Released: 30 July 2021
Erasure’s 18th album ‘The Neon’ was a triumph from the electro-pop pioneers, combining irresistible melodies and masterful synth work for an album of pure escapism.
A combination of playful pop and dark, moody cuts proved a hit for the duo, marking their return to the UK Top 5 after more than 25 years away.
The 10-track collection spawned hit singles Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling) and Nerves of Steel, and as a concept its the tightest Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have sounded for years.
It’s unfortunate, then, that ‘The Neon Remixed’ overlooks the original concept in favour of an all-star ensemble without direction.
For many, bigger is better: Fallen Angel (Saint Remix) is as club friendly as they come, while the Brixxtone mix of Careful What I Try to Do – like many on the LP – is a straightforward banger.
Hey Now (Think I Got a Feeling) (HiFi Sean Remix) takes more risks in dissecting the track, while Armageddon Turk’s take on Diamond Lies is an immediate outlier.
That’s not to say the tracks themselves aren’t good – individually, they absolutely hit the spot – but collectively, the essence of the album is lost.
That’s highlighted even more with the inclusion of new track Secrets, a great addition to ‘The Neon’ era, that’s immediately the most memorable cut from the new set.
No doubt some of ‘The Neon Remixed’ will find its way onto our playlists, but the album falls short of the original, proving that after three decades of music, Erasure remain at the top of their game.
‘The Neon Remixed’ is available across formats.
Read more: Erasure’s 10 ‘The Neon’ tracks ranked from great to greatest
