And One
Virgin Superstar

THE REVIEW

In the title "Virgin Superstar," there is a clear analogy with "Jesus Christ Superstar", but it cannot be said that this is a religious album. However, a certain mystical element is present (just look at the cover where the mountains almost seem like a pair of wings), and indeed many songs are nothing more than examinations of conscience ("My Story", in particular) which can be addressed, certainly, to a woman... but perhaps also to some higher entity.

The album opens with the title track "Virgin Superstar" where the power of money and success is addressed, where everything can be bought: "innocence is something you can buy". How then can we blame the woman in "Wasted"?? If she is filled with easy illusions, how can we criticize her need for something absolute, her inability to settle? This desire for the extreme is well rendered through an urgent melody that allows no pauses. This highlights the more peaceful melody of "You Don't Love Me Anymore". We find one of the first examinations of conscience, as the singer emerges from easy illusions and faces the sad reality. "Goodbye Germany" also focuses on separations: "It's time to leave the one we love, say 'goodbye Germany'". It's a nostalgic piece, particularly effective due to a sort of music box sound heard especially towards the end: the end of memories tied to a past long gone? The series of farewells continues with "Wet Spot". It's a difficult-to-access song that initially doesn't inspire at all because of that female voice... However, by persevering in listening, one realizes that this strategy gives the necessary importance to the part sung by Naghavy. It gets to the point where it can be considered one of the most successful tracks on the album!

With "Panzer Mensch" we find the classic And One dancefloor filler; practically, it's an interlude intended to let the listener rest in anticipation of the second part. Indeed, we find the confession of "My Story", a painful but well-accepted realization. There are no tense atmospheres or sophisticated arrangements, and everything flows very lightly. Tracks 8 and 10 should be set in parallel, both focusing on the critique of "artificial paradises" and the importance of acting to do what you want with your life: "(...)the world is calling you". Let's take a step back to say a few words about "Not The Only One" which, once again, is a sincere confession of one's feelings, performed gently and not with the cynicism of the woman in "Wet Spot". It concludes with "Mr Jenka," a very intense piece played on the piano, addressing the loneliness felt when a loved one is no longer here to offer us their support.

In short, if we had to summarize this album in a few words, we could say: truth vs lies. Indeed, it constantly oscillates between the sincerity of the examinations of conscience and the easy temptations (primarily money) which are nothing more than fragile illusions. It is then up to the individual to find their "virgin" that could lead them to salvation, even though we all know it won't be an easy task.