Alright, let’s dive into Ein Kuss by Merlin—a proper slice of 90s Austrian pop with a big ol’ dollop of Schlager vibes. Released back in ’94 under Koch International, this album might not have set the world on fire, but it’s got that quirky charm you can’t help but appreciate. It’s like finding an old mixtape in your attic and realizing, “Wow, this is kinda cool.”
First off, the title track, Ein Kuss. Man, this one sticks with you. It’s got that sugary-sweet melody that feels tailor-made for summer drives or awkward slow dances at weddings. The lyrics are cheesy as heck—like, full-on “roses are red” territory—but Merlin sells it so well you almost don’t care. You know those songs where you’re just vibing, humming along, and then suddenly realize you’ve been singing about kissing someone under starlight? Yeah, that’s Ein Kuss. Props to Hayo Well (the producer) for keeping things tight; he didn’t overcomplicate it, which works wonders here.
Then there’s Scherben, and wow, does this one hit different. If Ein Kuss is all sunshine and daydreams, Scherben brings the drama. The arrangement by M. Ulmer has these brooding strings that feel straight out of a soap opera montage—and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s dramatic without being too over-the-top, if that makes sense. Plus, the chorus? Super catchy. Like, you’ll be muttering “Scherben…” to yourself hours later while washing dishes or something. Weird how it sneaks up on ya.
The whole package feels very… Austrian? Is that a thing? Maybe it’s just me, but there’s something distinctly European about the vibe—clean production, polished performances, and enough flair to keep it interesting. The cover art (shoutout to A. Hoffmann and KOCH Grafik Studio) looks like it was ripped straight from a vintage postcard, which honestly fits perfectly. And hey, gotta give credit to Esser & Strauss for some solid photography—it adds to the nostalgic factor.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Ein Kuss now feels like stepping into a time capsule. Not because it’s dated, exactly, but because it captures this weird little moment when Schlager was still trying to figure out its place in the modern music scene. It’s not groundbreaking, sure, but it’s fun. Sometimes fun is all you need.
Final thought? This album reminds me why people fall in love with music—they don’t always do it because it’s perfect. Sometimes it’s because it’s memorable, even with its flaws. So yeah, props to Merlin for making something that, nearly 30 years later, still makes me smile. Oh, and random note: I bet nobody involved ever thought we’d be talking about this record in 2023. Life’s funny like that.
