Welcome to part four of sixteen of my increasingly erratic, but no less enthusiastic, track-by-track review series of every Harem Scarem studio album. Today, we're digging into the band's latest slab of polished melodic rock goodness, Chasing Euphoria.
At this point in their career, Harem Scarem has nothing left to prove. They've released more bangers than most arena rock bands could dream of, and somehow, they keep finding new angles on a formula that's already about as refined as it gets.
Also worth noting: there's a complete absence of the Rascal Flatts-esque streaks of country-pop influence that have crept into some of their more recent efforts (United, I'm looking at you). This is pure melodic rock without any unwelcome twang.
With that said, let’s dig into these tracks.
The slow build on the intro works perfectly, leading straight into a chorus that’s catchy without feeling forced. It’s a confident opener built on classic Harem Scarem melody and sharp songwriting. Pete’s solo is lyrical and tasteful, expanding naturally on the vocal hook. It's no 'Saviors Never Cry', but it sets the album up well. 8/10
This one took me a few spins to warm up to, but it’s really grown on me. There's a steady pulse and restrained intensity to the verses that gives way to a surprisingly uplifting chorus. Pete’s solo sneaks up on you in that way he does, where you don’t realize how cool it was until you’re already humming it 20 minutes later. 7.5/10
One of the album highlights. 'Slow Burn' hits that sweet spot where Harem Scarem channels classic Foreigner. The song’s got that warm, classic FM rock feel, somewhere between Foreigner 4 and Escape-era Journey. The chorus soars without feeling overdone, and Pete's solo stays tuned into the emotion of the song. It's a good driving song that makes me want to put the top down on my convertible and race around Indianapolis, except I drive a Subaru Crosstrek. 8.5/10
This song is both super cheesy and completely undeniable. I should hate the funk and wah-wah in the lead-up to the first verse...and maybe I kind of do. But Darren Smith just kills it vocally, and the chorus is through-the-roof amazing. I'm sure Pete's solo is fine, but it's not something I ever notice when listening to this song. Darren steals the show completely. 8.5/10
A solid ballad that showcases Harry's more vulnerable side... but if you know 'Caught Up In Your World', the melodies here are going to sound very familiar. It's not a straight copy, but it's close enough to be distracting if you have a good memory for these things. Still, Harry's vocal performance is genuinely affecting. 7.5/10
The opening riff reminds me a bit of something Arjen Anthony Lucassen would write. Star One's 'Cassandra Complex' is a good reference point. How awesome would it be to hear Harry sing on a Star One or Ayreon song? Make it happen, internet. I like Harry's cadence in the chorus here; it's got a little Michael McDonald energy to it. This isn't going to win any innovation awards, but it grows on you.
7/10
This one's... fine. The chorus is catchy, but in a way that feels strangely familiar—like Taylor Swift familiar. I can't put my finger on which artist or song it reminds me of, but every time I hear "we'll be forever and ever," I picture stadium crowds with glowsticks. The arrangement is solid, and Pete's solo brings some emotional weight to the proceedings. The chorus is a bit of a dealbreaker for me, but I suspect that’s a me thing. 6/10
Now we're talking. Just another late-album banger that proves Harem Scarem knows exactly where to hide a deep-cut gem. The pace is great, the riff is awesome, and Harry's middle name is Urgency. Pete’s solo is fantastic and feels like a release valve for all the tension built up in the previous tracks. Another great driving tune and easily a top-three track. 8.5/10
This is a bit of a sleeper hit on the album. Feels like Harem Scarem by numbers on first pass, but the chorus creeps up on you. And I happen to like Harem Scarem's numbers, so I'm not mad. 8/10
The album closer, and there’s nothing really wrong with it. It's got a fun energy to it. It's a fine, if somewhat unremarkable track that ends the album on a feel-good note. But if I'm keeping it 100% real, I'd have rather heard Harem Scarem cover the Maiden track. 7.5/10
Chasing Euphoria isn't a dramatic reinvention, but it's not a tired retread either. It's just another solid Harem Scarem record—and sixteen albums in, that's pretty remarkable.
