Search - Harem Scarem :: Harem Scarem

Introducing the hardest working melodic band around...

Perry M. Koons | Crownsville, MD United States | 07/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Harem Scarem's extensive discography runs the gamut from this fantastic Journey-inspired AOR gem to darker, riff heavy hard rock, all the way to sunny power pop and Queen inspired balladry. Approximately 15 years and 11 albums have passed since they burst onto the Canadian scene with this album, and despite the fact that they never *quite* broke through to acheive mainstream success, their entire discography is one of the best in the melodic rock genre. Some melodic fans go as far to say that it's impossible for songwriters Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance to write a bad song, and this album is certainly 10/10 in that department. "Something To Say" is worth the admission price alone - a stripped back, classically-inspired ballad featuring amazing harmony vocals and great acoustic playing (no synths, drums, etc.) shows what a diverse and inimitable band this is. Every track is hooky and bursting with melody, plus musicians can get down with the great arrangements and smoking Nuno Bettencourt-styled solos. Fans of Journey, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, and Sammy-era Van Halen will really dig this record, but all melodic fans owe it to themselves to check out this gem.



Best Tracks:

"Hard To Love" - The first of ten great tracks, this song features a moody verse and a grand slam of a chorus. Miles above your typical 1991 pop metal.

"Distant Memory" - A little slower but still upbeat and a great sing-along track.

"Honestly" - Another ballad that remains in Harem's live set today, this one should have been a smash. Piano driven with the obligatory arena guitar solo, Harry Hess's vocals take this to the next level.

"How Long" - The recording on this track always seemed a bit thin, but there's no denying that awesome chorus.

"Something To Say" - I raved about this gorgeous ballad already, but I can add to that by saying I've listened to it three times in a row on many occasions. The lyrics on this CD don't come close to Harem's later albums, but this is authentically mature and emotional. A++++++++++++++++++++."

A Nice Debut

Chad Ouimette | Ottawa, ON | 01/20/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The negative points concerning this release are obvious the first time you play it. It's extremely "lite metal", but the biggest difference between this and any other lite metal albums (think Firehouse's debut, or bands like Sheriff or Winger) is that there are better hooks, and Harem Scarem doesn't try to sound heavy when they don't need to be. In other words they seem to generally enjoy and like the music they are making on this CD.With that said, this is a very strong debut, the most consist album they have ever released. While thier albums after this point are heavier, they seem to be less catchy/interesting, with the exception of WEIGHT OF THE WORLD but you can read my review of that album there. But really if you're only a casual fan like myself this is the only CD you will need, and in compiling a greatest hits album, you are most likely to find it takes most of its tracks form this album. The heaviest track on here has to be the opener, and its a great one, "Hard To Love". The next track slows you down a bit when you start off fast but it kicks back up on "With A Little Love" and after that you get "Honestly" this is an absolute beautiful ballad that I believe had some time on the radio, the piano intro shows great musical depth from the band and it really takes you deep inside the song itself and makes it perfect, and really, it pretty much is. "Love Reaction" has a great melody and brings the album's pace up a bit again. The first half of this album leaves the listener with a very up and down feeling, like a rollercoaster, which can make this half hard to listen to, depending on your mood. This album should have been called MOOD SWINGS...The next half starts off great with the best song on the album, "Slowly Slipping Away" and continues to keep the pace up through "Don't Give Your Heart Away" which starts of slow then really kicks in, and it has to be my second favourite on the album. The last track "Something to Say" doesn't really capture my attention, its a little too subdued and slow for me, and I can't even remember the last time I played that track the whole way through.This has to be considered thier most consistant album and a great way any band should start. Pick it up, you can't call this album metal by any means but it is a great chunk of melodic rock. Enjoy! 9/10"

Hard rock that's easy to listen to.

Chad Ouimette | 01/15/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame that Harem Scarem hasn't hit big in the U.S. Looking back at the Heavy Metal sounds of the early 90's, they're actually better than most U.S. bands of the era. And Peter Lesperance should be ranked up there with the guitar gods. If you like slow songs from rock bands, then you'll enjoy "Honestly" and "Something to Say." Not a real kick-@$$ album compared to today's standards, but enjoyable nonetheless."