Groove Armada - Vertigo

While the tempos on Groove Armada's Vertigo vary from Fatboy Slim-ish party rockers to Air-like downtempo ambient grooves, the songs themselves are downright simple, sample-laden, and sugary sweet. And though those adjectives would be fightin' words in many contemporary dance subgenres, it is not meant as anything other than praise here. The sophomore full-length by London duo Tom Findlay and Andy Cato is unabashedly pleasurable--this is straightforward, hook-heavy stuff, aimed perfectly for the airwaves. Entire six-minute songs are crafted from just a few samples. This approach may strike some as lazy, but the music is invitingly melodic, modern dance-pop, and you'll want to hear the songs over and over, especially the uptempo "I See You Baby" and the mellow "At the River." --Mike McGonigal Amazon.com

a good listen, typical Groove Armada style

You either like or don't like Groove Armada and they are a good listen with some really good tracks, however many listeners who are not used to progressive house and such will find it repetitive and drole. I find this a good rhythmic album and has some nice nuances that are typical of Groove Armada. May 8, 2008

Though not many, there are some great grooves here

"Vertigo" has its share of high moments, but it also has some pretty terrible songs (mainly just the hit single "I See You Baby". It gets annoying after a while, and compared to the rest of the album it's pretty subpar. "If Everybody Looked The Same" would've been a better single). It also has some noticable filler, unfortunately. Despite this, there are definitely very good groovy tunes on this album that make it a satisfying purchase. "Whatever, Whenever" and "Serve Chilled", for example, are excellent tracks. Some songs tend to settle for some cheesy lyrics or instrumentation, but the ones that try hard to be good definitely hit their target. Overall an uneven album, but I still think it's a worthy purchase. Overrated maybe, but still slightly recommended.

Highlights include:
"Chicago"
"Whatever, Whenever"
"Dusk, You & Me"
"Serve Chilled"
"If Everybody Looked The Same"
"A Private Interlude" (to an extent)
"I See You Baby" (even though it gets old after a while)
"At The River" (parts of it) January 1, 2006

I am biased, I admit it...

...I love everything this band puts out, but this truly is their seminal work. A heady and intoxicicating mix of ambient chill and thumping, infectious club tracks. Grove armada have a knack for making tracks people recognise and yet don't recall the name of, this adds a certian cache which gives the tracks mass appeal and longevity. Treat your ears, they'll love you for it! March 10, 2005

Serve chilled

I'm not exactly a big fan of Groove Armada. I do enjoy their second album but in general, they are one of those artists/bands that I just can't get into despite all the accolades they receive from critics and fans alike. I thought I would put in "Vertigo" tonight because I haven't listened to it in many, many moons. I still don't like "I See You Baby" which is one of the most annoying dance songs I have ever heard (right up there with any song by Fatboy Slim). I guess if I was to sum up a description of Groove Armada's music it's that they are a hybrid of house and ambient music. The cd kicks off with the killer deep throbbing dance beats of "Chicago". That song I definitely enjoyed. "Whatever, Whenever" crosses over into hip hop with vocals provided by M.A.D. It is the ideal track for any chill out compilation. I love the moodiness of "At the River" which can be found on a lot of chill out compilations nowadays. I loved the horn section used on "Dusk You & Me". The song definitely has a jazz influence to it and just like "At the River", a perfect song to chill out to. I definitely prefer the more mellow songs on the cd although I do think "Chicago" is a killer song. I can live without hearing "I See You Baby" ever again. "Vertigo" is by no means a terrible album. A lot of the songs are excellent however I am more inclined to side with the reviewers who thinks that Groove Armada (and/or this album in particular) is overrated. December 23, 2003

Wow! How many superlatives can I come up with?

Let's see "groove" To take great pleasure or satisfaction; enjoy oneself: just sitting around, grooving on the music.
To be affected with pleasurable excitement.
To react or interact harmoniously.
"armada" A large group of moving things

Definations of two words that pretty well sum up my feelings about this album!

I have to thank Claudia Black and Gigi Edgley of Farscape fame from Australia because without each of them naming "Groove Armada" their favorite group I would have never found this pure JOY! Especially track number 11 "Your Song" which upon increasing the volumn illicits uncontrollable movements out of my body, I can only think of the words "raw groove" to describe this song. None of the 13 songs need skipping because each and every one illicit a different feeling. I cleaned an entire basement one day grooving to this CD!

What can I say, this is my favorite CD at the moment and I will find it hard to replace! September 27, 2003

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