专辑简介

In his first solo album of new material since 2004’s “Rolling Ball,” it's refreshing to hear from Michael again in vintage form. As one of the top power pop talents on the globe, Carpenter here gives a clinic on how to write, perform and record a great album. Starting with the highly catchy "Can't Go Back," the song showcases his Beatlesque percussion and strong melody. Written between 2006 and 2008 at his studio in Sydney, Australia, the lyrics reflects the dark mood and somber themes of creative despair, lost love and failure that contrast with the familiar upbeat rhythms. For example on the title track, he intones "Heaven help the fool who falls a victim to desire..." Being a one man band, the guitar work on each track is strummed to perfection. The honky tonk flavor on “Workin' For A Livin” makes for perfect toe tapping theme to the drudgery of employment. Michael then combines elements of Jellyfish and Queen to create the creative "The King Of The Scene." After such a stellar first half, we slow down with a ballad ("Don't Let Me Down Again") before he boils down his life to the "Middle of Nowhere" where his soul just pours out. This track is the pinnacle of the album and a personal highlight for me. The remaining tracks are almost as strong lyrically as well as melodically. "Falling Down" is an uplifting confessional gem with a clean multitrack vocal chorus. Clearly, this is the strongest Carpenter album since his debut "Baby." For a limited time, a bonus disc version of the album will be available. Entitled “The Stripped Redemption #39”, it presents the whole album with minimal accompaniment, highlighting the vocal arrangements of the material.