Search - Munchener Freiheit :: Wachgekusst

A rewarding piece of work

sauerkraut | 03/07/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Wachgeküsst is a pleasing album from the German band Münchener Freiheit. It was released in 2002 and consists of 13 tracks. Altogether, the songwriting is gratifying, the musicianship is skilled, and the sound quality is satisfying. The material is in a pop musical direction. An interesting, creative component of this disc is that the compositions either segue into one another or are connected by interludes. Stefan Zauner does not disappoint when it comes to his smooth, amiable vocal delivery. As for the keyboard work, it is more prevalent than the guitar playing of Aron Strobel. I am also impressed with the group's harmony vocals. Even though I enjoy all of the pieces, the ones that I consider to be favorites are "Beinah Schwerelos," "In Dieser Stadt," and "Bleib Bei Mir." The impressive, charming, and emotional confection "Beinah Schwerelos," which is sung in harmony and contains no drum accompaniment from Rennie Hatzke, features polished, soulful vocal harmonies and an appealing guitar solo from Strobel--this song is a remarkable vehicle for the band's prowess in the harmony vocals department. An interlude adjoins "Beinah Schwerelos" to the nicely crafted, pretty "In Dieser Stadt," a track that displays a sleek, plaintive refrain and female background vocals that are striking, soaring, and attractive. The catchy, chorus-driven, and album-closing "Bleib Bei Mir" exhibits a spirited, magnetic, lustrous chorus and two pleasant guitar solos from Strobel. The prelude "Vertigo" is dynamic and stately and segues into the sprightly "Die Liebe Lebt"--a tune that sports a likeable guitar solo from Strobel. The lively "Der Star" has an engaging refrain and a nice keyboard solo. "Der Star" is followed by a threatening, turbulent interlude. The captivating "Hattest Du Nicht?" features a good guitar solo from Strobel. The interlude that follows "Hattest Du Nicht?" is indelible, mysterious, and atmospheric. The melodic "Wachgeküsst" displays absorbing vocal harmonies. The CD booklet includes the song lyrics--only in German--an individual black-and-white photo of each of the guys, and a black-and-white photo of the group. The CD is just over 52 minutes. Wachgeküsst is a recommendable piece of work."