The Scorpions – Eye II Eye (1999)
I am convinced that in 1998, the Scorpions and producer Peter Wolf were abducted by Aliens and transported to the Planet Suck. From the Planet Suck, the band brought back with them the CD, Eye II Eye. OK, maybe that is not really what happened, and maybe that is a little extreme but I would have never expected a Scorpions CD to be this disappointing. I didn’t pick this up when it was released in 1999, and only found a reasonably priced copy recently. I didn’t read any of the reviews for it, as I knew I would pick it up eventually. Needless to say, I was very let down after hearing Eye II Eye. I totally get it when bands try to do something different, but this disc is just bad. I couldn’t find much music that resembled the band I have loved for many years.
“Mysterious” has a funky rhythm that seems better suited for a pop song. There are parts that resemble the Scorpions of old, but over all it just doesn’t work. I just can’t get into this song. “To Be No. 1” sounds like a regurgitated Prince song. I don’t get why The Scorpions were trying to down the pop road, but I can’t stand this song. (Decide for yourself in the video below.) Luckily, there aren’t too many songs like this, but it doesn’t get much better. “Freshly Squeezed” also falls into this weird pop rock sound.
Eye II Eye is plagued by far too many slow songs. “Obsession”, “10 Light Years Away”, “What You Give You Get Back”, “Skywriter” and “A Moment in a Million Years” if listened in succession might just lull you into a coma. In the Scorpions defense, “What You Give You Get Back”, and “A Moment in a Million Years” aren’t bad songs, but they needed some heavy rockers to break them up.
“Mind Like A Tree” is one of the semi-heavier songs on the album, and I like this one somewhat. “Yellow Butterfly” has some heavy moments and is an ok tune. I have to admit that “Priscilla” is kind of catchy. It is an upbeat rock tune that avoids that pop rock stuff. It is definitely one of the more listenable songs on Eye II Eye. Overall, I am thankful that the Scorpions returned to their classic sound with their follow up effort Unbreakable. Eye II Eye was a complete let down for me. This CD is only for Scorpions die-hards and those looking to complete their collections from the band.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Mysterious
2. To Be No. 1
3. Obsession
4. 10 Light Years Away
5. Mind Like a Tree
6. Eye to Eye
7. What You Give You Get Back
8. Skywriter
9. Yellow Butterfly
10. Freshly Squeezed
11. Priscilla
12. Du bist so schmutzig
13. Aleyah
14. A Moment in a Million Years
The Scorpions are:
Klaus Meine – Lead vocals
Rudolf Schenker – Rhythm guitars, Backing vocals
Matthias Jabs – Lead guitars, Backing vocals
James Kottak – Drums, Percussion, Backing vocals
Ralph Rieckermann – Bass, Backing vocals
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I have to disagree with the review. While it is no doubt a departure from the classic Scorpions sound (which technically they haven’t had since Blackout), it’s interesting to listen to. If nothing more than for ‘To Be No. 1′. Definitely different, but Klaus Meine freaking nails several parts. Also, the talkbox solo is creative and definitely Scorpions.
Just sayin’. Sure, it’s not Animal Magnetism, but it -is- the Scorpions. They get a free pass in my book. And ‘To Be No. 1’ is worth the price of admission (not to mention the production on that song is top-notch and will rumble your car’s subs…..)
This is one of those type of releases that you either love or hate. I am definitely not on the love side of the fence with this one. Their stuff before and after this was much better in my opinion.