Bright Light Bright Light’s new album Enjoy Youth,the follow up to his previous albums-
Make Me Believe In Hope
Life Is Easy
Choreography
Fun City
Now let’s get into the E4M review….
You Want My...
“I’m never gonna let you see that part again!”
The album opener & the 5th to be released before the album launch,and what a way to open it,laying your cards out on the table,let’s not beat about the bush …..”you want my ……… sex!”,you can see this played live with quite a bit of audience participation in the chorus …… see if I’m wrong!,the track also had an remix EP featuring an extended version,a dub & a remix by Tsatsamis. Co-written & produced by Ian Masterson.
Snap! (with Berri)
“Then snap!,suddenly I feel I’ve come back where I belong”
For me this is just a time capsule of the 80’s,this is the single Aha never recorded,it’s full on Morten,Mags & Paul.
BLBL just seem to capture the mood of a certain era whether it’s the 80’s,90’s or 00’s.
Just a feel good anthem for today,but with a nostalgic twist.
Revived
“It’s your time to shine”
Screaming from the 80’s with the previous track this now brings us right up to date with a fresh modern sound that is so today yet also harks back to the past,but isn’t stuck in it.
A great driving beat with excellent backing vocal work from Sam Harper adding that little extra sparkle.
Every Emotion (with Ultra Naté)
“Open the request line”
This time Rod duets with 90’s dance diva Ultra Naté,where he’s free yo do what he wants to do (sorry couldn’t resist that pun) Rod is a lifelong fan of Ultra Naté,so this collaboration is a dream come true,this also came with a remix EP featuring remixes by Thomas CW,James Anthony & John “J-C” Carr.
Added ‘La la la’s’ always add an ear worm to the proceedings.
Boys Etc.
“I’m not like all the other boys I’m bringing you music I’m bringing you joy”
The 3rd track to be let out into the world,another excellent slice of poptasticness (I’m sure thats a word somewhere)
synth brass,who doesn’t love that?,another uplifting track that BLBL do so well. The Strut Mix of this tune is a bonus track on one of the cassette releases & the Lavender CD.
Heartslap (with Mykal Kilgore)
“The word on the street is you’ve got that something”
This duet is with Grammy Winning artist Mykal Kilgore,who previously duetted on the debut album track ‘Feel It’ & the Fun City opener ‘Touchy’,this track though features a full on duet rather than just backing vocals,a great little track with a back & forth lyrical feast for the ears. A great video came with this track and to double up the Grammy Award winners total we also have an excellent remix by Dave Aude. (Video below)
Sweet Release
“My life could’ve been no more than a dream,but you helped me make it real”
The 2nd track to appear online from the album,and I love it,one of my favourites from it. Everything is just perfect,catchy lyrics,sing-a-long choruses it all just works,superb. That tune!,it’s just pop perfection.
I Don't Know What I'm Gonna Do
“I don’t know how I’ll make these lips smile,but I’ll try”
The oldest track on the album from what now feels like way back in 2022,the first release after the Fun City album. An ethereal appreciation runs through this track,Rod’s vocals are spot on,full of emotion & a radio favourite when it was released.
Down To One
“This is what your known for,that look in your eyes”
What do I say about this track? The 4th to be let out from the Enjoy Youth project. I played this to death,and still do,my Spotify stats can prove that fact.
Also it came with a remix EP including an extended version,even more to enjoy,along with a remix by Thomas CW,if that wasn’t enough we are treated to a full on Horror film video (as seen above)
This song was written about rivalry,obsession & lust,the rivalry for me is with Sweet Release for number one in my heart but the obsession & lust for this track carries on.
I’ve been lucky enough to see Rod perform this song live a few times,here’s one of them-
Sweetest Waste
“You were the sweetest waste of my time”
The obligatory ballad has arrived to break up the club classics,a beautiful track,co-written by the Legendary songwriter & member of the Scissor Sisterhood Babydaddy. It just goes to show he can do ballads just as well as the bangers.
Keep
“I know love can be cruel”
WARNING ROD THOMAS PLEASING COMMENT IMMINENT
This track sounds like it’s been lifted from the OST album of Mannequin.
This is a true 3.23 time capsule of 80’s power anthems,the song Starship forgot to record,a fan favourite from day one according to posts on the socials,co-written by Richard X.
I love it takes me back to my youth,which I’m now enjoying 30yrs on. Chugging along like a steam train,keeping all the elements of a future classic on the right track.
Enjoy Youth (with Beth Hirsch)
“Enjoy Youth …. We do …..Enjoy life … we try …. enjoy youth …. We will …… enjoy life,and not just survive”
The final track on the album,and we bring it right down with a slower mid tempo song,from the high energy of what’s past this really chills you out,with a duet with Beth Hirsh (not someone I’m familiar with …. Yet) it’s a great song,with a memorable chorus which halfway through gets a Parisian flavour and is sung in French,the perfect ending to what might possibly be BLBL’s most perfect album (so far).
Further listening should include the bonus tracks spread out between the CD,Cassette & vinyl editions including-
Four 2004 recordings from Rod’s youth,including one of my favourite BLBL songs ‘A New Word To Say.
A demo track & another duet this time with Megan Vice and a soundtrack song from the film Death Drop Gorgeous,détails below.
Bonus tracks on Yellow Deluxe CD-
Featuring these 4 bonus tracks from Rod’s Youth recorded in 2004
So Much Prettier (2004 studio recording)
I'll Turn It Down (2004 studio recording)
Good Coat (2004 studio recording)
A New Word To Say (2004 studio recording)
Bonus track on Mint Green Amazon Exclusive-
Put Me In My Place
Bonus tracks on Lavender CD
Lose This Feeling
Cold Sweat, Hot Boys (From 'Death Drop Gorgeous')
Return To Me with Megan Vice
Boys Etc (Strut Mix)
https://store.brightlightx2.com/collections/enjoy-youth
