The Neon
by Erasure
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2020
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 6 out of 20
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  1. ChristianAberle
    Dec 11, 2020
    7
    The sound and production of "The Neon" is warm and deep. Vince manages to create a vibe with the classical analogue synthesizers he uses, that is ancient and current at the same time. While the melodies, lyrics and musical structure of the first five tracks bore me to death, I find track 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 breathtakingly beautiful. Vince´s instrumental interludes are enchanting and Andy´sThe sound and production of "The Neon" is warm and deep. Vince manages to create a vibe with the classical analogue synthesizers he uses, that is ancient and current at the same time. While the melodies, lyrics and musical structure of the first five tracks bore me to death, I find track 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 breathtakingly beautiful. Vince´s instrumental interludes are enchanting and Andy´s vocals are intense and tender, even when he overreaches his vocal range, as in "Kid You´re not Alone". The minimal imperfection and struggle in his voice makes this outstanding track even more precious and fragile. I bought the vinyl and whilst the a-side remains practically untouched, the b-side is on heavy rotation on my record player. In megalomaniac moments I like to image Vince and Andy did the b-side for me only, as few music critics and even less fans seemed to give the b-side tracks much attention in their rewiews. After song number five I was sure Erasure had really blown it that time, but "Tower of Love" made that my ears pricked, "Diamond Lives" lifted me up, "New Horizons" gave me goosebumps, "Careful What I Try to Do" electrisized me completely and "Kid You´re Not Alone" blew me away and complete took me in.
    The unscrupulousness with which Erasure have always ignored the borderline between good and bad taste fascinates me. It gives their sending an honesty that is unique. So they were my most beloved guilty pleasure ever since the 1980´s, although the athenia and dullness of albums as "Other People´s Songs" or the awful "Tomorrow´s World" really disappointed me. For me real sweetness and energy first reemerged on "Snow Globe" and came into blossom in the energetic "Violet Flame". "World be Gone" has some wonderful tracks, especially the slow, experimental stuff, but altogether it´s lure vanishes with the time. "The Neon" whereas is kind of power- and joyful. What really captures me for the album is the confidence and placibility that radiates even from the weakest songs of the album - practically the record´s a-side except "Fallen Angel". One can really feel that they still enjoy what they do after all that time. Erasure developed a sound that is so unmistakable and singular that I find it nearly ridiculous when it is called "retro". They just always continued in their own manner; in times when they were celebrated pop stras and also when they wer dropped and their sound was mocked as pimped up Schlager. I am happy to see that Vince does more and mor receive the recognition and respect he deserves, also by music critics and hipsters. Andy is pure love and that is that. And he looks sweet with a full beard, if I might menshion that.. Menshioning the visual: Even the artwork of the new album is decent and atmospheric; an unexpected pleasure, after I resigned myself to accept that the "packaging" of their albums usually give me the shivers, especially in the last twenty years.

    "Not alone we live this life forever / And marvel at our being / And as sure as day becomes the night / We come around and find our way through darkness".
    Yes, you do.    … Expand
  2. anderssonlima
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album is fire! Sounds similar to Bananarama's In Stereo (their last record). Erasure could collaborate with them! It would be amazing. They created a fantastic pop gem.
  3. Veprik
    Aug 23, 2020
    9
    I have encountered that recently only by chance, “not interested in Erasure anymore”, I presumed. Yet, from the first track the hook was on and this is a stunning effort. I like the DM / Keane / Daft / Ultravox / Bowie vibes more than the original Erasure sound, but it is a perfect up to date mixture of that all. And, yes, Andy’s voice capabilities shall be matched to the icons of P.I have encountered that recently only by chance, “not interested in Erasure anymore”, I presumed. Yet, from the first track the hook was on and this is a stunning effort. I like the DM / Keane / Daft / Ultravox / Bowie vibes more than the original Erasure sound, but it is a perfect up to date mixture of that all. And, yes, Andy’s voice capabilities shall be matched to the icons of P. Gabriel, Freddie (or T. Chaplin) when they were / are at their very best. Best pop singers. Also, the lyrics are not so heavy, which fits the confusing times well. The queer influence is cute here. Full satisfaction and a major surprise 9/10.… Expand
  4. guille37b
    Aug 25, 2020
    10
    A classic Erasure album, I find in it vestiges of many of his albums, something like a patent of his identity. While I loved World Be Gone, this album is more upbeat and a return to the more pop songs that we are used to. No point in tripping and Nerves of Steel are among the best that Erasure has done in her career of no less than 35 years.
  5. LuchoValen
    Aug 25, 2020
    10
    ABsolutely amazing. I think it is going to be the great Erasure return........Al least, should be.... A deep, modern and old at the same time. Minimalist, vocally baroque , as usual and profound lyrics that develop naturally as the brilliant and elegant Vince'sounds go playing.... A real Diamond.... no lies!
  6. DjBofi
    Aug 26, 2020
    9
    Their best album since I Say I say I say (1994)
    Returning to forms and original sound. Lyrically good and sincere.
  7. ElectricJ
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    After repeated listenings I think this album is pure melody and pure joy! Simple, straightforward and effective, full of positive energy. Despite relative sparse arrangements it works, because of amazing songwriting and full-on, heartfelt vocals of Andy Bell! Every song is a gem, I feel like this is the best album of Erasure since Nightbird. Recommended!

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. musicOMH.com
    Aug 21, 2020
    60
    The album may not carry the sort of dance-fused electro-pop magnificence they’ve made before, but moving away from the more ‘expected’ type of pop song you think of when Erasure crops up in conversation seems to have worked wonders.
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  2. Pitchfork
    Aug 21, 2020
    58
    The Neon nestles the duo back into their musical comfort zone when they’re exceedingly capable of more.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Aug 20, 2020
    80
    The Neon is stacked with what Erasure does best: Sharp melodic hooks, efficient, hip-shaking beats, and yearning lyrics that both relate and motivate.
    Read full review
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