Album Info
| Artist: | Berlin |
| Album: | Count Three & Pray |
| Released: | Australasia, 1986 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Will I Ever Understand You | 4:40 |
| Producer - Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - John Crawford | ||
| A2 | You Don't Know | 4:26 |
| Producer - Andy Richards, Berlin, Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - John Crawford | ||
| A3 | Like Flames | 5:05 |
| Producer - Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - Rob Brill | ||
| A4 | Heartstrings | 4:12 |
| Producer - Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - John Crawford, Matt Reid, Rob Brill, Terri Nunn | ||
| A5 | Take My Breath Away | 4:11 |
| Producer - Giorgio Moroder | ||
| Written-By - Giorgio Moroder, Tom Whitlock | ||
| B1 | Trash | 3:38 |
| Producer - Berlin, Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - John Crawford | ||
| B2 | When Love Goes To War | 4:09 |
| Producer - Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - Brian Fairweather | ||
| B3 | Hideaway | 5:08 |
| Producer - Berlin | ||
| Written-By - Chas Sandford, John Crawford | ||
| B4 | Sex Me, Talk Me | 4:41 |
| Producer - Andy Richards, Berlin, Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - John Crawford | ||
| B5 | Pink And Velvet | 6:38 |
| Producer - Bob Ezrin | ||
| Written-By - Ric Olsen, Terri Nunn |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
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Description
Berlin's "Count Three & Pray" released in 1986, marks a significant pivot in the band's musical journey, transitioning from their new wave, synth-pop roots towards a more mainstream rock sound. This album, most renowned for its chart-topping single "Take My Breath Away" featured in the film "Top Gun," showcases a blend of rock anthems, power ballads, and synth-pop tracks that encapsulate the band's evolving musical identity during the mid-80s.
"Take My Breath Away," the standout track, is a lush, sweeping ballad that became synonymous with the band, thanks in part to its cinematic association. Its atmospheric synth lines, combined with Terri Nunn's emotive vocals, create a sense of longing and romance that resonated with a wide audience, propelling the song to international success. However, this track's prominence often overshadows the album's other offerings, which demonstrate a broader range of styles and influences.
Tracks like "Like Flames" and "You Don't Know" exhibit a more guitar-driven sound, indicative of the band's shift towards mainstream rock. These songs, while still featuring synthesizers, prioritize electric guitar riffs and a more aggressive vocal delivery from Nunn, signaling a departure from the purely electronic arrangements of their earlier work. This blend of rock and synth elements reflects the broader musical trends of the mid-80s, as artists increasingly fused electronic and traditional rock instrumentation.
The production on "Count Three & Pray" is polished, with a clear focus on creating a sound that could compete in the rock-dominated music landscape of the time. The involvement of producer Bob Ezrin, known for his work with rock icons like Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd, is evident in the album's cohesive sound and production quality. Ezrin's influence likely steered the band towards a more rock-oriented approach, aiming to capitalize on the mainstream appeal of the genre.
Despite its successes, the album received mixed reviews from critics, who were divided over the band's change in direction. Some praised the band's ability to evolve and adapt their sound, while others lamented the departure from the synth-driven, new wave aesthetic that initially defined them. This division reflects the broader challenges bands faced in the 80s as they navigated the rapidly changing musical landscape.
Commercially, "Count Three & Pray" achieved significant success, buoyed by the immense popularity of "Take My Breath Away." However, the album's other singles and tracks did not achieve the same level of acclaim, leading to a somewhat skewed perception of the album's overall quality and impact.
In retrospect, "Count Three & Pray" stands as a testament to Berlin's willingness to experiment and evolve their sound in response to the shifting dynamics of 80s pop and rock music. While it may not be remembered as the band's most cohesive or critically acclaimed work, it contains moments of brilliance and showcases the band's ability to craft memorable pop-rock anthems. The album encapsulates a transitional period for Berlin, reflecting both the possibilities and challenges of musical evolution during a decade known for its rapid stylistic shifts.