Mixerr Album Reviews #1,011

This is Michael Mixerr. Today I will review Zapp - Back By Popular Demand.

Following the tragic deaths of Zapp band members Roger Troutman and Larry Troutman in 1999 as a result of a murder-suicide, the band took a break to recover emotionally. A few years later in 2003, Zapp resurfaced after the establishment of its own independent label Zapp Town Records which the Troutman family continues operate out of Hamilton, Ohio. Zapp released Back By Popular Demand in 2003. Zapp decided that Back By Popular Demand would be the last Zapp album that the band would release because without Roger’s presence the band’s charisma and atmosphere isn’t the same. Zapp without Roger is unthinkable. Since then, Zapp has returned to performing live concerts and touring across the US as band. Zapp now performs only in live concerts.

Back By Popular Demand is all original material and not a bunch of remakes of classic Zapp hits. This makes the Zapp band and Troutman family works more commendable. There are no outtakes or remixes of earlier works to be found on this record here. You will found the traditional Zapp sound on this album. Zapp’s Back By Popular Demand delivers a breath of freshness with the traditional Zapp sound.

You've Got Mail is an updated version of Computer Love from The New Zapp IV U. The song You've Got Mail was truly ahead of its time and was ripe at the right time. It’s internet based love on You’ve Got Mail. Electronic music meets pop, R&B, and soul music on the You've Got Mail song. You've Got Mail is Computer Love revisited.

You've Got Mail showcases the Zapp band performing in their prime. Talk box vocals match up with both lead vocals and background vocals despite talk box vocals taking lead charge as being a main presence for the vocal portion. The percussion matches up perfectly with slow tempo of the song being that the tempo is not too fast as You've Got Mail proves to be a love song performed in a slow soothing melody.

Talk box vocals match up with both lead vocals and background vocals. The percussion blends in perfectly splendid with the moog synthesizers along with acoustic guitars. The upbeat tempo is perfect for this song. Parts of the song feel slow however. Zapp is known for being fast and slow at the same time in their songs. 

She's Bout To Roll is another Zapp dance song. She's Bout To Roll is Get Up Off The Wall, The Way You Walk And Move, I Can Make You Dance, You've Got Mail, and Dance Floor revisited. Think of all these tracks rolled into one and you have the resulting song called She's Bout To Roll by Zapp. All dancers will automatically fall in love with She's Bout To Roll as well. 

Talk box vocals match up with both lead vocals and background vocals despite talk box vocals taking lead charge as being a main presence for the vocal portion. The upbeat tempo is perfect for this song. The percussion blends in perfectly splendid with the moog synthesizers along with acoustic guitars. Big Robb is the man who raps here.

Get Up Off The Wall very reminiscent of I Can Make You Dance from Zapp III. This upbeat song is a perfect song to dance to and boogie. All dancers will automatically fall in love with Get Up Off The Wall. It’s one of those old school skating rink 80s dance type song. Get Up Off The Wall is I Can Make You Dance and Dance Floor revisited.

The upbeat tempo is perfect for this song. The percussion and beats blends in perfectly splendid with the moog synthesizers. Talk box blends in well with with the moog synthesizers and lead vocals as well as the background vocals. Talk box vocals match up with both lead vocals and background vocals despite talk box vocals taking lead charge as being a main presence for the vocal portion. Soulful singing in the background is accompanied by an angelic harmonious chorus.

The Way You Walk And Move is smooth slow Zapp melody. The beats match up with the slow tempo. Soulful singing in the background is accompanied by an angelic harmonious chorus. Big Robb is the man who raps here. He does a fine job. Vocalist Nicole Cottom gives The Way You Walk And Move a breath of fresh sounds with her singing and vocals.

I Wanna Love You is collage of electronic and soul music soothing for the human soul. I Wanna Love You is a beautiful Zapp love song. The song I Wanna Love You is also perfect for a romantic marriage getaway.

This Is Our Song For You is a dedication song to the late great deceased Zapp band member Roger Troutman. The band promised to keep the tradition and legacy of their brother Roger. All Zapp band members perform together on This Is Our Song For You. All Zapp members truly shine here on this composition piece at the end. This piece of work is simply Zapp’s most splendid dedication song! This Is Our Song For You showcases the Zapp band performing in their prime.

I rate this album, Back By Popular Demand, 4/5****!!