.
Search

Follow Us

Edit Content
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • New Music
  • Reviews
  • Caught Live
  • Future Pop
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • New Music
  • Reviews
  • Caught Live
  • Future Pop
Facebook Instagram Spotify Tiktok
RPM031 Menu-3
  • NEWS
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Suede Antidepressants Press Handout Credit Dean Chalkley-4

    Suede share details of 10th studio album Antidepressants

    The follow-up to Suede’s 2022 LP, ‘Autofiction’ is billed as “broken music for broken people”, according to frontman Brett Anderson.

    Robbie Williams Britpop Press Handout Credit Jason Hetherington-4

    Robbie Williams announces new album Britpop, blasts off with rocking lead single Rocket

    Named after the era in which he famously feuded with Liam and Noel Gallagher, the new album from Robbie Williams is due later this year.

    Sophie Ellis-Bextor Perimenopop Taste Press Handout-4

    Sophie Ellis-Bextor shares details of new album Perimenopop, drops single Taste

    The latest LP from Sophie Ellis-Bextor also features the recent singles Freedom Of The Night, Relentless Love and Vertigo.

    Oasis Reunion Credit Simon Emmett-4

    Oasis’ manager weighs in on possibility of new music from the band

    With 41 dates booked for 2025, Oasis are playing stadiums around the UK this summer before going global later in the year.

  • EXCLUSIVES
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Cascada Studio 24 Handout-4

    Cascada on her Studio 54-inspired new album and 20 years of global hits [Exclusive]

    As they return with their fifth album, Cascada’s Natalie Horler looks back on 20 years of hits and reacts to her recent interview that went viral online.

    Nicki French Who, What, Where Handout Energise-4

    Nicki French considered Eurovision return with new album track: ‘Would they really go for a 60 year old singer… again?’ [Exclusive]

    As she returns with her new album, Nicki French reveals she almost submitted one track into the running for next year’s Eurovision.

    Pixie Lott Encino Press Handout-4

    Pixie Lott talks new album Encino: ‘When you fall into your authentic self, that’s when the magic happens’ [Exclusive]

    A decade after releasing her self-titled third album, Pixie Lott returns with a body of work that reflects the place she’s at in her life today.

    Betty Boo Rip Up The Rulebook Credit Sandro Hyams-4

    Betty Boo: ‘It’s a philosophy that I have to not let anybody tell you that you can’t be who you want to be!’ [Exclusive]

    As she returns with her epic new album ‘Rip Up The Rulebook’, Betty Boo opens up about creating her most diverse work to date.

  • NEW MUSIC
  • REVIEWS
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    • All
    • 1980s
    • 1990s
    • 2000s
    • Pop
    • R&B / Hip-Hop
    • Dance
    • Rock
    Tom Aspaul Cabin Fever Artwork

    Tom Aspaul – Cabin Fever

    Kim Wilde Closer Artwork Cherry Red

    Kim Wilde – Closer

    Gwen Stefani Bouquet

    Gwen Stefani – Bouquet

    Cascada Studio 24

    Cascada – Studio 24

  • CAUGHT LIVE
  • FUTUREPOP
  • RELEASE RADAR
Home Reviews

Erasure – The Neon

Connor Gotto by Connor Gotto
August 19, 2020
in Reviews
Erasure - The Neon
25
SHARES
245
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Rating: ****

If ever there was an act destined to come out on top amid 2020’s trend for slick synths and throwback tracks, it’s Erasure – and The Neon triumphs as a masterclass in synth-pop. 

Don't Miss...

Erasure’s Andy Bell drops Don’t Cha Know from upcoming solo album

Erasure star Andy Bell announces new solo album Ten Crowns

Over 10 tracks, Andy Bell and Vince Clarke cement their legacy as one of Britain’s premier pop acts, proving the pair are masters of the genre. The Neon features exemplary songwriting and impeccable synth work from Clarke – who was recently presented with the Special Recognition prize at the Association Of Independent Music (AIM) Awards.

Kicking off with lead single Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling), The Neon is an instant hit, catapulting the listener on a musical journey that plays out like a night on the town. Tracks 1 to 5 are pure pop in its finest form, featuring previously released tracks Nerves of Steel and Shot A Satellite – an early favourite – and new tunes Fallen Angel and No Point in Tripping. 

Integral to Erasure’s legacy is their status as LGBTQ+ icons, and the queer themes of The Neon are beautifully showcased throughout. “Ride on top of a rollercoaster / Walk up a down escalator / Fly like a fallen angel / Love just like its second nature,” Andy sings on Fallen Angel, which reads as an empowering Pride anthem. 

If the first half of The Neon is the party, the latter is the inevitable turning point in the night – where feelings kick in, and so begins the emotional rollercoaster of lust, longing, and a need for love. And while the second portion of the record shifts sonically, the end result is arguably the more interesting collection of tracks on the album, which cut to the heart of Erasure.

“Stuck in the tower of love / You whispered in my ear / ‘Don’t go there! Don’t go there!’,” kicks off Tower of Love with its noticeably darker sound, while follow-up Diamond Lies, is a dark, pounding synth number about a forbidden love. “What a sight for sore eyes / With your diamond lies / I’ve gotta stop pretending / I can’t take you now,” Andy croons in the lust-driven chorus. 

Piano ballad New Horizons is a raw longing for a distant lover – which, although the album was finished before lockdown, takes on a whole new meaning as Andy reveals he’s been separated from his partner, who’s in Miami, Florida, since lockdown began in March. A perfect slow burner, but the possibilities for a dramatic, synth-heavy remix are undeniable. 

The love theme continues on penultimate track Careful What I Try To Do, before The Neon rounds off with Kid You’re Not Alone – a stunning ode to fate, destiny and self-acceptance, showcasing possibly Andy’s finest vocal on the album. Not only is it the perfect end to The Neon, but it’s also an entireley necessary message for 2020. 

Andy and Vince describe The Neon as “a place that lives in the imagination… a place of possibility in warm, glowing light and this is music that takes you there.” Achieving everything they set out to do and more, Erasure’s new album is an essential record not just for fans, but for anyone looking for hope, faith and guidance during these undeniably challenging times. 

Pour a glass of wine, turn the volume up loud and hit play – individually, The Neon is 10 superb tracks, but as a collection it’s a triumphant effort that ranks high in Erasure’s 35-year legacy. 

The Neon is out Friday, August 21st. Pre order here.

Tags: erasure
Connor Gotto

Connor Gotto

Founder and editor of RETROPOP. Self-proclaimed pop aficionado. Usually seen with a wine in hand.

More Like This

Andy Bell Ten Crowns Tour Promo-4
New Music

Erasure’s Andy Bell drops Don’t Cha Know from upcoming solo album

by Connor Gotto
February 19, 2025
Andy Bell Ten Crowns Credit Sean Black Press Handout-4
News

Erasure star Andy Bell announces new solo album Ten Crowns

by Connor Gotto
February 12, 2025
Erasure Credit Phil Sharp The Neon-3
News

Erasure are ‘plotting and planning’ after Vince Clarke teases new album

by Connor Gotto
May 5, 2024
Erasure Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me YouTube-3
News

Erasure announce expanded reissue of 1997 classic album Cowboy

by Connor Gotto
April 16, 2024
erasure 2020 Credit Phil Sharp-1
Exclusive

Vince Clarke has finished tracks for next Erasure album, waiting for Andy Bell to ‘put some magic’ on them [Exclusive]

by Connor Gotto
November 8, 2023

Follow Us

The RETROPOP Edit

Never miss a story - sign up to RETROPOP's Daily Edit newsletter for free!

Please wait...

You're in! Keep an eye on your inbox for all the latest!

The Latest

Suede Antidepressants Press Handout Credit Dean Chalkley-4

Suede share details of 10th studio album Antidepressants

May 22, 2025
Robbie Williams Britpop Press Handout Credit Jason Hetherington-4

Robbie Williams announces new album Britpop, blasts off with rocking lead single Rocket

May 22, 2025
Tom Aspaul Cabin Fever Artwork

Tom Aspaul – Cabin Fever

May 21, 2025
RETROPOP No. 31 : Sept '24
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Change privacy settings
MEDIA KIT

RETROPOP participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Copyright © 2025 Irresistible. All rights reserved.

  • Home
    • Home – Layout 1
    • Home – Layout 2
    • Home – Layout 3
  • News
  • Fashion

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

CloseMenu

New issue out now

SHOP HERE