Personally, I think the centerpiece of this record is the huge hit single, 'Big In Japan'; which blends the dirty little industry secret of getting rich by releasing in Japan and a homo erotic suggestion of prostitution.
One of the few things that set Alphaville apart from other German and European bands who attempted to build a career singing in English is that Alphaville's lead singer, Marion Gold doesn't sound like he singing in a second language at all. The metaphors they employ are solid, meaningful and actually make sense. They don't try to say things in English they could easily say in German. Instead, they build their songs rather beautifully in English.
There also seems to be some genuine musical training. Possibly classical in nature by the band's musicians. The scales are lilting and the melodies are sweetly layered with complex patterns and notes designed to evoke response but sound simple.
'A Victory Of Love' begins the freshman release and it's a moody bit of drizzle. There's a lot of weird sounds sprinkled throughout the track sometimes sounding like cars braking and it kinda drolls along at a plodding rate until it suddenly builds and erupts. Gold uses his vocal delivery to enhance the builds by keeping his voice somber and cold the boisterous and booming as the song climbs up to a respectable New Wave beat. It's ok, but 'Summer In Berlin' track number 2 is much more enjoyable. It's followed by the first of the two songs this record is most famous for, 'Big In Japan' and let's face it, no matter what format or system you're playing this song on, it marches across the vinyl, tape or disc like a huge unstoppable monster. Gold's voice sounds smaller on this song, but it only serves to enhance to full space the instrumentation seems to create around it.
Next up is 'To Germany With Love'. This patriotic musical valentine is delivered from the perspective of an immigrant who found a better life in Germany. There's a kicking funky bass on this track. Although it's an overlooked number, 'Fallen Angel' is musically just as rich and fulfilling as any hit on the album. There are a couple surprising moments where the band takes some unexpected turns, but they resolve nicely and enhance the song's intensity and drive. 'Forever Young' is the title track and the biggest US hit from the record. After it's release, 'Forever Young' went on to be one of, if not the biggest prom themes for the rest of the 80's. Even my school used it once. It's followed by 'In The Mood' which is another track where Gold alternates his pitch and tone to achieve a creative build. 'Sounds Like A Melody' uses keyboard sounds to mimic a full orchestra. That was a popular thing to do back in the 80's. It was somewhat annoying but everyone was doing it. Fortunately, this is a good song and it could've survived without the addition of orchestral bits.
'Lies' utilizes a popular piano sound from that period but it's an uptempo number and quite lively. 'The Jet Set' rounds off the album and it's an anthem if ever there was one. This one is also one of my favorites on the record and it's a great way to end a disc that's been mostly lively, fun, original and unique.
Alphaville went on to release many more records, mostly in Germany; but with mixed results. They never achieved the same notoriety in the states that they did with their first record. It should still be noted, they are one of the best (if not the actual best) German new wave act that showed up during the 80's. You might be pleased to know the group is still recording and releasing as far as I know. More power to them. I think that's brilliant.
My final words: A GERMAN SYNTH MASTERPIECE!
ALPHAVILLE - FOREVER YOUNG
01. A Victory Of Love
02. Summer In Berlin
03. Big In Japan
04. To Germany With Love
05. Fallen Angel
06. Forever Young
07. It The Mood
08. Sounds Like A Melody
09. Lies
10. The Jet Set
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