No more words

Press, 21 May 1987, Page 18

No more words

BERLIN “Count Three And Pray” (Mercury 830-586-1).

“Count Three And Pray” consists of the new stripped-down version of Berlin. Out the door went three members of theband after “Lovelife” and the hit single, “No More Words.” Ruined by success the band then went back to basics and began hunting around for a producer.

After playing with Andy Richards, who had worked with Trevor Horn on Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Art of Noise, they finally settled on Bob Ezrin. At the same time Giorgio Moroder, who had worked wonders on the hit single, “No More Words” came back with “Take My Breath Away,” made popular in the film “Top Gun.”

“Take My Breath Away,” on the LP, gives some relief to the faster tracks on the album, but it does not really settle in well with what the band are trying to do. Unfortunately, the other tracks have too much of the Blondie soundalike from the vocals of Terri Nunn. There are occasional stand out tracks — “Pink And Velvet” is a highlight for the words and sound — but not even guest guitarists Ted Nugent, Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Elliot Easton (The Cars), and Alan Murphy (Go West) among others can save the day. At best, there are parts of songs that are good. An example, is the style of “You Don’t Know,” but more than a wing and a prayer is needed here. -NEVIN TOPP.