Back in 2006, Kate Ryan represented her native Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately for Kate—a pre-contest favourite—it was a tough year. Her song “Je T’Adore” failed to progress past the semi-finals. Angry Belgians protested by booking early flights home.
Six years later Kate has pulled herself out of the euro-pop ashes and released one of the best albums of 2012. “Electroshock” is a masterpiece. The sound remains very much in the Eurodance vein, but has instant crossover appeal. Each of the 14 tracks makes you want to bump and grind and thrust your way to the danceflooor. Sister could potentially spin nine singles from this album. For ESC fans, there’s “Little Braveheart”—a duet with Sweden’s Charlotte Perrelli (ESC 99, 08). Along with “Believer”, “Broken” and the title track “Electroshock”, it’s among our favourites.
That said, Kate’s latest offering is definitely niche. If you don’t like Eurobeat/Eurodance, then grab your earplugs. There is no variety. Although the sound is very current, it’s likely to sound dated in a couple of years. (We’re guessing 2014). This is a time sensitive project, which requires immediate listening. There is also the danger that this album strips Kate Ryan of identity. She is so airbrushed and auto-tuned on this record that first-time listeners could mistake her for Cascada, Christine Milton or even Britney Spears.
That said, it’s still an album that Kate Ryan ought to be proud of, and one that true Eurovision fans ought to own.
Rating: 4/5
Listen to Kate’s title track “Electroshock”:
The Cover looks Tacky…
The opening single on this album “Love Life” is awesome and samples the track Narcotic.