Secrets

by

The Human League

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It's hard to believe it's been another 3 years since the Human League released "Secrets", easily their best release since "Dare". There was a time when the League had lost direction, but their excellent 1995 "come-back" album "Octupus" brought the band back to the basics that brought success in the first place.

"Secrets" (16 tracks, 51 min.) is essentially a collage of 10 'regular' songs and 6 instrumentals. Those regular songs are great. It's Phil Oakley up front with of course Joanne and Susan Anne providing back up vocals (and lead on "Never Give Your Heart"). Best tracks include "All I Ever Wanted" (a hit in Europe, and a classic League tune), "Liar" and the best of all: "Reflections", a 6+ min. blow-out that will rock your body, the 'outro' is just fab. As for those instrumentals, they actually work really well, and don't interrupt the flow of the album at all.

It took 6 years for the band to follow-up "Octupus" with "Secrets". It's been already 3 years, and I guess I shouldn't be holding out for another new League album anytime soon. But I wish they'd hurry up already!! If you like "Dare", don't hesitate buying this, you will not be disappointed!

Secrets is a good album from Human League. It was released in 2001 and consists of 16 tracks; seven of these are instrumentals--most being brief. The album sports satisfying songwriting, tight musicianship, and impressive sound quality. The material is in a synth-pop musical direction. When it comes to the vocals, I find Philip Oakey to be unique and effective. Joanne Catherall and Susan Anne Gayle do well in the backing vocals department; one of the ladies--the CD booklet does not list which one--sings lead on "Never Give Your Heart." Even though I like all of the compositions, my favorite ones are "The Snake" and "122.3 BPM." "The Snake" features smooth, pretty background vocals and a charming keyboard melody, while the vigorous instrumental "122.3 BPM" displays an infectious beat. As for the CD booklet, it includes the song lyrics, a couple of color photos of the band, and four color photos of individual members--one of Gayle, one of Oakey, and two of Catherall. The album cover is interesting. The CD is almost 52 minutes. Secrets is a recommendable album.