An Instant Classic
David W. Edwards | Portland, OR | 09/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Higher" is the seventh release from the Canadian foursome known as Harem Scarem (not counting a couple of decidedly poppier albums under the moniker Rubber). For those unfamiliar with the band, Harem Scarem represents the best of post-grunge stadium rock. The group's trademark sound is a Spector-ish wall of sound, with oh-so-sweet melodies layered atop driving guitars. It's like a cross between Squeeze and Def Leppard, with a modern gloss. This is definitely no staid retro noise, though. Bands like Blink 182 only dream of melodies this sure and strong.For the already initiated, this entry in the Harem Scarem canon can't compete with "Mood Swings" or the more recent "Weight of the World" in the all-out rock department. But this collection of mainly mid-tempo tunes more ably demonstrates the group's mastery of melody than any other release. There's no doubt you'll be humming many of these songs long after you've popped the disc from your CD player.Without a doubt, "Higher" is a choice slice of melodic rock. Standout tracks include the atmospheric opener "Reach," the hard groovin' "Give It To You," and the title track, a power ballad worthy of the Beatles (or at least, classic Cheap Trick). Rest assured there isn't a duffer in the bunch. It's a criminal shame U.S. radio hasn't caught onto this group."
Outstanding melodic rock for 2003
Perry M. Koons | Crownsville, MD United States | 01/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently discovered Harem Scarem through this album, after reading outstanding reviews from melodic rock, power pop, and metal fans. I purchased this CD in November and quickly set out to finish my entire Scarem collection, as this band quickly went to being one of my favorite all time melodic rock artists. Since most of their albums are out of print and not available (or very expensive when they are available), that makes this fairly low priced disc even more attractive to the fan looking to rediscover Harem Scarem or the uninitiated just looking for some simply great pop rock music. Song for song I believe it is the most consistent, catchy album of 2003. For those not in the know, Harem Scarem began as a mix between Def Leppard and Whitesnake with absolutely great vocals, guitar playing, and songwriting, and through the years (and a brief name change to Rubber) they updated their sound a bit to sound more modern. Rest assured, the hooks and guitar leads are still present, and the range of influences (Leppard, Queen, Beatles, Boston, and even newer power pop acts like Marvelous 3 on a few tunes) make this one of their all time classic CDs. Why this album doesn't have at least 4 hit smashes on radio is beyond me, I think these guys could make a killing writing tunes for newer up & coming acts.Best Tracks:
"Waited" - A modern sounding pop rocker that wouldn't be out of place among the best of Goo Goo Dolls and other melodic rock tunes of today, but this song really takes it over the edge with a mind blowing chorus, superb guitar solo, and perfect production.
"Torn Right Out" - Fans of the Rubber era will dig this one, the lyrics are a bit simplistic and so is the main riff, but it's a catchy tune with great vocals.
"Higher" - The only real ballad on this CD, this is melodic heaven. The Def Leppard influence is really here with the massive vocals and hands in the air feel, and when that last chorus kicks in with the key change, you feel like you've gone to melodic rock heaven. A song that I can't imagine ANYONE disliking.
"Run And Hide" - Yet another song with a perfect smash chorus, I hear some Boston on this one, this would have been all over radio in the 80's.
"Lost" - The closing tune on this CD keeps the energy high, great guitar kicks the tune off and propels this catchy tune. It's hard to pick faves on an album just loaded with melodic treats like this but I guess the chorus just puts it slightly ahead of other gems like "Gone" and "Lies"."
Another outstanding effort by a highly underrated band
Perry M. Koons | 10/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of Harem Scarem/Rubber since 1991, and once again they fail to dissapoint. This is a more straight forward approach then some of their previous albums, with ten finely crafted rock songs that have a modern sound, yet retain the elements of what make them such a great band (like big harmonies, and outstanding guitar work by Pete Lesperance). My favorites are Run and Hide, Reach, Gone and Waited. If you liked the Rubber albums there are two tracks Torn Right Out and Give It To You that would be right up your ally. Overall, if you are just getting into this band and want to test the waters, this is an excellent album to start with, you will NOT be dissapointed! This should be all over the radio in Canada, which is their home base, but other than their first two albums and the first Rubber album back in 2000, they havn't had much luck up here. Hopefully, they will have some success with this album when it is released up here."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1