Roxette
Good Karma

What can we expect in 2016 from a band that rode the wave of success and popularity between the '80s and '90s?

Roxette, a Swedish duo that has managed to blend the glossy sounds typical of certain new wave with stadium rock, dealing with passion and love through contagious riffs and catchy choruses.

They return, despite Fredriksson's health issues, to churn out melodies, under the blinding light of (in my opinion) too much electronics.

The songs are there. It Just Happens and April Clouds are to be counted among their best productions, let that be clear.

Already from the titles, the songs seem to propose the band's perspective and feelings during a delicate moment in their history, which for the past 15 years has taken decidedly negative turns.

My rating is dictated by the conviction that many episodes, for example, From A Distance, could have shone more if stripped of the pomp and excessive "handiwork" wanted by Gessle.

The historic voice of Roxette has recently announced that due to physical issues, she may never be able to tour again.

Who knows how the duo will survive fate, but in any case, I believe the respect they deserve is undoubtedly enormous.

The desire to present their perspectives and sound ensures that this year they have been one of the true musical novelties.

I still highlight that the offering is interesting, in some cases it even reminded me of Sounds of the Universe by Depeche Mode.

If their career were to end here (and I hope not) it would still be a beautiful finale.