The fifth album by the synth quintet
Book of Love kicks off with the hypnotic, mostly instrumental "Sunday Morning A.M.," featuring
Susan Ottaviano breathily repeating the word "always." It's followed by the bittersweet "Happily Ever After," which includes a cool sample of
the Fifth Dimension's "Aquarius." The group injects
David Bowie's "Sound and Vision" with perk (and more than a few layers of keyboard noodlings and a throbbing dance beat). "Hunny Hunny" is as sweet as its name implies and "Trouble in a Bubble" has a playful bounce. The simple "Salve My Soul" has a cool, sensual feel (spoiled by a chaotic midsection) and "Woyaya" just doesn't work. While there are some fun moments on
Lovebubble (the sprightly pop of "Flower in My Hand"), most fans will find
Book of Love's earlier work much more engaging and essential. ~ Tom Demalon