There are many moments on this Alien debut album which could be considered standouts. Having them all assembled under one album is an absolute bonus.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Alien
ALBUM: Alien
LABEL: Virgin
SERIAL: 209 198 (LP), 259198 (CD)
YEAR: 1988
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Sweden
LINEUP: Jim Jidhed – vocals * Pete Sandberg – vocals * Tony Borg – guitars * Jimmy Wandroph – keyboards * Ken Sandin – bass * Toby Tarrach – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire * 02 Go Easy * 03 I’ve Been Waiting * 04 Jaime Remember * 05 Feel My Love * 06 Only One Woman * 07 Brave New Love * 08 The Air That I Breathe * 09 Touch My Fire * 10 Now Love
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Consummate melodic rock from this Swedish outfit which really did cause a stir in 1988, as did just about every other notable Swedish outfit from that era.
Goodness, Joey Tempest and Europe really do have a lot to answer for don’t they? On Alien’s debut they feature the twin vocal talent of Jim Jidhed and Pete Sandberg.
The other notable fact with this album is the support provided by the team of Janet Minto and Pam Barlow, who would later find fame with MTM signing Fake ID. Both in terms of co-writes and backing vocals.
The Songs
There are many moments on this Alien debut album which could be considered standouts. Having them all assembled under one album is an absolute bonus.
Trademark Scandinavian melodic rock shines through on tracks like ‘Go Easy’ and ‘Jaime Remember’, while the slow to mid paced arrangements of ‘Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire’ and the classy ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ also stand out.
Alien’s better remembered moment was the re-work of the The Marbles single ‘Only One Woman’ which did very well for them. Another cover was recorded, this being The Hollies ‘The Air That I Breathe’.
Topping that are some pompous moments such as ‘Brave New World’ and the Magnum sounding ‘Touch My Fire’. They finish up with the guitar driven fury of ‘Now Love’, which could be Treat revisited.
In Summary
This album is probably the pick of their collection. ‘Shiftin’ Gear’, ‘Alien III’ and ‘Crash’ are nowhere near as good, due to change in personnel and musical styles.
One to consider perhaps as a catch all would be their ‘Best And Rare’ CD which came out in 1997. That would give you a great cross-section of their material.
Alien on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
