The song entitled "Better News" practically demands on a direct comparison with the predecessor. This request I will gladly comply. But first the 12 tracks of "Stardust" in detail:
1. Stardust: A hymn-like song in the style of Florence + The Machine. The powerful drums grab the listener right from the start. Just a terrific first hit single (it's certainly not the last hit from this album). 5/5 stars
2. Mr. Arrow Key: folk-country-pop at its best. Here could even Amy Mc Donald jealous. The uptempo song makes really good mood. 5/5 stars
3. Pink Elephant: from the song you quickly get a catchy tune. Lena makes here the bass as the main instrument of a catchy pop songs. 4/5 stars
4. Neon (Lonely People): From the musical arrangement, this is certainly the most challenging song. The more often you hear the title, the better it sounds. 4.5 / 5 stars
5.Better news: Perhaps the weakest song on the album. The word "weak" is here, however, very relative. On the previous album, this song would still belongs to my favorites. 3.5 / 5 stars
6. Day To Stay: Sounds like a cozy winter in cozy home. The trumpets in the end are the icing on this sugar-sweet ballad. 4/5 stars
7. To The Moon: Perhaps the most personal song on the album. The lyrics are characterized by great emotion. The music, however, always remains discreet and that hits the right note. 4.5 / 5 stars
8. Bliss Bliss: The song was written as often as possible to play in mainstream radio to be. This can be heard from the beginning. As another single release, this song would be a bank. 4.5 / 5 stars
9. ASAP: A real board! The duet with Miss Li could also exist in the international market. This 60s Groove is simply irresistible. The two singers rocking each other on to top performances. 5/5 stars
10. I'm Black: The Dark Side of LML. One seldom hears songs that combine coolness and passion so terrific. Bright Lights. 5/5 stars
11. Goosebumps: The noble folk ballad finally brings a portion of melancholy in the otherwise very cheerful album. The musical definition of wanderlust! 5/5 stars
12. Do not Panic: At the end again a really groovy pop song. After the end of the piece you should not turn off the same - there is a little surprise ... 4/5 stars (Alter Schwede!)
Average rating: 4.5 / 5 stars (rounded up: 5 Stars)
For those who are also the last album "Good News" to know, I'm going to compare short note my personal rating:
1. Good News: 3/5 2. What happened to me: 3/5 3. A Million and One: 3.5 / 5 4. Maybe: 3/5 5. I like you: 4/5 6. Mama Told me 3/5
7. Push Forward: 5/5 8. A Good Day: 3/5 9. Taken by a Strnger: 5/5 10. Teenage Girls: 2.5 / 5 11. That Again: 3/5 12. At all: 3/5
Average rating 3.4 / 5 stars
Conclusion:
The new album by Lena represents a major leap in quality. The young artist has here obviously worked with people who understand something about their craft. The lyrics are mostly of Lenas spring and their influence on the sound of the album has greatly increased. So overall a highly recommended CD (but the DVD of this Limited Deluxe Edition is only for die-hard fans).