t.A.T.u. Dangerous and Moving album review
Permalink | September 4th, 2005
[post: Dangerous and Moving lyrics]
I recently received an official advance copy of t.A.T.u.’s second album, “Dangerous and Moving,” and I must say that it lives up to its name. Focusing on conquering the turmoil in (perhaps their own) relationships, this album reveals a much more mature and darker side of Lena Katina and Julia Volkova, the girl duo from Russia, yet it still has their signature catchy choruses that rocketed their first single, “All The Things She Said,” to number one. Their new album, with its moving lyrics, reflections on the past, haunting melodies, strong beats, and powerful imagery, is sure to please old and new fans alike.
- Track #1: Dangerous and Moving (Intro) [0:49]
- Track #2: All About Us [3:00] is their initial single release and should prove to be an instant hit with t.A.T.u. fans. A very purposeful beat in the beginning casts a dark mood over the track which will be carried through the next several songs on the album. The accompanying video, with its violent underscore (especially in the uncensored version), is a departure from their earlier videos; and adds intense images to the feelings of struggle and conflict. They say they don’t trust/You, me, we, us/So we’ll fall/If we must/’Cause it’s you, me/And it’s all about/It’s all about/It’s all about us (all about us).
- Track #3: Cosmos (Outer Space) [4:11] has a very eerie feel to it, however, despite its catchy background rhythm, is my least favorite song on the album. This is the only track in English where Lena and Julia choose not to fully mask their Russian accent, but that isn’t what bothers me. What bothers me is that the verses start off low and ominous, which I do like, but then they proceed to slowly climb (and continue to climb) until they hit an unusual, and seemingly strained, pitch as it leads into the chorus. Go where you want to go/So no-one ever knows/Only what we decide/Is it gone/Has it died/Dry every tear in my eye/You can tell me why/This is our secret place/Outer space (outer space).
- Track #4: Loves Me Not [2:55] attempts to capture the frustrations of a girl choosing between her love and her friend. Softer sounds are intermixed with a rock inspired chorus to build the internal conflict. Unfortunately the track is basically one giant refrain, and because of that it is the only other song on the album that I dislike. He loves me (he loves me)/He loves me not (he loves me not)/She loves me (she loves me)/She loves me not (she loves me not) and repeat.
- Track #5: Friend or Foe [3:08] steers the album back in the right direction and quickly erodes the memory of the last two songs while reprising the original theme of conflict. The combination of a great rhythmic beat and a playful scale makes it a very addicting song. Is it too late/Nothing to salvage/You look away/Clear all the damage/The meaning to/All words of love/Has disappeared.
- Track #6: Gomenasai [3:42] is the first slow ballad on the album and, interestingly enough, is of Japanese influence. The word “gomennasai” (notice 2 Ns) in Japanese means “excuse me.” I can only imagine Lena and Julia were influenced by their many tours of Japan and it is being reflected in this song. This track introduces the first feelings of remorse, regret and longing for forgiveness, a turning point in the overall mood of the album. When I wanted to cry/I couldn’t cause I/Wasn’t allowed/Gomennasai/For everything/Gomennasai/I know I let you down/Gomennasai ’til the end/I never needed a friend, like I do now.
- Track #7: Craving (I Only Want What I Can’t Have) [3:50] is an upbeat ballad with a soft wind instrument and a lighter beat. It is a great transitional track which seems to navigate the album out of the previous tumultuous tone. And consequences in the future/And feel it as now/I now I can’t feel the future/But I can be there for you now/I only want what I can’t have/I only need what I don’t want.
- Track #8: Sacrifice [3:09] has a very haunting pop/rock sound. Reverberating notes from a subdued electric guitar are built upon with a lively drum and cymbal beat, followed by a second guitar, and finally completed with an electronic rhythm. I will sacrifice (I will sacrifice)/All I have in life/To clear my conscience/I will sacrifice (I will sacrifice)/All I have in life.
- Track #9: We Shout [3:01] moves almost completely into electronic pop. Starting out as a slower song, it gradually gains momentum with story-like lyrics echoing a confined or lonely feeling. While the chorus usually overpowers the other elements of their songs, in this case a nice balance is achieved as the chorus returns to a supporting role. Everything that you feel/Is everything that I feel/So when we dream/We shout (echo).
- Track #10: Perfect Enemy [4:12] has a faster dance paced electronic drum rhythm and a very rebelious feel. The track itself seems to revisit the feelings expressed in “Friend or Foe” and will undoubtedly find its way into the clubs. Keep yourself away/Far away from me/I’ll forever stay/Your perfect enemy.
- Track #11: Obizienka Nol [4:25] is the only song in Russian on this album. An electronic beat is matted on top of a strong rock inspired drum and bass line. I have absolutely no idea what they saying, but that aside the song itself is pretty good.
- Track #12: Dangerous and Moving [4:34] reprises the relatively fast intro track and then dives straight into a slower verse. It’s an interesting contrast that catches you a bit off-guard. Personally I don’t care for that particular transition, but the song quickly recovers and pulls you into its electronic dance beat. This track is an excellent close to a great album. Obstacles and signs/Perilous and looming/Dangerous and moving (dangerous and moving).
t.A.T.u. takes us on an incredible journey in “Dangerous and Moving,” and Lena and Julia’s long overdue sophmore release has truly earned the right to be called a comeback album. “Dangerous and Moving” drops on October 10th — for t.A.T.u. fans it is a must buy, and for the new listeners it is a must try.
[gallery: t.A.T.u. Dangerous and Moving]
