Human Zoo

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Wow..., 2005-02-05
This band is simply amazing. And this is coming from someone who doesn't really listen to hard rock all too much (I'm a metal kid). Maybe it's because there aren't enough bands like Gotthard who know how to play more than a few chords and really know where they're going with their songs. Anyways, I love this CD! br / br /I first heard of this band through a CD called Metal Dreams Vol. 2, through a catchy little blues-tinged number called "Let It Rain". The song was very well-composed, and the band just had an excellent sound. I decided I wanted to hear more. So I ordered Human Zoo, their acclaimed 2003 effort. I had my doubts, after all, I wasn't too fond with this genre. But when the title track kicked in, I decided I liked it - it reminded me a bit of heavier Bon Jovi with a younger Rod Stewart on vocals. "What I Like", the album's powerful single just caught my attention right when it first kicked in. It's such a beautiful song, thanks in part to Steve Lee's excellent voice, and had a very anthemic feel to it - similar to the great hard rock of the 70s and early 80s. "Top of the World" made me realize just how much I was truly enjoying myself when listening to this CD - it's just a great, upbeat rocker with an infectious chorus and great guitar playing. "Janie's Not Alone" is one of the more depressing tracks, mainly for its lyrical content, involving a girl from a poor background who lives on the streets and steals to stay alive. "One in a Million" is more of a driving tune - easily accessible, fun to sing along too and catchy as hell. Then comes a beautiful bluesy ballad called "First Time in a Long Time", an uplifting, inspirational song that is hard not to love. Everything to come next is also very good - and "Long Way Down" offers something a bit different for a change, adding some nice variety. br / br /Let me say this, if you're a fan of rock (real rock, not alternative radio crap) or classic metal, why not take a chance and see if this wonderful band can leave an impression on you as it has on me? Definitely a must. br / br /10/10

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Swiss monsters do it AGAIN!!, 2003-12-05
Well-you've read all the other great reviews...now be a good little rocker get hold of this as fast as you can!! Seriously,folks-this is one fantastic band! Their songwriting skills are top-notch...think maybe along the lines of a 'poppier' version of Tesla..straight ahead rock with great hooks! The real deal--these guys should be an international smash! You'll also want to get 'Homerun', 'Open' 'G'. Trust me,you'll LOVE these guys. I've heard aLOTTA music in my 48 years,and these guys have what it takes--Enjoy..

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

fine, mature rock album from a little known European band, 2003-09-15
Prior to its release "Human Zoo" had sparked off a lively debate. This new CD from Swiss band Gotthard has already come in for some flak, with criticism of the songs ranging from "too soft" through to "too boring" and the band themselves have been slated for their overtly commercial direction. I tend to see things differently. In the years since their formation, Gotthard have continuously evolved and refined their sound. With their last album "Homerun" they delivered a timeless classic. Sure, the band have lost something of the harder edge of their early releases, but have just as surely gained in class. On top of this, Gotthard are just about the only band in Europe from the melodic scene to have made a breakthrough in the last few years. Which is why I find the brickbats totally incomprehensible. Gotthard are putting our music back in front of a wider public. What more could you ask for ??pNow to the new output "Human Zoo", the first album without long time producer Chris von Rohr. Instead Gotthard have brought in the highly regarded Marc Tanner, producer of the MTV-Award winners The Calling. With Tanner at the helm the production here is first class. Several of the songs have that harder edged style of yore but for the most part the songs are similar in style to the last album "Homerun". The majority of tracks on the new album are either ballads or mid-tempo numbers. In terms of quality, the songs are continuously on a high level. All the same there are a number of highlights that I have picked out :p"Human Zoo"brTitle track "Human Zoo" is a really heavy opener, which reminds me of early Gotthard. After the first two spins the track was not really one of my favourites, but after repeated plays it is getting better and better and...................................p"What I Like"brA personal favourite and one of the best songs of the new album. Here everything gels. Well played guitars, tinged in places with some slight Asiatic influences. Steve Lee is in top form. A track that leaves you wanting more. "What I Like" is also the first Gotthard single from "Human Zoo".p"Janie's Not Alone"brA song that deals with the desperately sad lives of street kids in places like Romania and Brazil. It tells the story of twelve year old Janie. With its sensitive and thought provoking lyrics and a splendid musical accompaniment from the band, this is a track that gets under your skin. p"No Tomorrow"brThe intro to "No Tomorrow" is very calm and just as you are thinking, another ballad, the guitars kick in, driving the song to a memorable chorus. Melodic rock to perfection.p"What Can I Do"brA typical Gotthard ballad. This track comes to life through the sensitive voice of singer Steve Lee and the wonderful background vocals. Just close your eyes, enjoy and dream.pWith "Long Way Down" the album touches a low point as the track is merely average and just about prevents me from giving Gotthard and "Human Zoo" the full five stars. Despite this I'm already eagerly looking forward to the forthcoming Gotthard tour. See you there!!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Fine Arena Rock, 2003-07-24
Swiss melodic rock superstar Gotthard (with second t upturned) made another great work that will surely expand their fans currently limited to Europe and Japan. The album is extension of pop hard approach as shown in Open, and Homerun. The remarkable change is that producer was changed to Marc Tanner known by Calling's debut. The album became more tailored to American AOR fans that like catchy power ballads. The album sounds as if Ron Nevison did Bon Jovi albums. Mark Tanner's approach is very closer to Ron Nevison who produced a number of comeback hit albums such as Survivor's Vital Signs and Heart's self titled album in 1984.pOpening track Human Zoo is a killer. Hard-edged yet pop sound will pale Bon Jovi or Goo Goo Dolls. What I Like is a sure hit power ballad fit for Adult Rock chart. Have a Little Faith is a nice slow ballad challenging "The Search Is Over" or "High Enough". Top Of The World is heavy edged catchy song a bit reminiscent of "Living On A Prayer". One In A Million starts with "Stone In Love" styled heavy guitar riff. Another highlight of the album is "First Time In A Long Time" Rod Steward styled ballad sure to be a huge hit.pRecommended for wide range of pop rock fans that like Ron Nevison related works and 80s pop rock fans. Also recommended for Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi and Calling fans.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

WOW! Rock is NOT dead!, 2003-04-01
I became familiar with this band, while living in the USA, through my boyfriend who happened to live in Austria. Being a rock fan, I gave it a try on the great recommendation he gave them! I was sooooooooooooo impressed, I begged for more! 2years later, we were married,I moved to Austria and saw them in concert every chance I got! They are definately one of the most professional rock bands in Europe.........great sound, great songs, great presence!!!!!!!!! I have every cd and couldn't wait until the new one came out! I bought it on release day and loved it!They have gone back to their roots and delivered a rock album worthy of praise. Rockers,ballads and party songs worthy of stadium crowds!! Gotthard aims to please and has hit the bullseye with their latest release HUMAN ZOO! brThose of you interested in hearing earlier stuff,I suggest the following:br1. DIAL HARDbr2. G Spotbr3.D Frosted(Acoustic live album)br4.Gotthardbr5.Openbr6.Homerunbr7.Best Of BalladspWith Gotthard you can't go wrong.Definately worth the price.