Count Three & Pray

by

Berlin

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Listening to Count Three & Pray, after it's original release almost 15 years ago, still reminds me why this album was not a major hit (except for the overplayed and exhausted single Take My Breath Away) ! The album was an excellent example of a pop-rock group still ahead of it's time; They dropped their synth-new wave style (which was reaching it's expiration date anyway) for a more rock flavor oriented/ alternative experimental sound. This was too much for Berlin's loyal fans to handle. Also, the departure of some of it's original band members did not sit too well with some fans. Terri Nunn's vocals were more throaty and mature sounding; She had a very sultry yet powerful voice. Electric guitars were aplenty. Their previous use of synthesizer technology had somewhat waned. The group even incorporated violins, and Japanese instruments (the koto and biwa) for a more larger and broader musical/moody global effect. The end result was that the public could not process or handle such a great feat or get past the #1 hit Take My Breath Away; Ironically, if you listen carefully the entire album has a pulsing "Top Gun" rock feel to it ! In all honesty, it is a shame Count Three & Pray did not reach a more successful status at the time of it's release in 1986; At least it has reached popular cult status like a fine Hollywood sleeper film !

I have seen some silly comments about this album, like it is one of Berlin's best. Well, Berlin only released two albums and one EP.

This was an experimental CD, with Berlin trying a few different styles. There are some very good songs on the CD, but there are also some clunkers. The only hit is Take My Breath Away, which is a good song that has been overplayed. And if you ever take the Top Gun ride at Paramount's Great America, you have to listen to it over and over again while you wait an hour in line.

Berlin was started in 1980 by John Crawford, who found Teri Nunn through audtions. Berlin was one of the leaders of blending new wave and punk music with disco. They put out the incredible Pleaure Victim EP on a independent label. It was only 27 minutes long. They were discovered by Geffen records, who rereleased Pleasure Victim in 1982. It wasn't until 1984 when Berlin released a full length album called Love Life. It was a complete departure from Pleasure Victim, consisting of nondescript slow love songs set to a pop synth beat.

By the time Count Three and Pray was produced, the whole disco influence in music was fading and new wave wasn't far behind. Berlin tried to evolve out of that scene. They were successful to some part, but not totally. This album flopped, because it didn't please the Pleasure Victim fans or light pop fans who preferred Love Life.

After this, Berlin broke up. In the nineties, Teri Nunn got a back up band and has toured from time to time as Berlin. She released a live album last year. The title of this CD comes from a 1950's western starring Van Heflin.