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Roxette's appeal back in 1988 was not without merit. Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle certainly had a knack for epic pop hooks and managed to install themselves into a world consciousness despite being that much removed from the UK and US-dominated markets.In 2011, about a decade since they last released an album, Roxette are much the same beast. They show flare in the classic pop songwriting department, and if this were the early 90s, they'd probably have another few singles off the album on high rotation through the major channels.
But, this being 2011, the market isn't as hungry for good pop songs as it is for spectacle and flash.
Lead single "She's Got Nothing On (But The Radio)" has enjoyed a modicum of radio success despite a title that rivals Britney's "Hold It Against Me" in its groan factor. "I'm Glad You Called" and "Dream On" also stand out for their tips to a more old-school style of writing.
The rest feel like old Roxette, and sound like old Roxette, and therein lies both the problem and the salvation. Roxette aren't exactly looking to play on the same level they did back in the day. Like Duran Duran they've decide to embrace that which originally made them famous.
And that's ok, because fans will know what they're getting, and at least in places like Germany, Austria and Switzerland those fans are still in the majority.
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