TOKIO HOTEL - HUMANOID [DELUXE EDITION] - INCLUDED 4 BONUS TRACK It's been a long year for the army of Tokio Hotel followers. But come October, the visually captivating German-born international rock idols plan to pay bac... more »k their fans' dedication--with interest. Humanoid is the highly anticipated follow-up to the platinum-selling, MTV VMA-winning group's 2008 US debut, Scream. "We took our time with this album until we had the perfect feeling about the songs and the entire production," singer Bill Kaulitz said. "We're totally in love with Humanoid and hope it will make up for the fans' long wait!" The first single, "Automatic," clocks in at just over three minutes but feels like an epic, thanks to the growling, layered guitar work of Tom Kaulitz, 19, and his twin brother Bill's anthemic, heartfelt yowl. In the opening verse, he sings, "You're automatic and your heart's like an engine/I die with every beat." The contagious words and melodies are only highlighted by the honed, mechanical precision of 22-year-old bassist Georg Listing and 20-year old drummer Gustav Schafer. It's one of their best ever slices of driving desperation destined to become fans' favorite scream-along. The biggest act to come out of Germany in 20 years, Tokio Hotel has gone 10x platinum, scored four #1 singles, sold out arenas and stadiums across Europe and played to 500,000 people at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in 2008. Along the way, they picked up MTV's Best New Artist VMA and a nomination for Best Pop Video for "Ready, Set, Go!" among other accolades. Already an established international sensation, the musicians hunkered down for months with longtime producer David Jost with the goal of releasing 13 science fiction-inspired, timeless tracks to the entire world all at once. The new record secures a place for Tokio Hotel as one of rock's most enduring groups.« less
TOKIO HOTEL - HUMANOID [DELUXE EDITION] - INCLUDED 4 BONUS TRACK It's been a long year for the army of Tokio Hotel followers. But come October, the visually captivating German-born international rock idols plan to pay back their fans' dedication--with interest. Humanoid is the highly anticipated follow-up to the platinum-selling, MTV VMA-winning group's 2008 US debut, Scream. "We took our time with this album until we had the perfect feeling about the songs and the entire production," singer Bill Kaulitz said. "We're totally in love with Humanoid and hope it will make up for the fans' long wait!" The first single, "Automatic," clocks in at just over three minutes but feels like an epic, thanks to the growling, layered guitar work of Tom Kaulitz, 19, and his twin brother Bill's anthemic, heartfelt yowl. In the opening verse, he sings, "You're automatic and your heart's like an engine/I die with every beat." The contagious words and melodies are only highlighted by the honed, mechanical precision of 22-year-old bassist Georg Listing and 20-year old drummer Gustav Schafer. It's one of their best ever slices of driving desperation destined to become fans' favorite scream-along. The biggest act to come out of Germany in 20 years, Tokio Hotel has gone 10x platinum, scored four #1 singles, sold out arenas and stadiums across Europe and played to 500,000 people at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in 2008. Along the way, they picked up MTV's Best New Artist VMA and a nomination for Best Pop Video for "Ready, Set, Go!" among other accolades. Already an established international sensation, the musicians hunkered down for months with longtime producer David Jost with the goal of releasing 13 science fiction-inspired, timeless tracks to the entire world all at once. The new record secures a place for Tokio Hotel as one of rock's most enduring groups.
CD Reviews
This album could be called "Tokio Hotel For Adults"
Carole Showell | Philadephia, PA | 10/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"EXCELLENT album! The band manages to mix a number of different styles and yet it still flows so well from song to song! There are songs you can head bang to, songs that make you want to cry, songs that you can just jump around and dance to. It's a little of everything. This entire album is so well written, produced, and performed. The sound is so dynamic on Humanoid because the band has really added so many more elements to their music and made it much more complex. Bill's voice is stronger and he has more vocal control. He also uses a much wider vocal range than previously and his English has greatly improved so his pronunciation is much better. The musicians in the band make greater use of their own abilities, whipping out electronic drum sets, pianos, and keyboards to add to their usual drums/bass/guitar setup. Add in some synthesizers to all of that and you've got some VERY powerful, very rich sounding songs.
The songs, for all of the added electronic elements (of which I'm a huge fan), still sound like Tokio Hotel and you can rock out to great guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a great bass beat. Tokio Hotel's sound has matured to the point where I really feel this is an album designed for young adults like me to enjoy instead of one intended for a teen crowd that just happens to be enjoyable for an adult. Their new sound is more accessible to the average listener without losing the elements that make Tokio Hotel unique. Everyone of all ages can enjoy this very easily because it's so easy to jam along to the songs!
I'm extremely impressed with this album and I'm very proud of how much the band has grown. They took a risk by changing things up and going in a slightly different direction but I'm glad they did it and decided to develop their sound instead of keeping the same sound album after album. It's still Tokio Hotel, it's just Tokio Hotel for an older crowd. I'm extremely pleased with this and can't wait for them to tour here in the US! :)
I thought Zimmer/Scream was great but Humanoid is LIGHT YEARS ahead of it in every way. From the complexity of the music, to the strength of the vocals, to the lyrics and production, everything is just better and more developed."
New sounds, but with same passion
Les Jones | Senecaville, OH USA | 10/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a magnificent new album. It has all the melodic creativity, personal feelings, social commentary and perfectly tight instrumentals from the previous albums. Added are more adventuresome harmonies and rhythms, more complex vocals, keyboards and a number of supporting electronic sound effects. For Tokio Hotel fans, it will reinforce their love, and it should also gain a broader audience. The previous albums still sound great after hearing this album; it's just that they are a bit simpler. Be sure to get the deluxe edition! Also, be assured that the mechanized images used to promote the album (the cover picture, etc.) do not fully convey the human feelings of the music.
"
AWESOME CD... Humanoid is outta this world!
K. Harris | Easton, PA | 10/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I got the deluxe Humanoid CD over a week ago... I LOVE IT!!! I've been listening to it every chance I get and this CD does not disappoint. It's amazing how talented these guys are... and to think what the future will hold for this talented group.
It puzzles me when I've read some of the recent music reviews printed in Rolling Stone, People, and a few online websites. I'm not sure what credentials these so called "music critics" have... but their remarks seem to fall short in giving Tokio Hotel any credit for an excellent CD which appeals not only to teenagers but to adults like me. You should seek out the reviews from the customers (and fans) and not from these so called experts. Music... like food... is such a personal, individual thing but this is truly an excellent CD. All the songs are different in style from Tokio Hotel's previous music... but these guys are growing up and this CD shows them maturing and exploring a wide range of sounds and moodier themes. It's great to hear them in a different way.
I really enjoy the flow of Humanoid... all the songs mesh together from beginning to end. And even the fact that some of the songs are reminiscent of the 80's or 90's... I really like that since some of the best music ever made came from those decades. The songs on Humanoid are new and fresh... the guys have borrowed some of the "old" and created something "new" and "exciting". Bill has a wonderful way of making you feel the emotion of the song with his amazing vocals.... he displays much more range on this CD and it suits him well.
I like each song for different reasons but notable mentions are: "Noise" (the first track which soars with great energy); "Human Connect to Human" (I love their different approach to this familiar tune); "Pain of Love", "Forever Now", and "World Behind my Wall". And the deluxe CD has four additional songs which are all great... especially Phantomrider and Alien.
By the way, I am a 44 year old mom of three young boys.... we ALL love Tokio Hotel and this CD is well worth your money... you will not be disappointed. We don't speak any German but we love the German versions of Tokio Hotel's music as much as the English. My 5-year old son has even learned to sing Tokio Hotel's songs fluently in German just from listening to their other CDs so much, so I plan to order the German version of Humanoid."
Tokio Hotel is BACK!
Camille Robinson | Portland OR | 10/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"FINALLY. If you are a devoted fan like me, you've been waiting and waiting for this album to be released. Tokio Hotel's second English album HUMANOID, has hit the world.
I'm not very good at writing reviews so sorry if this sounds a bit jumbled. This 4 member group from Germany made big success and attention when they released Scream, which was a mix of translated songs from their past albums. This time, the band made a German(their mother tongue) album and then made an English version and released them at the same time. The lead singer Bill Kaulitz has said and quote, "I'm sure no artist has to remember as many lyrics as I do."
This album overall, is very different from any of their past ones. Tokio Hotel has matured in their sound and has experimented with new tools like synthesizers that you can hear throughout the CD. The tracks keep the same level of emotion in lyrics, but the sound is more versatile and danceable. I found it new but very enjoyable. I suppose now I'll try a track listing.
Track 1: Noise- The first song does it's purpose as a warm-up to the album. I love the instrumental build at the start. It does get a bit repetitive but it's catchy. 3/5
Track 2: Darkside of the Sun-I had to get a good feel of this one, but by a couple listens, now I really like it. The soft and almost eerie violins at the start and end are a nice touch. The futuristic feel of the song and lyrics give you sort of a rush. 5/5
Track 3: Automatic-The first single. Since I heard it before any of the rest of the album, I feel that the mood of it is much lighter than the rest of the album, but that's refreshing and it's very, VERY catchy. 5/5
Track 4: World Behind My Wall-The first slow song you'll encounter. It's about wanting to see and get the most out of life, even though you are afraid to. That's what I think anyway. It has a great message, but for some reason it's not one of my favorites yet. 4/5
Track 5: Humanoid-But this song is. Humanoid has to be my favorite track on the album. With so many elements mixed in such as darkness, rebelliousness, and desperation. But that's just the lyrics. What I really appreciate on this song is the heavy influence of drums and guitars. It's very intense and fast paced, but still gives you that familiar "Tokio Hotel" feel. 6/5
Track 6: Forever Now- I really like the way it starts, with Bill singing "Oh-oh-oh-ohhh" in a mysterious way, and the strong drum beat. It's good, but not really a standout track. 4/5
Track 7:Pain of love- I have no idea why but I really like this one. You get a unique range of Bill's vocals with a pounded "oh" in the background while he's singing the lyrics in a low register. It sounds dark and direct. The chorus is also catchy. 5/5
Track 8: Dogs Unleashed-When I first heard this one I was like..."What the heck?" The lyrics and even faint panting in the beginning sound heavily metaphorical about being a dog. After a few more listens I really enjoy it now. There's a strong techno-influence and it makes it very addicting. 5/5
Track 9: Human connect to Human- I.LOVE.THIS.ONE. It's just very very catchy and danceable with the guitars and drums. The lyrics are suggestive, but not in an obviously raunchy way. It WILL get stuck in your head. 6/5
Track 10: Hey You-In the first 5 seconds you'll be able to recognize the beat they used. Luckily, the lyrics make up for it with a very tough and heavy sound. I find it a good headbanging song. 5/5
Track 11: Love and Death-If you need proof that Bill has vocal range, you've got it here. I won't spoil it but I was VERY happily surprised when I heard this one. It gets repetitive and the lyrics are a little bit cliche but it's still repeat-worthy. 5/5
Track 12: Zoom Into Me-This one is so sweet. It makes me think of a more melancholic and slower "By your side"-ish song. It's a great end.(To the first disc.) 5/5
*BONUS TRACKS
Track 13: Phantomrider- I think there's a lot to be taken in with this song. It's lonely and melancholic and hopeful. It starts out slow instrumentally and vocally then builds. I believe the message is up to the listener, and to some it's a very powerful song. 5/5
Track 14: That Day-This one is VERY dark. That's about all I can say. Bill experiments with whispering in this one and instrumentally it's mostly the guitars and drums. That I like. 4/5
Track 15: Alien-This song has good mixture beetween techno-ish sound and their more classic "rock" sound. I like it more with every listen. 5/5
Track 16: Screamin-This one was such a good surprise. I just really enjoy it. Especially the fast rush of "I'm screaming at the top of the world!" before each chorus. Probably my favorite of the bonus tracks. 6/5
There you go. If I had to put everything together about what I think about Humanoid, I'll say that Tokio Hotel has changed, but it's a good change. I'm still a very happy fan. :)
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1