Ace of Base Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
Ace of Base's music is never about diversity. Their first two records mined infectious Euro-disco beats to great effect, and the first, at least, illustrated they had a knack for writing big, irresistible pop hooks. Cruel Summer, their third album, attempts to capture the carefree, stylish charm that drove "All That She Wants" and "The Sign" to the top of the charts, and while it has its moments, it fails to rival their previous pop pinnacles. It's a little disappointing that the melodic high point is the title track, a cover of Bananarama's new wave classic. Also, it's a little disappointing that Ace of Base haven't chosen to vary their Euro-disco rhythms, since the relentless thumping makes Cruel Summer sound a little too similar its predecessors -- only without as many hooks. There are almost enough solid tracks to make the album enjoyable as it plays, but there's nothing really memorable about it once it's finished. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Flowers is the original version of Ace of Base's third album, which in the U.S. became Cruel Summer. Flowers contains 14 tracks as opposed to Cruel Summer's 12, some of which appear in alternate versions. For example, "Donnie," a gem of a track which should have been a hit, is somewhat under-produced and unrealized on Flowers but truly shines on Cruel Summer, and other tracks, such as "He Decides," also appear as earlier mixes on Flowers. "Life Is a Flower," from Flowers, became "Whenever You're Near Me" on Cruel Summer. Three tracks appear on Flowers that aren't on Cruel Summer, and those are "Dr. Sun," "I Pray," and the melancholy "Captain Nemo," while Cruel Summer's ballad "Everytime It Rains" doesn't appear on Flowers. Flowers also includes the song lyrics, which Cruel Summer lacks. Finally, the bonus mix of the single "Cruel Summer" is arguably superior on Flowers than on Cruel Summer. In the long run, however, the production on Cruel Summer is meatier than on Flowers. ~ Jose F. Promis, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Ace of Base's sequel to their multi-platinum debut The Sign sounds like the same record on the surface. There are the same bouncy Europop beats, ingratiatingly catchy melodies, and shiny production. However, underneath that gloss is an improved sense of songwriting. Ace of Base still might not be innovators, but they don't need to be. Instead, they turn out tightly constructed pop songs that are better written than they appear -- songs like the hit "Beautiful Life" would sound good in different arrangements or if they were performed acoustically. And the songs on The Bridge are, overall, better than the ones on The Sign. Ace of Base might not be able to replicate the phenomenal success of their debut, but they have managed to deliver an album that is just as satisfying. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Ace of Base's strong point is not versatility -- all of their hit singles have exactly the same beat. But that doesn't matter. On their debut album, The Sign, they managed to create a piece of melodic Euro-disco that was a huge hit all over the world, appealing to both dance clubs and pop radio. And with singles like "All That She Wants," "The Sign," and "Don't Turn Around," it's easy to see why they were hits -- the beat is relentless and the hooks are incessantly catchy. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
