Welcome to Numan Heaven

Review Score: (10/10)
There's no doubt that 'Exile' is the sort of dark and oppressive theme-oriented product Numan's true fanbase has come to expect and I am only too happy to agree that it is what Numan does best. This effort is nothing short of genius and Numan deserves a medal for rising above the constant barrage of scorn that has been heaped upon him by various mediums over the years. But I absolutely disagree that Numan actually went away somewhere because of lack of inspiration, choosing instead to believe that he expanded his musical horizons and experimented with new directions. This saw the introduction of a more dance-inspired sound, a move that undoubtedly isolated some and just as easily welcomed others. And however disagreeable this new, more polished direction may have been for some, there is no disputing that Numan did it well. Viewed in this context, if we wish to point the finger and say that Numan made a mistake, then it was most certainly necessary!Grow, mature, re-define, re-invent - these are essential elements to survive for as long as Numan has in such a cruel and unforgiving industry. The problem with bombarding the American market with a previously unavailable back catalogue is that it will always be uselessly compared to what is happening now, instead of being appreciated in the context in which it was originally delivered! So, bask if you must in the genius of 'Exile', but remember that the pathways Numan took to get here are all still integral parts of the concept we have come to critically acclaim now.

More Reviews:

• Drowning in it
• Dark and heavy, this is gripping stuff!
• The Failure of "Exile"
• Quite Possibly The Biggest Sleeper Album Ever
• Darkest well written musical soundscape you'll hear today.
• Gary Numan's still alive and kicking!
• Good, but Sacrifice is better..
• An Excellent Work.
• promising....
• Don't let the light shine on me
• EXILE
• A step forward for Gloomin' Numan
• A Step Down, But Powerful
• One of the better albums I own
• THE BEST CD EVER!!!
• Continuing the proud tradition of being ahead of the curve
• Compelling, Disturbing, and Evocative.
• When the Machines Rock - part II
• Numan returns from "Exile"
• A return to greatness... (And to the spotlight?)
• Gary's best ever!
• Living proof that perfection can improve on itself.