REVIEW: Alexandra Stan inspires dancing with ‘Saxobeats’
Confession: Techno club music is not exactly my specialty. I’m not fist-pumping the night away in a bar in Seaside Heights, N.J. I’m not marveling at the technical skills of the latest DJ in town. I’m not closing my eyes and “feeling the music” like so many in my generation. I’m not averse to a little toe-tapping, but it’s usually not a cause for celebration.
Then I met the music of Alexandra Stan, the young Romanian singer who recently released her first full-length album in the United States. Saxobeats is a smart, sexy, non-stop enjoyment. I’m still not clubbing, but her music has given me a new perspective on the genre.
The singer-songwriter has crafted an inaugural effort that is catchy and memorable. The opening song, “Mr. Saxobeat,” is slowly taking over radio airwaves. It’s a fusion of energy and repetition that makes for one impressive 3-minute song. Stan’s voice on the track sounds much older and deeper than one might expect. When she sings, “You make me this / Bring me up / Bring me down / Playing sweet / Make me move like a freak,” it sounds so skilled and smooth. Couple this with the rhythmic incantations of “Oh yeah” from a male singer, and the song takes on a dreamlike quality. Quite simply, it’s one of the finest pop songs to emerge in years, a near-perfect blend of come-hither romantic lyrics and pulsating beats.
Stan follows this up with “Ting-Ting,” another winner, mostly because of its unique sound. She starts off almost like Madonna or Lady Gaga, reciting words like “eyes,” “lips” and “hips.” The singer then breaks into French and eventually finishes the verse by mechanically repeating the word “Ting.” There’s not much drama or weight to the song, but it serves its purpose as a dance tune.
The album continues with “Crazy” and “Get Back (ASAP),” two nice additions. “One Million” and “Show Me the Way” are also strong, but “Lollipop (Param Pam Pam)” is a rare miss. The lyrics are graphic and ridiculously sophomoric. When Stan sings “Because I’m delicious / When I lick, I lick my lollipop / I’m delicious when I drop / Drop it like it’s hot” it sounds as stupid as it reads. The metaphor is overly obvious, and the evident sexuality is oft-putting.
Except for “Lollipop,” Stan can be proud of her first album. Saxobeats feels like the work of someone who has been in the business for years. It’s infectious and leaves a lasting impression. Stan is set to become the next big thing.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
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Alexandra Stan
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Saxobeats
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Ultra Records
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12 songs
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Rating:
