This review covers the house track The KLF – 3 a.m. Eternal (Live at the S.S.L.) (edit).
This track was released in 1991 as part of a single.
The track starts with a radio announcer and a machine gun sound. It is backed by cheering. Female vocals come in followed by a synth melody. This is quickly followed up with hip hop vocals along with some backup vocals that flip between male and female.
After a female vocal, the rap vocals come in. This is followed up with the female vocals. These vocals are largely non-lyrical, but some vocals are embedded in it.
The track then goes into the main chorus with some subtle brass and a few other minor differences. After this, the track goes into the next verse. This, like last time, is followed up by the female vocals. Interestingly, an additional synth melody comes in to back. The track then breaks down and all there is are the female vocals, the cheering, and the main synth.
After this, the track goes into the main chorus again. The track then goes into one last round of the rap vocals and ends with the female vocals. This track adds a bit of extra cheering along with an Elvis style ending.
One thing I really like about this is the complexity throughout the track. There are so many elements to mention in short periods of time. Each element adds a nice sound to the track and contributes to an overall great listening experience.
Of course, with such complexity, it’s hard to make something like this cohesive and flow well. In this case, this track nails both with the rap elements tying the track together nicely. The way the track pulls back in some parts and pushes the envelope when it needs to is nicely done.
I also really like the female vocals. They give this track a very well done dynamic. They give the track a nice dreamy sound at times which fits well with the title.
The synth melody works well here. It just adds that nice subtle touch to really take this track over the top. The guitars also work nicely here.
My only nit-pick about this track is that some of the lyrics do fall a little into the category of cliche. Luckily, there isn’t much of it, but it does exist.
Still, in spite of the subtle cliche lyrics, this track is a great one. It has a great dreamy sound with the guitars and female vocals. The other elements such as the synth melody and the overall flow works nicely. Even the rap elements works nicely overall. So, an overall great track.
Score
8/10
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85 and Google+.
