Golden Ratio

It is good to listen AOB again after a while. Even though they changed the ladies, they haven't lost their mechanical taste. There are a couple of songs out of fashion, but the most of them are superb and easy listening.

Great album, the two new girls do a great job.

I still love Ace of Base!They are great...

not a bad album

wish this had the original singers - but ....this is it .

Golden Ratio seen the reveiws on here and took the turn from the positive reveiws to go along with what they had said, glad i did although there are the 2 new singers who cares as music is not about who's in the lineup but if they can carry off with singing badly or good, this album has proven that ace of base this time around have been able to does this good, new singers, new start and great new songs, i have already found my favourite track on here after the first listen, that song being - told my ma, and the other song are great as well, the other 2 may have gone but are still out there well at least jenny is & here solo stuff is great but this album has been well worth buying, i was excited about getting this delivered, the same as when i bought the happy nation album on it's day of release in early 90's and well worth buying this no matter what you pay.

I have been a fan of Ace Of Base ever since seeing All That She Wants on The Chart Show way back in 1993. I fell in love with them and they remain the only band i still listen to today. Even after my drastic change in musical tastes.Following their workings over the years i was somewhat taken back by Linn's sudden role reversal and 'Strange Ways' during promotion for their third album Flowers. Seeing how all her images were obscured led me to wonder what was going on. It wasn't until many years later that it was revealed just how unhappy she was in the band at that point. Then she left 'officially' when it was announced in 2008. A sad day had entered Ace Of Base history with that revelation.So the stage was set for Jenny, who had become a prominent vocalist since Linn's departure, to take the reigns when Four became Three. Unfortunately the group never recovered from losing Linn, as hard as Jenny tried, and as much of a trooper as she is, it wasn't the same. Then in 2009 it was announced that Jenny would be leaving to pursue her solo career and that two new vocalists would be taking over.This divided the fans greatly. On one hand you had the fans who were willing to accept the change, on the other hand, you had the fans who weren't. Some horrible and unnessesary things have been said about the two new members, Clara Hagmann and Julia Williamson but as this album shows, they certainly have what it takes.This is the New Ace Of Base, an updated sound but still in key with what made them great to begin with. Yes it's also very different and seems to incorporate elements from each of the other albums, and they do it with finesse. There are only one or two weak points on the album but altogether it presents us with a wonderfully ecclectic range of sounds that i have found myself become addicted to:1: All For You: The first single of the album. Dancey and very catchy. Sounds alot like Beautiful Life and the girl's vocals really make it work. Clara's voice is the most prominent on this song and she has a great raspy sound.2: Blah Blah Blah {On The Radio}: This is alot loke Lucky Love and some of the more Poppy tracks Ace Of Base have crafted over the years. Still catchy even if it does come across as a little sugary.3:The Golden Ratio: One of my favorites. It has such a different feel to it than any other Ace Of Base song apart from Southern California. It has a Poker Face rythm to it aswell. Alot of fans have said how much it sounds like the Lady Gaga hit, which is ironic since Lady Gaga has stated several times that she was infulenced by the band.4:Southern California: Ace Of Base do country. I like this song because it's so different. I have played this for various people who are familiar with the groups earlier work and they all said the same thing 'it doesn't sound anything like Ace Of Base'. It's also quite catchy to boot.5: Told My Ma: Now this song always strikes me as something Abba may have recorded. It has that 'early 70's pop' vibe to it. Like it could have come off Abba's first few albums. Another catchy track.6: Black Sea: This has Disco Abba written all over it. Like a cross between Voulez Vous and Gimme Gimme Gimme. It's highly danceable and catchy as all hell. The only problem i have with it is that the verses don't seem long enough. Once the beat kicks in it feels like the verses should be a little longer so you can really get into the groove of the song. Still great stuff though.7: One Day: This track could have easily come off the second album. It has that classic Ace Of Base sound that's very distinguihing of their style. Not one of my Fave's but still quite good.8: Juliet: A ballad that if i'm honest, i don't really like at all. I tend to skip this one. Not as good or strong as Angel Eyes, Don't Go Away or Ordinary Day.9: Precious: Another song that could have been lifted off The Bridge album. Not quite dancey but still upbeat enough. Another song with a catchy hook.10: Vision In Blue: Ace Of Base go Techno. A song that would feel right at home on the band's first album Happy Nation. Highly danceably and addictive. One of my fave's, crank this one up and let the beat take you away. Fantastic.11: Mr.Replay: The group embrace their Reggae Pop stylings of the early years with this song. Extremely catchy with a nice groovy rythm. The first song i heard off this album and one of my Fave's. The girls don't really take much of a stronghold on this song as it features an {i assume} new and upcoming rapper called Lex. But it still reminds of of That addictive sound of the early years.12: Who Am I?: For some reason this song reminds me of The Piper by Abba. Not sure why but it seems to have a folk style to it with a soft melody. A slower track than most of the others but not really a ballad. Another song i like very much.13: Doreen: And so the album closes on a massive high. Probably the best track on the album in terms of 'get up and shake yo ass'. This song is just too addictive and is constantly on play. By far one of the Greatest tracks Ace Of Base have ever produced along with Vision In Blue, Black Sea & The Golden Ratio from this album.Listen and enjoy.......

I had heard a couple of the tracks from the new album but was a little apprehensive of what AoB would be like without the wonderful singing of the Berggren sisters, Jenny and Malin.I needn't have worried. The two new singers are different but bring their own qualities to the line-up. Clara's voice is definitely raspy as others have described it but she adds a new dimension to the sound and Julia fits in perfectly too. They are stunning. I think AoB are heading in a new direction with some blasts from the past and they sound fantastic. It's definitely an upgrade!JP Mullen's review on here is superb and I mostly agree with the summing up of the tracks - the stand-outs for me are:California, Doreen, Vision in Blue, Black Sea, Blah Blah although I am finding it hard to stop there. There really isn't any weak material on this album.One or two tracks are maybe not *quite* as strong but it is many years since I have heard an album where I can honestly say I love all the tracks - this is definitely true in this case.If you are reading this review and considering buying the album, just buy it! You won't regret it.