The 13 tracks show Pell and his companions to master singer Johnny Gioeli (while still at Hardline) of their cuddly side, even if the lyrics are not always refer to a romantic feel-good moments. The best example of this are eg the darkly mitreissene "Northern lights" or the epic, provided with many Temowechseln final piece "The Curse of the Damned". The majority of the songs, however, deals with the love and its various facets. Especially herausstechend for me the Kiss cover "Love Gun" in the pretty acoustic garb. In addition to this it did with "In The Air Tonight" and "Like a Child Again" two more titles in the disputed fandom Cover album "Diamonds Unlocked" from 2007 to the compilation. They fit perfectly into the overall concept and show that Pell and Co. can also implement foreign songs of high quality.
The same applies also and especially for the two new covers of the album. On the one hand it involves a piano dominated worn version of the DIO classic "Holy Diver", in whose recording the band to have had tears in my eyes supposedly. In fact, this very much different from the original own interpretation convinces. An appropriate tribute to the late 2010 Pell-favorite artist and life idol Ronnie James Dio.
On the other hand, the band adopts the gecoverten to death Leonard Cohen classic "Hallelujah". Finished with a polyphonic children's choir the number converts, however close to the kitsch border, which is not yet supported by the cliché dripping music video. It's nice that Axel Rudi Pell after 17 years finally back has a single with video at the start, which was far too long neglected despite the best opportunities. Next time, I hope, however, a more appropriate song. The implementation is good, you can track the but now simply no longer hear. Even in this, actually quite beautiful version not.
The climax of "The Ballads IV" there are the same for entry. "Where the Wild Waters Flow", the only new Pell-original composition is outstanding. An emotional, powerful anthem with endgeilem chorus that remains immediately in the ear. Rarely Axel Rudi Pell has delivered a better performance in his rich strong ballads catalog. Emotional, touching, soulful - the perfect introduction to a ballad album. Although this world-class can not be maintained over the full distance, is "The Ballads IV" a strong compilation great compositions of too much underrated songwriter. As Axel Rudi Pell newcomers certainly a good investment, for die-hard fans, due to the three strong new songs also. Hopes for an excellent next studio album are awakened.
