After Pur had delivered with "Seiltänzertraum" (1993) and "Adventureland" (1995) their best studio albums until then, it was clear that the expectations of a successor would be correspondingly high. However clear was there also that the classical Pur sound of past albums already started infused to act and that is why experiments on a small scale would be indispensable. The strong moments of "Powerful lot of theater" are not the only reason why just in those moments where Pur turn away from their "typical" sound and at least partially to tread new paths. There is for example "blowing me more", this nachgehende under the skin acoustic song with one of the best-Pur texts at all. As would be "Give it to me", where a lyrical change of perspective is attempted and the rocking side gains the upper hand. But as would be the driving title song with its tempo rhythm and the impressive chorus. Also strong: "I want to get out of here," an honest debate on the issue without artificial Bemitleidung autism and for courage and hope. The other songs on the album follow the usual slightly flaky pop style of the group, good times ("The Stupid"), euphoria ("If you're there") and spread relaxation ("At last I"). Not new, but liked to hear again and again.
The question of whether this album was a step backwards or progress now, can only be a "yes, but" answer. Overall, the two predecessors were more stringent under construction, perfect in the production and musically more varied. Only - and this album holds over long distances this class, has real highlights. It works only in places like a rehash of old stuff which is really a shame because there are potential sufficiently. For me, it belongs in a category with "Seiltänzertraum" (1993) and "Adventureland" (1995) and is significantly more advanced than the successor "in the middle". That was really a step backwards.