Remember when the Scorpions, one-time purveyors of '80s heavy party metal, got all serious way back when with "Winds of Change?" Well, Klaus and the boys are back at it. After their pretty good return to form with the feel-good, lighthearted Unbreakable, they’ve gone and got all serious on us again.
'Humanity Hour 1' is a darker, and at times heavier, album than at times in the recent past. The problem is that they forgot to bring the hooks. "Hour 1" punches you in the face with a wall of drums and heavy guitar to start the album. It’s their heaviest song since "Alien Nation," but unlike that underrated gem, there’s no great melody or other enticing section to keep the listener interested. It’s not a bad song, it’s just not that good either. The same goes for "The Game of Life," "You’re Lovin’ Me to Death," and "We Will Rise Again" -- all fairly heavy, but without really memorable moments. They are catchy in places, because much of the album was co-written by Desmond Child. But in too many cases the tracks just seem to be missing a few key ingredients. In the true spirit of a Child co-penned number, "321" probably comes closest to being an infectious standout.
A glut of poppy/ballady songs and a lack of tempo variety combine with the lack of catchiness to make the album a ho-hum affair. Your eyes will start to get heavy and your head will bob... until "The Cross". Finally something that is heavy, catchy, and has a nice tempo (at least during the choruses and at the end). It took them almost the whole album, but finally something that I’d actually listen to again. Interestingly enough, the song also features Billy Corgan as a special guest. They then close 'Humanity Hour 1' with a song called "Humanity" containing an intro that reminds of the opening to "Still Loving You". With a heavy and catchy chorus, this is another good song and it ends the album on a relative high.
This isn’t a bad album, and at times (the end) it’s pretty good. I applaud the guys for getting heavier than in the past, and if all you want is a little melodic-rock heaviness, you’ll definitely be pleased. If you’re looking for something more groundbreaking, though, you’ll likely be disappointed.

TRACK LIST:
1. Hour 1
2. The Game of Life
3. We Were Born to Fly
4. The Future Never Dies
5. You’re Lovin’ Me to Death
6. 321
7. Love Will Keep Us Alive
8. We Will Rise Again
9. Your Last Song
10. Love is War
11. The Cross
12. Humanity

Review by Jon Paine