Everyone knows the scene, Tom Cruise gently lowering himself onto Kelly McGillis’ body… but that’s probably all I can say without getting this blog age restricted. Can a blog even get age restricted? Regardless, we all sing, or at least try to sing, the iconic track that accompanied the scene: ‘Take My Breath Away’ by Berlin.
Well, to my delight, the trio are back 40 years after their iconic single. The difference this time is that they’re accompanied by a full philharmonic orchestra. ‘Strings Attached’ sees the band revisit their classic tracks, including ‘Sex (I’m A)’, but with a dash of classical composition running through them.
I’ll admit here and now, I’m always sceptical about these kind of albums. A band from decades gone by try to come back by using a few more instruments on their famous songs. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong, with ‘Strings Attached’ being a refreshing, impressive and quality album I could listen to all day.
My first taste of the album came in the form of the track ‘Take Your Turn’. With an astonishingly powerful symphony to kick it off, it was clear these guys weren’t messing about. The orchestral sounds that start things off are sensational. It transports you to an opera hall and the quantity of instruments completely immerses you in the music.
Now, some may think this classic spin would lead to the tracks being too slow, but they’re far from it. With a steady pace moving you along with the album, you really do feel like you’re experiencing the music, rather than simply listening to it.
The uplifting start to the band’s new album is exactly what I was hoping for. It’s flurry of instruments is punchy, but not overpowering. They inject life into the opening track and kicks off what is to be a brilliantly unique album.
Now for the one you’ve all been waiting for, ‘Take My Breath Away’. If I had to sum it up in one word it would simply be ‘wow’. The strings are a gorgeous new way of performing this all-time classic, instantly taking you back to the film. Not wanting to be completely altered, the band stick with the classic ‘dum…dum, dum…dum, dum…dum, dum, dum, dum, dum,’ (Sounds better in my head admittedly, but you know what I mean).
Speaking of originality, a special mention has to be given to lead singer Terri Nunn. Her voice has not aged in the slightest as she belts out the infamous lyrics as if she was still in the 1980’s. At this point, I’m shouting ‘Goose’ and ‘Maverick’ in my living room; singing the lyrics in between. It may sound crazy, but it’s quite a sight to behold.
*If you didn’t get that reference then I am much older than I think*
Mid way through, the strings take a back seat to allow the track to breathe and stay true to itself. By keeping the orchestra in the background it retains its originality, while still producing a different perspective for the audience.
My biggest takeaway from this track was just how brilliantly everything worked together. The soft tones of both orchestra and vocalist are perfect, as well as the distribution of the spotlight between the original and new version. Just wow.
Another revisited classic on ‘Strings Attached’ is ‘Sex (I’m A)‘. With a very different beat and vibe to their other famous track, this offers the listener something that they may not have expected to hear. Kicking off with a New Wave meets Frankie Goes To Hollywood feel, it sets itself apart from everything else on the album.
Again, I’m transported back to the 80’s, with their original sound shining above all else. Terri Nunn‘s voice is star of the show in this tune, just as it was for ‘Take My Breath Away’. To say it’s been nearly 40 years since the original release of their famous tracks, it’s simply sensational that she’s maintained her ability to pull off an 80’s power ballad.
Similar to ‘Take My Breath Away’, the orchestra takes more of a back seat here. Giving the original it’s chance to reclaim it’s former glory, but just adding that touch of reinvention. The contrast between the male and female tones work beautifully here. They bounce off one another as though they’re having a conversation when singing, which isn’t easy to do in the slightest.
I have to say, I’m so glad I’ve been given the chance to review ‘Strings Attached’, it really is a triumph. Not only because I’m in an obsessive relationship with 1980’s music, but because of how well it’s been executed.
Berlin ran the risk of coming back like a damp squid looking for their second chance at fame. However, they’ve come back as a force of nature.
If you don’t listen to this album then you’re seriously missing out. Thankfully, you won’t have to wait either. Just follow the SoundCloud link and you can listen to the album right now!
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