Alright, let’s dive into Active by The Radio. This album might’ve dropped way back in 1983, but man, it still packs a punch like a well-aimed kick to the feels. Hailing from Germany and slotted under Alternative Rock and Pop Rock, this record is one of those hidden gems that doesn’t scream for attention but kinda sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
First off, can we talk about Jennifer Kowallik? She’s basically running the show here—handling vocals, bass, design, writing credits (with Winfried Kowallik), AND producing. That’s some serious multitasking wizardry right there. And yeah, she even lent her talents to penning most of the tracks. Hats off to Jurgen Blomke on drums too—he keeps things tight without stealing the spotlight. You feel his groove more than you hear it, ya know?
Now onto the tracks. "Let’s Make Love" sticks out big time—not just because it shows up twice on the tracklist (oops or genius move? Still debating). It’s got this raw energy that blends catchy hooks with an almost anthemic vibe. Like, you could totally imagine hearing it at some smoky club where everyone’s swaying with their lighters held high. The lyrics are simple enough, but they hit different, especially if you're vibing with someone special while listening. Feels real, not forced.
Then there’s “I Had A Dream.” Man, this one gets me every time. Not gonna lie—it starts slow, almost sleepy, but once Jennifer’s voice kicks in, it’s like being pulled into her little world. There’s something haunting yet hopeful about how she sings over Winfried’s guitar riffs. By the end, I’m always left wondering what exactly her dream was… maybe aliens? Who knows. But damn, does it stay stuck in your head.
The whole thing has this DIY charm to it, probably thanks to the band doing so much themselves. Even the cover art screams early ‘80s indie vibes—simple, bold, and unapologetically lo-fi. Props to Jennifer again for pulling double duty as designer.
What really makes Active stand out though is its balance between polished pop sensibilities and gritty rock edges. Sure, it’s no chart-topper, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s the kind of album you stumble across in a dusty record store bin and think, “Wow, why haven’t I heard this before?”
Here’s the kicker: despite coming out nearly four decades ago, it still sounds fresh. Maybe it’s because we’re all secretly craving music that feels authentic instead of manufactured. Or maybe it’s just proof that good tunes never really go out of style. Either way, give Active a spin—you won’t regret it. Unless you hate fun. Then yeah, skip it.
