The third album by Mr. Binner from Berlin has now seen the light of day. Following his acclaimed debut "Männermusik" and the subsequent "Dasein ist kein Mannschaftssport," the new album "Realismus" is now out. As before, the record is completely free to download from his homepage or his MySpace page.
So, how is the third album?
While "Männermusik" was partly provocative, partly melancholic, and sometimes funny, the second album was already very melancholic and personal. When listening to the first two albums, this one seems hardly melancholic at all. It is much more accessible and mature. Here sings a 34-year-old man from Berlin who has gathered a lot of life experience over the past years, has pulled himself out of his melancholy, and is starting to enjoy life. He has moved on from his ex, which he clearly states in the song "Silvia": "...I'm doing better than a year ago, when Ingo's girlfriend was still mine. Silvia, I'm doing just fine without you," suggesting that he has moved on has brought a positive mood to his lyrics. However, he remains firmly grounded as he sings, "I really have no choice but to be realistic." Here, realism resonates, but of course also the life experience one has. After 34 years, most people have a certain place in society and know what is possible and what is not. Mr. Binner knows that.
The lyrics, which are more digestible, sometimes lack personal depth. This might actually be a good thing, as not everyone has appreciated the often very melancholic lyrics of Mr. Binner so far. These people will surely find this album more accessible. Songs like "Brandenburg," "Kein Ohne," or "Nur Mormonen kommen in den Himmel" still have wordplay and charm. With this album, Mr. Binner ventures into realms he hasn't explored so intensely before. This openness will surely attract even more fans and also clubs & bars where he can perform. There, one can experience a lot, which Mr. Binner sings about with his own charm in "Heute schlepp ich dich ab." He seems to have a lot of groupies, girls, women, and female fans, as well as many experiences already.
In conclusion, one can say that "Realismus" still has a lot of what defines Mr. Binner: melancholy, realism, life experience, and humor, but this album also has more. One might need to listen closely as a connoisseur, but this album is definitely not bad. Quite the opposite!
