Description
Seasons of Love is the third album by the American alternative rock band Mad at the World, released on Alarma Records in 1990, a division of Frontline Music Group. The album was produced, arranged, and engineered by band member Roger Rose at MATW Studios in Irvine, California.
In order to have a sound more amiable for live performances, the band’s musical style shifted away from synthpop toward hard rock. Seasons of Love is the first release to feature Brent Gordon on guitar and was the band’s highest charting album on the CCM charts.
Wait a second… since this cassette isn’t labeled, I suppose it’s possible that it’s not really Mad At The World, those SoCal boys with the Depeche Mode fixation. ‘Season of Love’ features keyboards only on a few tracks, mostly in a very minor capacity, and no sequencing or drum programming! A grinding, aggressive, hard rock sound has replaced the Joy Division/Depeche Mode approach of ‘MATW‘ and ‘Flowers in the Rain‘. The guitar, which took a more prominent role on ‘Flowers’ comes to the forefront on ‘Seasons of Love’. Randy Rose has moved behind a drum kit, longtime member Mike Pendleton lays down solid bass parts and newest member Brent Gordon offers several creative contributions on lead guitar. Roger Rose, whose lead vocal parts were occasionally whiny and constricted on previous albums, has adopted a more full-throated approach. Closest comparisons to MATW’s current sound might be The Cult or Billy Idol.
Roses’ writing has also continued to grow and mature. «City of Anger» offers some particularly poetic moments, with lines like “City of anger inside of your soul/ It’s like suicide when you don’t let your pain go.” «Summer’s Gone» tells the tale of a broken romance, as Rose laments “… I would laugh at you when you cried/ Now I can see it clear/ The pain in each precious tear.” «Promised Land (The Deception of Drugs)» offers a condemnation of chemical abuse, while «It’s not a Joke» reflects Rose’s feelings about suicide, another problem plaguing the band’s young audience. The album closer, «The Love That Never Fades» expresses the dichotomy facing many Christians – “I live between the love and bitterness/ My will is fighting against itself.”
Although it’s been a long time coming, Mad at the World has returned with its best effort yet, a solid and artistic look at the good and not so good aspects of the life in the ’90s, addressing issues relevant in and out of the church, seldom discussed on Christian music recordings. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, October 1990]
Retroactive Records Promo, 2024
Artists evolve, and with that evolution comes the opportunity to explore new creative paths. Mad At The World did just that with their 1990 release, “Seasons of Love,” shifting from their late 80s techno roots to embrace a bold hard rock sound. Now, for the first time ever, Retroactive Records proudly presents this landmark album on vinyl, pressed on stunning Tropic Glow-colored vinyl and limited to just 200 units.
“Seasons of Love” marked a transformative moment for the band, surprising fans who expected the familiar dance-alternative sound. Instead, they were met with a powerful hard rock album that showcased Mad At The World’s musical depth. The album kicks off with «The Narrow Road», a track with echoes of The Cult, exploring the journey of self-discovery and realignment. The title track brings a beautiful acoustic melody with a Spanish flair, a nod to their alternative roots.
Standout tracks like the fierce «City of Anger», the balanced «When the Wind Blows», and «Marshmallow Land», with Randy Rose’s commanding vocals, highlight the band’s new direction. «Summer’s Gone» delivers poignant reflection, while «So Insane» tackles the harsh realities of drug abuse with raw intensity. The album concludes with a reprise of «Seasons of Love», a dynamic reimagining that hints at the band’s future evolution.
This reissue includes a 12×12 full-color lyrics insert, offering fans an immersive experience. “Seasons of Love” defies simple genre classification, blending hard rock, alternative, and a touch of their techno origins. This limited-edition vinyl will captivate old fans and draw new ones, appealing to lovers of The Cult, Danzig, The Cure, and alternative rock.
Don’t miss your chance to own this piece of music history. With only 200 copies available, this Tropic Glow vinyl edition of “Seasons of Love” is a must-have for collectors and fans alike. Secure your copy and rediscover the magic of Mad At The World’s iconic album.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/seasons-of-love/388541944)
CD tracklist:
01. The Narrow Road – 3:39
02. Seasons Of Love – 4:51
03. City Of Anger – 5:34
04. When The Wind Blows – 5:38
05. Marshmallow Land – 2:58
06. Summer’s Gone – 3:06
07. Promised Land (The Deception Of Drugs) – 5:24
08. So Insane – 3:22
09. It’s Not A Joke – 3:27
10. The Love That Never Fades – 4:05
11. Seasons Of Love (Reprise) – 5:04
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Alarma Records. Seasons of Love and Mad at the World’s self-titled album were later re-issued on one CD as a part of KMG’s Classic Archives Music Value Pak series. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued by Retroactive Records in 2024 (through Limited Run Vinyl/Limited Run Music) on both CD and 12-inch vinyl LP pressed on Yellow (Tropic Glow) Vinyl, as a part of the label’s Legends Remastered Series.
Seasons of Love, Remastered and pressed on Tropic Glow Vinyl, Retroactive Records 2024.
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