Having continued course on I Say I Say I Say without adding much to its overall reputation, Erasure took a surprising turn on its self-titled album. With statements at the time indicating Clarke claimed inspiration from the complexity and reach of prog-rock keyboard experiments, the duo entered a less pop-friendly turn for this extensive record. Clarke definitely aims for a more spacy atmosphere throughout Erasure, assisted by sometime Orb compatriot Thomas Fehlmann. While the catchy hooks with which Clarke made his name remain, the arrangements show more grandiose reflections and less full-on dancefloor fun, more Jarre than Moroder. Songs are often much longer than the quick, punchy numbers the duo became known for, sometimes getting a bit lost along the way as a result. Bell, to his credit, matches Clarke's ambitions well, trying different vocal deliveries, especially with his trademark backing vocal overdubs -- "Rescue Me" being a great example of that. While the overall results don't lead to a fully spectacular record, it's certainly Erasure's most experimental, an indulgence that pays off in surprising ways. One of the more interesting features of the album is who helps out on it -- the London Community Gospel Choir takes a wonderful bow on two tracks, the quietly intoxicating lead single "Stay With Me" and the gentle shimmer of "Rock Me Gently." In one of the more unlikely guest appearances of the time, meanwhile, Mute labelmate Diamanda Galas delivers haunting solo turns on "Rock Me Gently" and "Angel." If not as harrowing as much of her own work, it does provide an interesting addition to a duo not known for its particularly dark vision of life. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide
Erasure (Main Performer), Diamanda Galás (Vocals), Dave Bascombe (Mixing), Blaise Dupuy (Engineer), Ian Huffam (Mixing Assistant), Ruby James (Vocals (Background)), Gareth Jones (Producer), François Kevorkian (Mixing), The London Community Gospel Choir (Choir, Chorus), Lloyd Puckitt (Mixing), Andy Bell, Thomas Fehlmann (Producer), George Holt (Engineer), Andy Strange (Mixing Assistant), Mike Marsh (Mastering), Ashley Potter (Illustrations), Paul Hickey (Vocals (Background)), Patrick McGovern (Mixing Assistant), Sly Smith (Artwork)
A more experimental and introspective album, Erasure contained eleven, mostly mid-tempo tracks that differed from their
past output of shiny, three-minute pop songs. Most tracks clocked in at five minutes or more, several contained long synth
interludes, and guest artists included the London Community Gospel Choir
and performance artist Diamanda Galás.
Although appreciated for its experimental nature, Erasure marked the beginning of Erasure's slide from the peak of
their popularity in the mainstream music world. Coming off five consecutive number-one albums in the UK, this album failed to hit
the top ten and two single releases also missed the UK top ten. After a successful top twenty debut on the Billboard 200 for their previous album I Say I Say I
Say, Erasure disappointed some by peaking at number eighty-two and generating no Hot 100 singles. In Germany the album also peaked lower than previous
albums, at number eighty-seven.
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