Mike + the Mechanics

For most of Mike + the Mechanics, Mike + the Mechanics play it fairly safe, offering strongly melodic adult contemporary material with excellent performances. It's the rare track, however, that is truly captivating. The band continues to experiment with electronica influences though, and it is on those tracks, the anthems "Now That You've Gone" and "When I Get Over You," where the group offers something innovative to fans of its music. In fact, "When I Get Over You" hardly sounds like Mike + the Mechanics at all, and more like modern releases from the likes of Sting and Roxette, with a haunting string arrangement played over pulsating beats and keyboard effects. The rest of Mike + the Mechanics sounds similar to Beggar on a Beach of Gold, with prominent rhythm guitars and emotional vocals. While the songwriting is not as strong as on that album, the band continues to show interest in nice production touches such as the crackling record background to "My Little Island." ~ Geoff Orens, All Music Guide