As requested, here’s a little gem from the Swedish fertile ground: T’BELL album “Replay” in its now rare Japanese edition including 2 bonus tracks. And as extra we added 2 additional, unreleased tracks.
T’BELL is the brainchild of Patrick Tibell, studio engineer in Sweden who has been writing songs since the early ’80s inspired by his classic rock / AOR heroes. A well trained vocalist as well, Patrick began recording his own compositions in the Nineties, which become his debut album “Replay” released in 2000’s.
A confessed fan of Planet 3, TOTO, Chicago but also Foreigner, Journey, etc, most of the T’BELL songs recorded on “Replay” were originally written in the Eighties. And to that FM-rock sound Patrick adds a a modern updated production, creating unique atmospheres. Then it is not surprising the strong nostalgic feel of this album, neat classic catchy old style AOR full of keyboards. Of course Patrick is surrounded by top class musicians and production is top outstanding.
“Do Ya” begins with a staccato keyboard-style like DAKOTA or BON JOVI’s ‘Runaway’ and instantly we know this gonna be a good album. Brilliant vocal harmonies on both verse and chorus that reminds me masters i-TEN. “Send Her A Letter” honors FOREIGNER with a huge refrain and a vintage sounding guitar solo.
“Illusion Of Love” is probably one of the best midtempo ballads of this new millennium. Stunning bridge and chorus, with hints of BOULEVARD and some ALIEN, specially the rhythm structure. “Refugee” is a keyboard-piano heaven, LE ROUX comes in mind. Killer tune too.
In fact, there isn’t a bad song on “Replay” – this album has been carefully crafted during 2 decades.
“I Wanna Remember” has a solid rhythm guitar, sounding more contemporary, like their compatriots TALK OF THE TOWN. “Foolish Love” is an emotional TOTO / PLANET 3 flavored track, while “Lies In Disguise” has a groovy Westcoast feel. Classic, classic, classic..
“Postman” is AOR perfection bringing back uptempo joyful melodies again in a song with AIRPLAY or DAKOTA style, don’t blame the lyrics, it’s a joke according to Tibell’s own words describing the song in a interview. “Take Me Tonite” begins with a very catchy verse, featuring an impressive vocal / harmonies arrangement.
“It’s Only Love” can be described as the reincarnation of CHICAGO, a sophisticated and polished ballad with an early 90s sound.
The Japanese bonuses are really good ones too, especially “Sorry Elaine” with an uptempo melodic rocking structure recalling early HAREM SCAREM. This sonf shold have been on the regular edition too!
And the extras are 2 T’BELL songs that didn’t make it into the album, but really good; ‘A Dream’, with somehow a Tommy Denander’s RADIOACTIVE type of sound, and the lovely ‘I Wanna Know ‘Bout Love’, a keyboard-stabbing AOR tune where 1982’s DAKOTA spirit appears. Both songs are demos recorded 1994, but sound quality is A+
Again, there isn’t a weak song on T’BELL’s “Replay” – believe us. This is a ‘new Century AOR classic’, however the gestation of this album began in the Eighties.
Essential in your AOR collection.
Highly, HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Do Ya
02 – Send Her A Letter
03 – Illusion Of Love
04 – Refugee
05 – Always Pretending
06 – I Wanna Remember
07 – Foolish Love
08 – Lies In Disguise
09 – Postman
10 – Take Me Tonite
11 – Night After Night
12 – It’s Only Love
JAPANESE BONUS TRACKS:
13 – Sorry Elaine
14 – Forever
Extra: Demo Sessions 1994:
15 – A Dream (Demo – Unreleased)
16 – I Wanna Know ‘Bout Love (Demo – Unreleased)
Patrik Tibell: Vocals, Keyboards, Programming
Roger Ljunggren: Guitars
Ola Johansson: Drums
with;
Keyboards: Stig Lindell, Anders Lundovist
Bass: Andres Westbrandt
Guitars: Robert Jacobsson
T’BELL – Replay [Japanese edition / bonus tracks] + Extras (16 tracks) Rare
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