just the right balance of classic and modern. No doubt this CD will do well in Europe, where the band is still big, especially in Russia and surrounding countries, where they're the near-equivalent of The Beatles in their prime of popularity in the West. Album closer, "Humanity" has world-wide smash written all over it and it won't be surprising to see it repeat the global success of "Wind of Change" in 1990. This is a band who has found their stride yet again with a lyrically and musically mature record packed with all of the hallmarks that have made Scorpions one of the biggest selling rock acts in the world. If you like real guitar-driven rock music with substance and more hooks than a tackle shop, BUY THIS CD!!!
  
  
• INCREDIBLE
  By A27FLM1SIDYKIB on 2007-06-16
  I finally got my hands on "Humanity Hour 1" and it's absolutely amazing! Easily the best album in the genre in years.
  
  My favorite tracks are "Hour 1", "The Future Never Dies", and "Humanity", but truly there isn't a weak song on the whole thing. I don't even remember the last time I was so excited about a new release.
  
  
  
• TRUE METAL - Hour 1 : Buy NOW !!!!!
  By A3Q0X35TO1PUNU on 2007-06-18
  I have been a Scorpions fan since their World Wide Live and followed closely their career during 80's and 90's. To be honest I didn't liked their last records (Pure Instinct, Unbreakable, Eye2Eye) as much as their previous albums, they were too much experimental or not adding anything new to their career.
  
  With Humanity Hour 1, they offer the best of both worlds: first, they return to their classic sound but still innovating and not repeating old formulas. The tracks are all linked to a single theme ("a la Operation:Mindcrime") and even when they are secuenced in concept, each song is strong and has its own personality. Hard to find a weak song in the record, I specially liked "Love will keep us alive" and "Future Never Dies" a couple of interesting songs, and 321, the next Scorpions anthem that reaches the energy of "Hit Between the Eyes". The ballads don't fall in the excess of sugar like the "You and I" and the riffs in each song are just great.
  
  For those who feared that Scorpions career was close to the end, they are back and stronger than ever. This records reivindicates the classic metal and gives hope for the future.
  
  
• Very Disappointed, hard and heavy? NOT
  By A1QQL5BVUQBGXA on 2007-06-20
  Maybe I am living in the past, but this album lacks the STING of Lovedrive, Animal Magnetism, and Blackout. I know they are getting old (so am I) but come on. What happened to Mattias's ripping solo's and Rudy is held in check, what the hell. Most of the tunes are freakin' ballads, only 3 songs sorta semi rock heavy, The Game Of Life, 321, and The Cross. They are doing the same thing Def Leppard are doing, putting out lame commercial crap, I'm sorry guys but this album does not cut it, too bad Desmond talked you into this stuff.
  
  
• Not what I expected!
  By A31GB0UU21LSVH on 2007-07-01
  I have listened to the album only once. That was enough. I have been a fan of Scorpions for many years. At 52 years old I still love my rock, and true metal. I have to agree with some of the other reviews, this album is no where near the style or sound of the Scorpions I remember of the 70s. It sounds to much like the nue-metal crap. I'll stick with Caption Beyond, Led Zepplin ect..
  
  
• Adult Contemporary Scorpions???
  By A1X7NJONERLLXU on 2007-07-06
  Wow, I was excited for this new release because their last one, Unbreakable, was a real return to form---had all the rocking power, drama and fun of their 1980's heyday, with enough of a modern edge and production to still sound relevant. So now I have Humanity - Hour 1 and have spun it 5 or 6 times and . . . hmmmh? I can honestly say that individually I pretty much like all the songs, a few are real standouts, but I have to ask---WHERE'S THE STING???
  
  The delivery here is so laid back and almost tranquil; virtually all the songs are mid-tempo to power-ballad to ballad. "Hour 1", "3-2-1" and "The Cross" are pretty much the only tracks have any discernible hard-rocking edge (I can't even use the term metal) and unfortunately they are not among the album's strongest songs. And I'm not one of those fans that has to hear super-fast or pulverizing songs to consider something good but, while individually good, taken together these songs are a bit of a snooze-fest, and that's so unlike the Scorpions. It's strange, there's distorted guitars, some nice solos, and Klause's voice amazingly still soars with the best of them, but there is precious little real tension and power generated in many of the songs. Overall it's got a very AOR or, dare I say, adult contemporary feel!
  
  Spin this CD, or even the 1st 3 or 4 tracks, and then spin the 1st 3 or 4 tracks on Unbreakable and I guarantee the difference will jump out at you. Perhaps it is the collaboration with Desmond Child and others that makes the difference? I don't have a problem with the collaboration or with them going for a more contemporary, radio friendly sound---the Scorps have been a commercially oriented band since the start of the 1980's. But from these guys who still put on one of the most electric and intense live performances of any band around, I guess I just expect at least a good bit of any album of theirs to rock a little harder than this. In fact, some of the songs on Humanity - Hour 1, if arranged or delivered slightly differently, could have had a much more powerful impact; so I can only guess they were really aiming for a much more sedate, truly pop rock vibe on this one.
  
  Bottom line: individually the songs are all good to very good (and I can't say that about Unbreakable---which has a few clunkers---though I would have to rate that album higher on overall impact). Listening to this CD straight through leaves me wishing for more . . . get's a bit repetitous with virtually all the songs in that slow-to-middling, just too relaxed vibe.
  
  Despite some disappointment with Humanity - Hour 1, I can't wait to see Scorpions live again when they come around to support it. With talk of their career winding down, it would be great to see them put together an album combining the consistent songwriting of this one with the power and energy of Unbreakable before they hang it up.
  
  
• This is a GREAT album
  By AT150L6EAFM30 on 2007-07-11
  This is the best Scorpions Album since Love Drive. I have been listening to the Scorps since they were "THE" underground band when I was in high school. So I go back to Virgin Killers and before. This Album is GREAT. To those talking about the Scorps losing their "sting" you can't expect 55 + year olds to write an album of anger like their old stuff. This album shows a mature group of successful musicians doing what they do best. That is writing songs with great melody and believe me, when they need to get heavy they do. I cannot stop listening to this opus. One song is catchier than the next. Klaus sounds unreal and Mathias lets it rip when he needs too..... Buy this CD as you will not be sorry.... ALBUM OF THE YEAR HANDS DOWN...... Desmond Child is a RICH Man for a reason..... The songs, playing and production are all top shelf.
  
  
• 321 Are you ready to ROCK ???
  By ATXK3DJTVN4NT on 2007-08-28
  This may well be the best Scorpions CD in a long, long time, going back as far as Love at First Sting or Blackout, I just hope that this is not their last one. Because after all of these years this band still knows how to rock. And I have been a fan from way back, as in the Tokyo Tapes era. There is not a single bad song on the album, no fillers, just one very solid effort. Only bad thing about it, if it is a bad thing, is that it is not much of a concept album if that is what you are looking for, but who cares when this CD rips like it does. Favorite songs are as follows:
  
  We Will Rise Again
  321
  Love Is War
  
  If you are a Scorpions fan, buy this CD you definitely won't be disappointed.
  
  
  
• Another impressive addition to an already impressive catalogue
  By ACK14LDFFM4ZZ on 2007-09-07
  I can't stop listening. Sure, I'm biased. The Scorps are my favorite band, without question. That said, I thought the "return to our roots" Unbreakable album fell a little short. Hour 1 hits the mark. I can respect the Desmond Child haters, but I think some of them are discounting this album just because his name is attached to it. A band like the Scorpions isn't going to let Desmond Child, or anyone else, change their sound or overproduce their songs. That said, you can tell someone (Child) was behind the glass working these songs. But that's not a bad thing. Everything you expect from a 2007 Scorps album is here. Sure, it's not Lovedrive or Blackout or LAFS, but it is great new material. Klaus is at the top of his game as usual. Matthias shreds, something he hasn't done since Face the Heat (with the exception of the Borderline solo on Unbreakable). Rudolph's rhythm sections draw you in. And Kottak's drumming has become a real strength in the post-Rarebell era. And the love songs get a little sappy ... in an appealing way that only these guys can pull off. If you're thinking about buying this album, think no more.
  
  
• Not Enough Superlatives!!
  By A132EWU9ODM914 on 2007-09-19
  I am one of those who were "stung" by the Scorpions more than 20 years ago. I instantly loved their melodic hard rock sound and I proudly own their entire 35 year library. I can emphatically say that no Scorpions album has ever "WOWED" me as this one has. This album, like others have mentioned, is a wondrous mixture of the old Scorpions sound with a more contemporary rock twist. Most of these songs are so catchy and melodic you will find yourself humming them throughout your day. I consider this album a high water mark for their careers and I truly hope there is an Hour II. My take on each song........
  
  Hour I - Just a smash mouth rocking song and the perfect opener to this set. It easily has Matthias' best solo since the Face the Heat album of 1993. I can't wait to hear it live. 9/10
  
  The Game of Life - This song is one of those that just keeps growing and growing on you. It has a very catchy chorus that just makes you sing along. This song is more typical of some of the Scorps sound from the Savage Amusement days. 8/10
  
  We Were Born To Fly - This song is a very powerful and sultry rocker/ballad hybrid. It simply resonates on so many levels and Klaus' voice is fantastic. 9/10
  
  The Future Never Dies - This song is also a rocker/ballad hybrid with a very unique delivery. Like another reviewer mentioned, I also thought of Queen when I first heard this song. It excels in composition and in vocals. 9/10
  
  You're Lovin Me to Death - This song is FUN!!!!! It is a solid rocker with that trademark Scorps melody. The transitions in the song are unique and again you will find yourself singing along. 8/10
  
  321 - Arguably the most contemporary rock song on the album, but ironically probably the most throwback song lyrically. Like Hour I, this song is tuned down and the result is a pulsating rhythm that will simply make you move. Another catchy chorus to enjoy. 8/10
  
  Love Will Keep Us Alive - This is my least favorite song on the album. It simply lacks the lyrical creativity and musical composition of some of the other songs. However, Klaus's voice is so stunning at times in this song that it nearly resurrects it from mediocrity. 6.5/10
  
  We Will Rise Again - Vocally superb!!! This song is another fantastic example of the perfect mixture of Scorpions retro with Scorpions neo. Like most songs on the album the music and lyrics resonate with a depth and maturity that is undeniable. 9/10
  
  Your Last Song - Very moving song about the end of a relationship. This song is well written and more than memorable as another rocker/ballad hybrid. Klaus'vocals again shine on this one, especially at the end. 8/10
  
  Love Is War - This song simply resonates with me on so many levels. It may be my favorite song on the album. This one is more of an acoustic light rocker with another one of those hooks and choruses that make you sing it in your head all day long. The lyrics are emphatic and passionate and again the vocal delivery is superb. 10/10
  
  The Cross - A rocker with a very mature theme about betrayal. This one is an instant Scorps classic and would sound great live!! 9/10
  
  Humanity - There are simply NOT enough superlatives for this masterpiece!!! It has everything you could ask for in a rock song.....strong rock rhythm, beautiful melodic overtones, harmonies that are awe inspiring, and thought provoking lyrics. If this song gets no U.S. airplay it may very well kill the last shred of respect I have for the U.S. radio industry. 10/10
  
  Cold - This song is a bonus track on many imports and on the version you can get at Best Buy. It is a solid melodic rock song with a provocative and mature theme. It should have been on the album anyways, in my opinion, and is definitely worth having if you can pick up a copy that has it. 8/10
  
  This album is simply a masterpiece folks and unless U.S. radio suddenly wakes up, it's a shame most people will never hear a note of it. Be one of the lucky ones and give this one the many spins it deserves.
  
  
• Not a big fan of Scorpions, but this record is fantastic
  By A3C4680UUYTZJQ on 2007-10-04
  I'll put in a disclaimer here that no Scorpions CD has ever excited me beyond the hits compilations. For me, they've been a band that can occasionally come up with a good tune, but most of the other tracks on individual records just didn't do anything for me. Further, the juvenile lyrics that permeate most of their songs just don't make them worth listening to.
  
  All that has changed with the 2007 release "Humanity." The band sounds more wiser than older, and I am beside myself that they have pulled off such a 180. I was actually laughing out loud at how good this is, proud in a way of what these guys have done. Instantly evident in their maturity is the more intelligent and reflective lyrical content, and an amazingly good updated sound. You read about aging rockers "modernizing" their sound all the time, but it usually fails because they lose the essence of what their fans enjoy most about them (or the "modernizing" is an over-statement or sounds forced). Not so with "Humanity." The sound of the band is certainly more modern, but all that is good about the Scorpions, including their trademark sound, has somehow been retained and shines through.
  
  The sonic quality on this CD is astounding, and these seasoned rockers sound tons better than their younger counterparts. An urgency and energy comes through in nearly every track. The production team of James Michael and Desmond Child work like a match made in heaven with the Scorpions. Most tracks have a heavier, driving guitar sound, augmented at key intervals with ringing acoustic guitars. Clever harmonies, superb lead guitar work, and great hooks abound. Highlights include the title track (and current single), "Hour 1," "The Game of Life," "The Future Never Dies," and "The Cross," all of which form a mini-concept album warning us about the cold advances of technology and the widespread adaptation of the "business model" dissolving the human spirit of individuals. Long time fans are rewarded with a straight-forward salute to rock and roll with "321," and those who enjoyed the ballad "Winds of Change" or "Send Me An Angel" will equally be turned on by "Your Last Song" and "You're Lovin' Me To Death." The only track that doesn't do much for me is "We Will Rise Again," although the title is foreshadowing of what the Scorpions have done with their career here.
  
  More reviews: http://billsmusicforum.blogspot.com/
  
  
  
• Excelent album from the German giants!!!
  By A3PTPOW6X6QNF3 on 2007-10-08
  Awesome record, a lot of heavy detuned guitars, intelligent lyrics, catchy choruses and some great riffs, recommended!!
  
  
• Yes, all these 5 star reviews are right!
  By AF65C8QK9NNXP on 2008-02-07
  This is an outstanding album from the Scorpions. How good is it to have a new set of brilliant songs from a band that has been around for a very long time that blows away the competition! This album has all the boxes ticked: great songs, great lyrics, great production, and great album flow. The teaming of the Scorpions with Desmond Child was always going to be an exciting prospect but they have really worked well together to make this excellent album a modern classic. I am definitely one very satisfied customer! I hope other bands try to use this project as an example of what is possible when care is taken with all aspects of an album.
  
  
• A Pleasant Surprise. Outstanding.
  By ABFN8SJDGYMK8 on 2008-03-23
  I had no idea Scorpions had a new album. One day, listening to the radio I heard "Humanity" and that was it, I was hooked.
  The rest of the songs are just as good, the whole album is emotionally charged and full of energy.
  I ended up buying three copies, one for myself and the other two as presents.
  I love the way the CD starts, the way it ends and everything in between.
  If you ever liked Scorpions, you will like this album.
  
  
  
• Heavy Metal Vanguards Return!!!!
  By A3VD45UFTW0EIJ on 2007-06-03
  This has to be the Scorpions best release since Crazy World (1990). As the previous reviewer stated, it contains a mixture of "old school" or as I would say the 80's heavy metal along with the latest refinements that the industry has to offer. Desmond Child (Producer) and James Michael (Producer) have done an outstanding job laying the tracks down for what I think could be the comeback album of the year and put the Scorpions back where they rightfully belong; on top of the heavy metal mountain.
  
  
• Ooops, they did it again...
  By A8N6IYFQSW9RM on 2007-06-04
  ...well after 3 years from their last effort, finally they did it again, this is a masterpice, for fans and not so fans, their sound is there but somehow updated!
  
  this is a concept album in the sense of dealing with certain topic: Human kind, is not a concept album in the vein of telling a whole story and all songs are related one to another, this is about de decadence of the human being and why we seem to just not care about it at all.
  
  Great songs, this is a must have for any hard-rock fan, the veteran rockers prove that their still are in top of the game, they still got it and remain strong. Klaus voice reached another level, a better level than in unbrekable, it is just amazing how this guy rocks! .......as another reviewer said, go and make yourself a faver, GRAB THIS ONE!
  
  
• The Best German metal band ever!
  By AXWF3P7EMY7XW on 2007-06-07
  The Scorpions have been doing this for years now, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone when they have yet again released another gem.
  
  What can you say about this band that hasn't already been said. They are consistent for the most part and true to what they do. They have gotten away somewhat from the heavier stuff over the years, but they continue to write great songs and have done this decade after decade. Yes time passes bye, and yet here we are still listening to good solid tunes from a fantastic band and that is nothing more than amazing.
  
  This is without a doubt their best effort in a number of years as it see's them returning to what I'd like to call their glory days. If you loved the 70's/80's/early 90's Scorpions, you'll be absolutely thrilled with this cd. As I've said earlier on, it's not Blackout heavy, yet it contains amazing guitar work and truly wonderful sounding songs.
  
  Pick it up and enjoy it for what it is, great music with a boatload of feel!
  
  

• Good To Be Bad
• Scorpions: Live at Wacken Open Air 2006
• Back to the Rhythm
• Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
• Black Rain