Fan reviews of The Origin of Love

–plus links to key critical reviews

To celebrate tonight’s album listening party let me open a thread for your album reviews. You can write in any length here, of course, but I plan to link only the 'review' type of thoughts in this first post in alphabetical order and doing it by time periods, to separate the latest ones, although you can also see the postcount in the links.

Besides, I'd like to link some of the critical reviews here as well - not necessarily only positive ones, but those that are more than just a reworded press release.

Fan reviews

first week of release (14th-21st September)

Alie http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3797459&postcount=90

Christian23 http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3796091&postcount=63

Christine http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3793654&postcount=5

Cubitus http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3799274&postcount=109

Debesy http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3795827&postcount=60

DerMoment1608 http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3799413&postcount=110

Dreamerxd http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3794807&postcount=51

Droopsy http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3798960&postcount=104

eloise.shaw http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3799035&postcount=107

Emerald http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3797423&postcount=88

Gatagordinha http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3793851&postcount=39

Kata http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3793795&postcount=23

LaraMay http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3795643&postcount=58

macboll http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3793746&postcount=16

Melgine http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3794908&postcount=53

RayaBadran http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3799187&postcount=108

smokesignal http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3793715&postcount=13

Suzie http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3799735&postcount=111

Suzy http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3796072&postcount=62

w-lil http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3793744&postcount=15

!xkristyx! http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3797370&postcount=87

from 22nd September

camille* http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3802927&postcount=147

cathouzouf http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3806603&postcount=162

Kaito http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3801598&postcount=130

Lilasko http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3810029&postcount=174

Marilyn Mastin http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3804257&postcount=152

Nollaig http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3809112&postcount=168

shalomika http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3803381&postcount=150

smokesignal - on acoustic versions http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3801639&postcount=135

Yuna http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3809798&postcount=171

fan reviews from the net

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/51883/Mika-The-Origin-of-Love/

http://www.amazon.fr/product-reviews/B008PUXMUC

ace!

I hope to write mine soon and I already know it will be positive

Listening party? What did I miss?

Listening party? What did I miss?

France is having a listening party, but it's not available to the rest of the world.

This album is such an extraordinary surprise. I never imagined Mika would make an album like this and never quite understood the full scope of the electronic sound he created from what we had heard before the snippets were released. And I avoided the snippets entirely so this was not what I was expecting.

I’ve had a general sense that I would love this album for longer than I can remember but you just never know exactly how that amazingness will manifest itself until you actually hear it.

Firstly why is Stardust not THE single? With all the discussion on MFC lately about singles I’ve thought that I don’t really know what would make a good single in which market. In the past Mika’s music has been so diverse and atypical that it’s hard to imagine what would work and how. Even Grace Kelly was an anomaly in its time. But Stardust is exactly what is in the charts in the UK. It’s not my #1 favourite on the album but I can’t imagine any rational reason this wouldn’t get airplay on top 40 radio in the UK. Not Radio 2, Radio 1.

Mika has talked about using real instruments to give the electronic sounds heart but I connect with many of these songs because they are so authentically ‘70s. He namechecks Fleetwood Mac and the Bee Gees but what I’m really hearing are so many songs that were typical in the charts from 1975-1978. Adele, Amy Winehouse, Cee Lo Green and Janelle Monáe have all revived ‘70s sounds with old school R&B, soul and funk. But I have never heard anyone do this with pop music.

I don’t know if others will be affected by this or even hear it like I do, but this was the music I grew up with. Not just a few records I found later in life but the songs I heard all day every day when I was a child. I think your mind is affected by this music you are exposed to as a child in the same way it is shaped by the language(s) you learn.

Of course there are much more modern sounds overlaid in production. From autotune to vocoders to what I can only describe as a Calvin Harris quasi-trance mix (though it came long before Calvin). But there is this authentic ‘70s essence at the heart of many of the songs.

The new mix of Make You Happy slips back into the ‘60s like Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite meets Eleanor Rigby meets Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. The strings are f*cking amazing. Can’t get enough of this. I think it will always be one of my favourites.

I’m slightly disappointed with Underwater but this was to be expected. Even Adele does not come close to her gutwrenching live performances of Someone Like You on the album. Underwater is not bad but the live version is far superior.

Overrated is really interesting, especially the range of Mika’s vocals. That quick climb from low to inhuman falsetto is hauntingly amazing. The synthesizer sounds are what I love the most about electronic music and it goes back and forth from some early ‘80s new wave boops to the Calvin Harris trance build ups. I love it and it’s really original. Well if it’s not original then I’ve been listening to the wrong music I guess.

Kids and Heroes are a bit meh for me at this point but I’ll give them another chance in the coming weeks.

As soon as I heard the title for Love You When I’m Drunk it reminded me of a Barenaked Ladies song, Alcohol. “I love you more / than I did the week before / I discovered alcohol” Funnily enough the whole song sounds very BNL, especially the melody and the bridge. Not the greatest song Mika’s ever written but really fun and a great fit with the album.

I’ve been hearing through the grapevine that Step with Me is too boybandish but I totally disagree. I think this song, more than any other, captures that ‘70s vibe. A time when all those boy band boys were still in diapers or not even a twinkle in their daddies’ eyes I usually find Mika sounding a bit cheesy singing a song at this tempo but this is so much better than anything he’s done in the past. The super low notes and the female backing singer keep it from sounding like any boy band.

I could do without Mika’s super groanworthy rapping in Popular, but oh this song is fantastic. Priscilla is brilliant and it’s so nice to hear a Mika song with a real rhythm. It’s such a shame that Mika didn’t write the melody of the chorus because he can sing it so so perfectly. It sounds like it was written for his voice like Love Today was written for it.

Okay well, I love it. That is all.

France is having a listening party, but it's not available to the rest of the world.

Waah exclusivity!

I shall have patience...

This album is such an extraordinary surprise. I never imagined Mika would make an album like this and never quite understood the full scope of the electronic sound he created from what we had heard before the snippets were released. And I avoided the snippets entirely so this was not what I was expecting.

 

I’ve had a general sense that I would love this album for longer than I can remember but you just never know exactly how that amazingness will manifest itself until you actually hear it.

 

Firstly why is Stardust not THE single? With all the discussion on MFC lately about singles I’ve thought that I don’t really know what would make a good single in which market. In the past Mika’s music has been so diverse and atypical that it’s hard to imagine what would work and how. Even Grace Kelly was an anomaly in its time. But Stardust is exactly what is in the charts in the UK. It’s not my #1 favourite on the album but I can’t imagine any rational reason this wouldn’t get airplay on top 40 radio in the UK. Not Radio 2, Radio 1.

 

Mika has talked about using real instruments to give the electronic sounds heart but I connect with many of these songs because they are so authentically ‘70s. He namechecks Fleetwood Mac and the Bee Gees but what I’m really hearing are so many songs that were typical in the charts from 1975-1978. Adele, Amy Winehouse, Cee Lo Green and Janelle Monáe have all revived ‘70s sounds with old school R&B, soul and funk. But I have never heard anyone do this with pop music.

 

I don’t know if others will be affected by this or even hear it like I do, but this was the music I grew up with. Not just a few records I found later in life but the songs I heard all day every day when I was a child. I think your mind is affected by this music you are exposed to as a child in the same way it is shaped by the language(s) you learn.

 

Of course there are much more modern sounds overlaid in production. From autotune to vocoders to what I can only describe as a Calvin Harris quasi-trance mix (though it came long before Calvin). But there is this authentic ‘70s essence at the heart of many of the songs.

 

The new mix of Make You Happy slips back into the ‘60s like Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite meets Eleanor Rigby meets Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. The strings are f*cking amazing. Can’t get enough of this. I think it will always be one of my favourites.

 

I’m slightly disappointed with Underwater but this was to be expected. Even Adele does not come close to her gutwrenching live performances of Someone Like You on the album. Underwater is not bad but the live version is far superior.

 

Overrated is really interesting, especially the range of Mika’s vocals. That quick climb from low to inhuman falsetto is hauntingly amazing. The synthesizer sounds are what I love the most about electronic music and it goes back and forth from some early ‘80s new wave boops to the Calvin Harris trance build ups. I love it and it’s really original. Well if it’s not original then I’ve been listening to the wrong music I guess.

 

Kids and Heroes are a bit meh for me at this point but I’ll give them another chance in the coming weeks.

 

As soon as I heard the title for Love You When I’m Drunk it reminded me of a Barenaked Ladies song, Alcohol. “I love you more / than I did the week before / I discovered alcohol” Funnily enough the whole song sounds very BNL, especially the melody and the bridge. Not the greatest song Mika’s ever written but really fun and a great fit with the album.

 

I’ve been hearing through the grapevine that Step with Me is too boybandish but I totally disagree. I think this song, more than any other, captures that ‘70s vibe. A time when all those boy band boys were still in diapers or not even a twinkle in their daddies’ eyes I usually find Mika sounding a bit cheesy singing a song at this tempo but this is so much better than anything he’s done in the past. The super low notes and the female backing singer keep it from sounding like any boy band.

 

I could do without Mika’s super groanworthy rapping in Popular, but oh this song is fantastic. Priscilla is brilliant and it’s so nice to hear a Mika song with a real rhythm. It’s such a shame that Mika didn’t write the melody of the chorus because he can sing it so so perfectly. It sounds like it was written for his voice like Love Today was written for it.

 

Okay well, I love it. That is all.

that's what i thought the very first time from the snippets and on hearing the full thing i love it even more...

great overall review christine!! I agree with you for the most part, so right now any review of mine would be superfluous :aah:

I can just describe this album with one word : DELICIOUS

This album is such an extraordinary surprise. I never imagined Mika would make an album like this and never quite understood the full scope of the electronic sound he created from what we had heard before the snippets were released. And I avoided the snippets entirely so this was not what I was expecting.

 

I’ve had a general sense that I would love this album for longer than I can remember but you just never know exactly how that amazingness will manifest itself until you actually hear it.

 

Firstly why is Stardust not THE single? With all the discussion on MFC lately about singles I’ve thought that I don’t really know what would make a good single in which market. In the past Mika’s music has been so diverse and atypical that it’s hard to imagine what would work and how. Even Grace Kelly was an anomaly in its time. But Stardust is exactly what is in the charts in the UK. It’s not my #1 favourite on the album but I can’t imagine any rational reason this wouldn’t get airplay on top 40 radio in the UK. Not Radio 2, Radio 1.

 

Mika has talked about using real instruments to give the electronic sounds heart but I connect with many of these songs because they are so authentically ‘70s. He namechecks Fleetwood Mac and the Bee Gees but what I’m really hearing are so many songs that were typical in the charts from 1975-1978. Adele, Amy Winehouse, Cee Lo Green and Janelle Monáe have all revived ‘70s sounds with old school R&B, soul and funk. But I have never heard anyone do this with pop music.

 

I don’t know if others will be affected by this or even hear it like I do, but this was the music I grew up with. Not just a few records I found later in life but the songs I heard all day every day when I was a child. I think your mind is affected by this music you are exposed to as a child in the same way it is shaped by the language(s) you learn.

 

Of course there are much more modern sounds overlaid in production. From autotune to vocoders to what I can only describe as a Calvin Harris quasi-trance mix (though it came long before Calvin). But there is this authentic ‘70s essence at the heart of many of the songs.

 

The new mix of Make You Happy slips back into the ‘60s like Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite meets Eleanor Rigby meets Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. The strings are f*cking amazing. Can’t get enough of this. I think it will always be one of my favourites.

 

I’m slightly disappointed with Underwater but this was to be expected. Even Adele does not come close to her gutwrenching live performances of Someone Like You on the album. Underwater is not bad but the live version is far superior.

 

Overrated is really interesting, especially the range of Mika’s vocals. That quick climb from low to inhuman falsetto is hauntingly amazing. The synthesizer sounds are what I love the most about electronic music and it goes back and forth from some early ‘80s new wave boops to the Calvin Harris trance build ups. I love it and it’s really original. Well if it’s not original then I’ve been listening to the wrong music I guess.

 

Kids and Heroes are a bit meh for me at this point but I’ll give them another chance in the coming weeks.

 

As soon as I heard the title for Love You When I’m Drunk it reminded me of a Barenaked Ladies song, Alcohol. “I love you more / than I did the week before / I discovered alcohol” Funnily enough the whole song sounds very BNL, especially the melody and the bridge. Not the greatest song Mika’s ever written but really fun and a great fit with the album.

 

I’ve been hearing through the grapevine that Step with Me is too boybandish but I totally disagree. I think this song, more than any other, captures that ‘70s vibe. A time when all those boy band boys were still in diapers or not even a twinkle in their daddies’ eyes I usually find Mika sounding a bit cheesy singing a song at this tempo but this is so much better than anything he’s done in the past. The super low notes and the female backing singer keep it from sounding like any boy band.

 

I could do without Mika’s super groanworthy rapping in Popular, but oh this song is fantastic. Priscilla is brilliant and it’s so nice to hear a Mika song with a real rhythm. It’s such a shame that Mika didn’t write the melody of the chorus because he can sing it so so perfectly. It sounds like it was written for his voice like Love Today was written for it.

 

Okay well, I love it. That is all.

WOW Great review

Thank you so much

Thank you Christine, I was there in the 70s and with more years on my shoulders than you, but I cannot recall all that. I was more into Psychedelic Rock and Glam, and whatever was considered no-pop.

We used to dismiss pop as unworthy but the Beatles.

So thanks for the info.

I only know I love it in FULL and I admit I was fully wrong in my first sensations, even after the listening in Milan .

My favourites are Overrated and Tah-dah, today.

who knows what tomorrow will bring!

I'd like to have a complete review, but I need more time, especially in English.

I can't write a review as I'm so in love with Tah Dah that I barely listened to the rest But great review Christine and I agree about Stardust, my daughter picked it as instant favourite and it should definitely have been THE single

I will come back here next week:mf_rosetinted:

Christine, I loved your review! I don't think I have too much to add, so I'm just going to write down a few observations (reading it back quite a few observations, it got a bit long ) on various songs after the first listen to the whole thing, which also affects my opinions on songs I had heard before. Must be interesting to read back in a few weeks when my opinions on songs will have changed completely again

OOL: I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think OOL should be a single. It's too dancy and happy and in my opinion looses its power as a result. It's not as bold as it could be. I know the whole 'lightness of touch' story and idea behind it, but in my opinion this song deserves to be produced in such a way that it blows you off your feet. And this doesn't do that for me.

Lola: I do love this song more and more. Not as a single, because it doesn't stand out, but it's sweet and it's catchy and makes a really good album song.

Stardust: I totally agree with Christine: this should be THE single! I felt like that when I heard the 30 second snippet, but at the time I didn't personally like the song, because it just sounded like everything else on radio to me. But listening to the whole song, the way it builds up, it just makes sense and I absolutely love it.

Underwater: once again I agree with Christine. Some parts are beautiful and dreamy in a way that I don't think he'll ever be able to do during a gig, just because of the amount of adrenaline he's on then, but the live version is more powerful. In this case I do think I've been spoilt by the live version though, because it is an extraordinarily beautiful song, I just expected even more from it.

Overrated: OMG!!! The beginning was a bit lost on me, because it was too big of a transition after underwater, but this song is so creepy and scary, everything about it, not just the lyrics, but also the way he uses his voice and... just everything about it. For some reason the atmosphere in that song reminds me of Nightwish (gothic/symphonic metal), but then it has this beat under it, making it... what? Gothic house? I don't know what I think of the song yet, because I was so baffled by it, but from my first impression I'd say it's definitely one of the most interesting Mika songs out there.

Kids: I don't know... it didn't really do much for me. I had a feeling it should either be sweeter or darker in the production, more pronounced in some way.

LYWID: Twisted, slightly evil, hilarious and insanely catchy. The lyrics are quite a bit more explicit than anything he ever put in LICM, but musically that song fits right on that album.

SWM: I'm still not too enthusiastic about the really low singing, but I agree with Christine that that does prevent the song from becoming cheesy.

Popular: Yeah, Mika can't rap I still think his attempt fits the song though. It's a very effective way of saying: "yeah, so I definitely wasn't one of the popular ones". And I agree with Christine that the chorus fits his voice so perfectly.

Emily: I have the feeling the lyrics don't make sense, but perhaps I need some time to get used to the idea of daddy Mika yelling at his teenage daughter

Heroes: I still have the same feeling I had when hearing the snippets. The low and the high parts don't seem to match, it's as if someone has taken two different songs and mixed them together, and not in a good way. I'm guessing the lyrics are beautiful, at least as far as I got them on the first listen, but musically I'm missing the connection between the chorus and the rest of the song.

Celebrate: I wouldn't say it's the worst song on the album, but I do think it doesn't belong on the album. It's too simple, too straightforward. The rest of the album has this intricate twistedness about it, and this song just doesn't fit with the rest.

MYH: I love the new arrangement. It's so beautiful, and less depressing than the old version too, although I got a sad vibe from it to the end. But there's a difference between sad and depressing, and I prefer sad in a song.

Karen: Putting a beat under Karen? Really Mika? I don't know... perhaps it just takes some getting used to...

BIOTW in French doesn't make sense to me. The lyrics don't fit the music in my opinion. I think it would make a good song in Italian. Kind of Eros Ramazotti.

Edit: I didn't put the last French song and Tah Dah in at first, because I didn't know what to write about them. However, having heard Un Soleil Mal Luné more often, I must say I absolutely adore the song, and the lyrics are just amazing. As for Tah Dah, I like it, but I understand why it's only a bonus. It sounds too dated. It definitely should not become a single. However, I do think it fits with the rest of the album better than Celebrate.

Thank you for these reviews, I will probably try to make one next week. Smokesignal, have you also "Comme un soleil"/"Soleil mal luné" on your album?

ok! I've got my CD this morning (french deluxe).

So I'll start with the 2nd CD. I'm Sorry to say it, but I Hate the french songs (the 2 new ones).

Well Karen is fine, even though I prefered the live versions of last year.

"L'amour dans le mauvais temps" is just awfull. The Lyrics are really, i don't have a word. At some moments it just doesn't fit with the music. And to use the word "météo" is so weird in a song like this.

"Un soleil mal luné", no I don't like it either. really it doesn't sound like Mika.

Then the 4 remixes, I'm just not fond on remix. They are not too horrible, but well that's not my cup of tea!

And Tah dah I LOVE that song. Judging by the title I wasn't optimistic^^ but what a good surprise!! so 80's! I never expected Mika to to that type of song! his voice fits perfectly. Sure the song would have been huge 30 years ago!

TBH i just can't stop listening to it. definitly one of my favorite.

Now CD 1. I love them all! MIKA did a great job!

Origin, i love it. I knew it since the first seconds. Love the studio version as much as the live. oneof my favorite.

Lola is great too. Love it more and more

Stardust Is amazing. Like christine said, this has to be a single! One of my fave

Make you happy is beatifull. It's the less electronic version. I didn't pay attention to it on the itune listening. But listening it this morning it 's really good.

Underwater is a good song. I wasn't too fond of the live version. But I Love the studio version.

Overrated.I'm getting used to it! I hated it at first. I'll not skip it. If I had never heard the demo I think I would have liked it more.

Kids. ok song. The acoustic version is better IMO, but unfortunatly it's not on the the french CD.

Love you when i'm drunk. LOVE it! I was surprised when I heard the very begining of the song^^like a videogame and a little christmas lol. One of my favorite! love the acoustic version too.

Step with me. I love it! But i think I liked it better on the l'oreal session when he sang it a little higher. Anyway I love both!

Popular. I love it! At first I had some doubts about the rap part, but that's ok now! and I think that Mika 's voice is great with Priscilla Renea!

Emily! I really like it. Find it more funny in english. I just find it little messy at the end with that Emilyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy over the rest.

Heroes. IT's a beautifull song, but I don't know. It don't get stuck in my mind like the other songs.

celebrate. It's not bad, But i don't understand why it's a single (no i understand, it's Pharell I guess^^). But Stardust is sooo much better!

Elle me dit. Of course i like it! Had so much fun dancing and singing along with my daughter last year! Still i remember i was kind of shocked when I heard him singing in french at first!

so fave's are Origin of love, Stardust, Love you when I'm drunk, Tah Dah.

The one I love little less are Kids, Heroes celebrate.

And I hate the 2 new french songs L'amour dans le mauvais temps, un soleil mal luné.

I guess germany will have the UK version, so i'll get that one there when it's released, to have the acoustic songs (way better than the french songs).

All in all I really love The Origin of Love.

I've just finished the listening of TOOL (I listened to it while eating my favourite chocolate cake... It was a taste of Heaven!).

It is really difficult to rank these new songs but I've tried.

1/ I only love you when I'm drunk: 4 3/4 out of 5

It goes crescendo. I love it! I loved the acoustic snippet too. One of my favourites! There's something of Blur in this song! And I loved Blur.

2/ Popular Song: 4 3/4 out of 5

Mika rapping was not something I expected to happen. It turns out to be one of my faves!! It is surprisingly good and the chorus is so great.

3/[/uUnderwater] 4 1/2 out of 5

It is on the whole unchanged. Only the end of it sounded a bit different to me. It is moving, beautiful. I love it!

4/ Kids 4 1/2 out of 5

Mika, you can sing everything and you've proved it (rap, jazz, ballads)! This ballad is beautiful.

5/ Heroes 4 1/4 out of 5

A moving ballad, quite traditional in which Mika sings softly and also hits high notes. It does suit his voice!!

6/ Lola 4 out of 5

7/ STEP with me 4 out of 5

More conventional, traditional but still really good.

8/ The origin of Love 4 out of 5

9/ Celebrate 4 out of 5

I loved it when I first listened to it. Love the video clip and still love it now.

10/ Emily 3 3/4 out of 5

It is fresh, funny. The intro is different: It's "Emily" 3 times instead of "boom boom/ Hey".

11/ Stardust 3 out of 5

I love the chorus and cannot get it out of my head but a little less electro would have changed this 3 into a 4. I might skip it from time to time.

12/ Overrated 3 out of 5

Like "stardust", less electro would have made it greater. I will listen to the acoustic version, which I totally fell in love with!!!

13/ Make you happy 2 3/4 out of 5

Too much robotic effects, electro but I don't hate it.

14/ Elle me dit, in French unchanged

Won´t do a report of all of the songs.

Just want to say that as it happened with TBWKTM they chose the wrong singles again. Untill they don´t do it properly Mika won´t get the air he deserves. Stardust is the most single-ish song he have ever written, and it´s not even going to be the second single.... WHAT THE F*CK IS WRONG WITH THEM?? I´ve read your reviews, and most of us are thinking the same.... are we all just deaf and they are super clever?? F+ck them.

As great as Underwater is, it´s not a single.... FFS, IS THAT THE LABEL WANTS TO F*CK MIKA UP OR WHAT!?!??!

I can´t believe it.

The album is amazing, and I´m feeling it´s the best he´s ever done. Even greater than GK. And I thought it was his ceiling... I´m greatly surprised. I wouldn´t mind waiting for 2 years and a half more to get a 4th album as amazing as this one.

I can´t wait to see how it does in charts. Will be half desiring it goes to number one, and half wishing it won´t.... yeah, selfish...

If you ever lurk here, Mika, thank you. This is truly amazing.

ok! I've got my CD this morning (french deluxe).

 

 

 

So I'll start with the 2nd CD. I'm Sorry to say it, but I Hate the french songs (the 2 new ones).

 

Well Karen is fine, even though I prefered the live versions of last year.

 

"L'amour dans le mauvais temps" is just awfull. The Lyrics are really, i don't have a word. At some moments it just doesn't fit with the music. And to use the word "météo" is so weird in a song like this.

 

"Un soleil mal luné", no I don't like it either. really it doesn't sound like Mika.

Why did I order the French version ?! I will also have to buy the UK version for the acoustic songs (perhaps they sell it here in Luxembourg). If he really wants to sing in French, he should work with other people than Doriand etc.

May I add that Popular is... erm.... at least "odd"??

Odd as... silly??

Rap?? I mean... seriously?? Can´t wait for that song live... will he "dance" as rappers?? With big chains hanging on his neck and stuff??

This song is a big LMFAO for me. Like just a joke LOL

I have no idea how to write a review, especially about music since I know nothing about it except for what I like and what not To sum up my thoughts about the album, this gif is perfect:

"L'amour dans le mauvais temps" is just awfull. The Lyrics are really, i don't have a word. At some moments it just doesn't fit with the music.

Now you know what it sounds like to me in English.

This is the worst song Mika has ever put his name on and in any case it does not belong on this album.

Why did I order the French version ?! I will also have to buy the UK version for the acoustic songs (perhaps they sell it here in Luxembourg). If he really wants to sing in French, he should work with other people than Doriand etc.

Indeed. I think the fact that he has to work with Doriand or anyone for that matter is reason enough to rethink writing French songs just for the sake of it. And I'm sorry but that's all it is, plain and simple pandering. Elle Me Dit is the only song that fits with the album and I just don't believe he has this overwhelming desire to write in a language he needs someone else to write for him. I think the presence of Italian on the Italian edition of TOOL spells it out.

This is a brilliant cohesive album and these random songs don't fit. I resent having to go to the US to buy the superior edition just because I live in a country with a francophone population.

Rap?? I mean... seriously?? Can´t wait for that song live... will he "dance" as rappers?? With big chains hanging on his neck and stuff??

I don't think he'll ever sing it live so you needn't worry.

To sum up my thoughts about the album, this gif is perfect:

Okay I'll give it a go then, but it will just be my random thoughts...

Origin Of Love **********

I think this is well produced. The song isn't that special, but it builds up well and has some great highlights. It's a bit too long though, I get bored towards the end and could use a bit more action. I like the overall idea of the lyrics, but his choice of words annoys me from time to time.

Lola **********

Somewhat forgetable. I don't dislike it, but it's kinda repetitive and really nothing special. Haven't even paid much attention to the lyrics...Lola..dime... nah

Stardust **********

When I heard the snippets this was the one I didn't notice, now that I have heard the full versions I think it's by far the most catchy. Should obviously have been the first single, what the hell are they thinking? Reminds me of Erasure, not sure if it's a specific song or just in general

Make You Happy **********

Well you failed. Next please!

Underwater **********

This is a big grower for me, didn't like it one bit when I first heard it and I thought the lyrics were kinda lame, but now I'm starting to think it's incredibly sweet. Will be interesting to hear it live, think it might be one of those songs you need to feel

Overrated **********

Well 10 stars for the lyrics really! I loved the demo espescially because of the lyrics and it's pretty unbelieveable that he then managed to make a completely different song with lyrics I find just as good. The tune isn't completely off either, actually the chorus is the weakest part. Who'd have thunk

Kids *********

Pretty unremarkable, doesn't stick at all and I kinda wanna skip it and get to something better. Might be a grower, I'll try again if I get bored with the rest.

Love You When I'm Drunk**********This is so bouncy and funny, I can't wait to scream along to it live Lyrics are hillarious and the melody is catchy...perfect! I think this one is truly "Mika-ish"

Step With Me **********

Awww this just makes me melt. I love the lyrics, both clever and so sweet and the melody is smooooth. Can't get enough of this song

Popular Song **********

Ha! It's more funny than actually good, but that's how I sort of like it. I don't mind the rap at all, it's cute and I like the girl. Never heard of the musical, so it's pretty original to me

Emily **********

Slightly better in English than in French, but the lyrics are weird and... no thanks.

Heroes **********

It's just too serious and I can't figure out what he's actually saying, so it gives me weird images of blood going in all directions. Not for me I guess...

Celebrate **********

Nothing to celebrate here, move on...

Tah Dah **********+*

and here's the real celebration The Bee Gees song I've been waiting for since the 80s, thanks for finally releasing it Mika So AWESOME

Oh and the French songs are... Karen is okay I guess

I still can't decide if I'm more shocked by the new album or Kata's return

thanks kata, I loved the rating