Scorpions - Unbreakable
For the twentieth album of their career, Scorpions are not breaking any new ground. But the territory they tread on is very solid
The Scorpions have been knocking around for nearly thirty five years and like any band with great longevity have experienced their share of personnel changes. Nevertheless, the core of the group, which includes Klaus Meine on lead vocals, Rudolf Schenker on guitar and Matthias Jabs on lead guitar, has remained inseparable in a long musical partnership. Consequently, they have titled their new album Unbreakable to celebrate this special bond. Beyond the hit song “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” I know very little about their body of work that now tallies up at a remarkable twenty albums. I also have to admit that they would not be the first band that I reach for at my local CD shop. That being said, I believe this equips me with a fresh ear in critiquing what the band considers their strongest material in five years.
The record begins with “New Generation”, an idealistic rocker that offers both groove and melody with the distinctive Scorpion vocal sound that is sure to please old fans and possibly make some new ones. The optimism of the first track quickly gives way to the rock and roll cynicism of “Love Em or Leave Em,” which supplies a solid, radio friendly chorus and great guitar work by Schenker. By track number three, a song called “Deep and Dark;” I was surprised at how much I started to enjoy this record. I am not typically a fan of the pop metal genre but these seasoned players understand groove, melody and feel and also appreciate how to craft a song that will engage the listener. The oldest surviving Scorpions are well supported by the two newest members, Paul Maciwoda on bass and James Kottak on drums, who without overplaying, do a first rate job driving the rhythm section.
“Maybe I, Maybe You,” is what I would classify as a rock ballad possessing a Euro-cabaret feel that is very reminiscent of a 1970’s James Bond movie theme song; and yet, the band pulls it off nicely and with just a fractional dose of saccharine. “Someday Is Now” sounds like it could be one of the possible choices for a single, as it has a memorable guitar riff and one of the best chorus bits on the record. Beyond that, there isn’t one track on the record that is lacking in craft and though the lyrics are in no danger of winning The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, they are sincere in their content.
Unbreakable offers some bonus features on the CD that include a band biography and short documentary on the making of the record. The group is very excited about their new effort and is planning to tour extensively in support of its release. For the twentieth album of their career, Scorpions are not breaking any new ground. But the territory they tread on is very solid, comfortably familiar and feels like a great old pair of blue jeans.
(Sanctuary Records)