If you've ever listened to The Tough Alliance, you're going to have some idea of what you're in for when you approach ceo's debut album, White Magic. Not too surprising considering that Eric Berglund, the man behind ceo, is also one of the creative forces behind The Tough Alliance. And while both bands ostensibly make Swedish dance/pop, ceo manage to get beneath the surface peculiarities of that particular genre and create songs which hold genuine substance and weight, which can sometimes be a fault in this kind of music. On White Magic, Berglund uses the synths and pop mechanics usual to his main band and creates songs that display a warmth and heart, which to me is indicative of man who seems to have finally found some happiness in his life. Whereas most of The Tough Alliance songs were pleas and requests, although still hopeful, for contentment, the songs on White Magic plainly describe a man who has found, or at least is close to claiming, that desired end. Songs like the jubilant "Illuminata" or the confessional "Oh God Oh Dear", show that Berglund has taken what he learned, and continues to learn, from his time with The Tough Alliance and has made a gorgeous pop record, which is really what this is, and by allowing us to share in his happiness, we feel the surging heart beneath these songs.
Tracklisting:
01. All Around
02. Illuminata
03. Love and Do What You Will
04. White Magic
05. Oh God Oh Dear
06. No Mercy
07. Come With Me (listen to the mp3 below)
08. Den Blomstertid Nu Kommer
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