The late Marie Fredriksson who passed away recently gave us some unforgettable music and this review is tribute to the artist that she was.

‘Travelling’, a follow-up to 2011’s fairly successful ‘Charm School’ and is a close sequel to their 1992 album, ‘Tourism’ in terms of music content. You have 15 tracks, which includes 2 live songs, 1 sound check. Barely over a year since the last album, didn’t the band wait too long before recording a new album, mostly recorded and written during their 2011 tour, recording in hotel rooms, studios, at soundchecks and in concerts. The album also contains several new studio recordings and songs from the past that have been re-recorded. It’s a welcome comeback, more so when vocalist Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002. It seems that Roxette is on the road to making music again.

'Travellling' is the duo’s ninth album and they hit it off with It's Possible the album's leadoff single, which is included in two versions (both are great): one with rock guitars, synths, and vocal effects, and the other with acoustic guitar and heavy drums. Me & You & Terry & Julie the opener has a memorable chorus, while Lover, Lover, Lover sets the tone for gaining momentum to the album. Cue on the upbeat and catchy Touched by the Hand of God presents classic Roxette style, the band giving off their best with good use of guitars. The song was originally meant to appear on ‘Charm School’, so no one knows why such a brilliant song was left untouched..

Touching lyrics come in Touched by the Hand of God a kind of thank you from Fredriksson to God for curing her brain tumor years ago. She sings “How on earth could it be?, I’m touched by the hand of God, Really hard to believe, Hey, I’m touched by the hand of God, She’s got a mind set on me, Yeah, I’m blessed with the power of love, The power of love, yeah.” It Must Have Been Love (recorded in Rotterdam in 2009) is intense and goes to show why Roxette still need to be classed as one of the finest bands going around even thirty years later.

A mix of some new material, old unreleased pearls that have finally seen the light of day, is what makes up the band’s new album. ‘Travelling’ is enjoyable and well worth a listen. Includes Lyrics.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira