Reviewed by Mitch Andrews and posted on December 1, 2011

A-Moe represents a different type of bubblegum dance music. Infact, many could say that they are a genre on their own. A-Moe's style is a mixture of sweet female vocals surrounded by thumping eurobeats and a bloodcurdling scream of a 'death-metal-like' male vocalist known as "Wolf." But don't let that put you off; A-Moe is one 'bubblegum' artist that you should not miss. Their songs range from a general screaming of "A Moe" (track #1) to songs about Rainbows (track #3), Moviestars (track #11) Little Red Riding Hood (track #8).

1. A Moe - As far as 'introductions' for albums go, this is undeniably appropriate for A-Moe's "Beauty and the Beast." As soon as the song begins we are thrown into a fast paced "anthem-like" groove in which Wolf is dramatically screaming out "A Moe numerous times." Although not the most memorable song on the album, this certainly beats the "intros" that are on a lot of bubblegum albums.

2. Bagpipe - At only 2:41, "Bagpipe" is the shortest song on the album. Obviously inspired by the bagpipes of Scotland, this song was a bigger hit for A-Moe in their home country Norway. Like the rest of A-Moe's songs, it is unique, and really sounds like something out of Scotland, with the addition of a a psycho black-guy wearing white face paint and screaming "doomedoobah."

3. Over The Rainbow - This track is a remake of the popular song from The Wizard of Oz by Judy Garland. A-Moe successfully makes it their own, by adding a funky dance beat and great vocals (as well as the Wolf's creepy 'rapping'). If you liked the original Over The Rainbow I have no doubt you'll love this more. Definitely a highlight of the album.

4. Shaboom - A well-produced song, A-Moe also provides an extended version of 'Shaboom' which I do think is better than the original, even if the difference isn't that big. Shaboom is a clever song that makes good use of different instruments and sounds.

5. Forever In My Mind - Most dance albums have a ballad, and A-Moe is no exception. While a lot of people don't like dance albums having ballads I don't agree. I think it's nice to have a "break" from all that fast music sometimes. "Forever In My Mind" is probably one of the best 'bubblegum ballads' I've heard (next to Aqua's) and is a definite highlight of the album. Natalie's vocals in this song are beautiful, and there's only the occasional grunt or echo from Wolf, which adds to the mystery of the song.

6. Mom Is Home - Being A-Moe's first big hit, "Mom Is Home" is probably the second best song on the album (after Little Red Riding Hood). The song opens with a relaxing chorus sung by Natalie. The Wolf then comes in and 'stirs things up' with his grisliness. I think "Mom Is Home" is inspired by the old tale "The Three Little Pigs", and if you've seen the music video (which is on Bubblegum Dancer) you will notice the similarities.

7. Touch Me - as the title infers, this is a song about the Wolf wanting to touch Natalie. Obvious sexual inferences leave much to be desired, but this song is very enjoyable. Good use of vocals and well produced, this song should not be skipped.

8. Little Red Riding Hood - This is A-Moe's second big hit, and is quite obviously an inspiration from the fairytale "Little Red Riding Hood." Catchy rhythms, great producing, and nice singing makes this the best song on the album. Like the fairytale, the song is about Little Red searching for granny and finding Wold disguised as her in her bed. Wolf tells Little Red "don't be scared" and to come closer so he can "eat her up."

9. A Moe Live - I really love the sound effects of the crowd in this song, and A-Moe really catches the atmosphere of what they would sound like live on stage. You can almost see them dancing, and the detail that they go to in creating this song is exceptional (did anyone notice the girl giggle at the beginning when Wolf growled?).

10. Beauty and the Beast - The title track of the album, "Beauty and the Beast" is OK, but nothing overly special. I think A-Moe chose to include this song as it acts as an overall theme for the album (with Natalie being 'Beauty' and Wolf being the 'Beast').

11. Moviestar - The last track of the album, 'Moviestar' is another less memorable track of the album. Though it is not initially a bad song, it just doesn't stand out as much as some of the other tracks.

Overall, A-Moe's "Beauty and the Beast" is not the bubbliest bubblegum I have ever heard. However, it is still bubblegum - just a different flavour; and the flavour of A-Moe is no doubt addictive.

The best tracks on this album are "Little Red Riding Hood", "Mom Is Home", "Over The Rainbow", and the lovely ballad "Forever In My Mind."