Fantasy [Expanded Edition]

This album represents the sole ill-fated attempt at international success by the German technopop phenomenon (the name means "freedom"). It was released in both English ( ) and German ( ) editions. The reason for their failure to make waves overseas isn't entirely clear, although it's easy to speculate that new-wave Europop was old hat by 1988. Nevertheless, this was first-rate new-wave Europop. The rich, sweeping synthesizer and guitar arrangements are mated with hummable hooks and gorgeous harmonies rendered in 's electronically enhanced waif-like vocals. The sque single version of that opens the record (as heard in the film ) features a spot-on orchestral arrangement performed by and recorded -- where else? -- in London's . It should have been a bigger hit than it was. and are similarly sweeping power-pop songs, painted in broad and generous strokes. Actually, the relentlessly panoramic scope of 's production grows a little burdensome by the end of the album. But he does achieve some measure of balance in quieter tunes like And it's well worth putting up with the album's frothy excesses in order to experience 's fine pop craftmanship. ~ Evan Cater