Reviewed by Bubblegum Dancer and posted on April 14, 2008

This is a review of an unreleased album by Blue Monster that was aimed to be released in 2002, but was cancelled due to financing issues. However, the songs were uploaded by Blue Monster himself early this year, and fans were given a very special opportunity to listen to the rare tracks. "Blue Monster Asia" is a fantastic album that should not go amiss to Bubblegum dance fans. Describing themselves as a mix between Aqua and Sesame Street (a description I think works very well), Blue Monster consists of a large Blue Monster, and Bikki Girl. Here is a track-by-track review of the album.

01. Motorcycle
Also known as "Take A Ride With Me", Motorcycle is the perfect bubblegum dance treat. You could compare this song with SMiLE.dk's "Circuit Girl" in that they both are about a speedy car race. This song is so catchy, you'll find yourself singing along to the chorus within one listen. Bikki Girl's vocals are perfect for bubblegum dance, and compare to that of Toy-Box's Anila. There is something almost ironic about the cute high-pitched vocals of Bikki next to the rough disgruntled voice of Blue Monster. But it works perfectly, and this song is not one to be missed!

02. Snow Monster
Probably the best known song of Blue Monster, this one is also probably the best, and I wonder why it wasn't track number one! Written with the notion that it would become a music video, this song is riddled with fantastic bubblegum hooks, hilarious lyrics, deliciously cute vocals, and top-notch production by Adam Edelmann. There is also a reference to the Muppets in this song, when Blue Monster starts singing "Ma na ma na" at the interlude. A truly perfect bubblegum dance song.

03. Umpapa
Inspired by the "ooga chucca" opening of the popular song "Hooked On A Feeling" (covered by Tiggy), Umpapa is a delightful song about, well, singing "um pa pa!" Although no the best song on the album, this one is anything but a filler, and you're sure to play it more than once!

04. Night At The Opera
Blue Monster moves away from the Traditional bubblegum style with this song, and focuses on a more trance-like tune. Keeping in mind that all of Blue Monster's songs were written to be music videos, the obvious inspiration for "Night At The Opera" is that it would be set in an opera house. The song is quite dramatic compared to the other Blue Monster tracks, and is very fast-paced throughout. Bikki's vocals really shine in this song.

05. Pata Pata
A remake of the popular pop-novelty song, Pata Pata was the only official release by Blue Monster. A music video was also made for this song, and can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNcJuOr8mXg A very cute remake, this is by far my favourite version of "Pata Pata".

06. Space Girl
"Space Girl", also known as "Space Monster", is about Blue Monster and Bikki's adventures in space. A typical silly bubblegum song, Space Girl is a very good song, and a highlight on this album. This song has the most vocals by Blue Monster too, as he actually sings lyrics of the chorus (I'm the king of the universe, fighting every crime), unlike the majority of the other songs in which he just laughs or growls.

07. Super Monster
A delicious Bubblegum dance song inspired by Super heroes of pop-culture. A very fun start with words that people will recognise: "Is it a bird, is it a plane?... Nooo, it's Super Monster!" The chorus seamlessly flows in a beautiful rhythm, matching the clear dance beats. Bikki Girl's vocals really stand out in this song, and there are plenty of "wooahs" and "oohs" - something that is very popular in Traditional bubblegum dance.

08. Walk Like An Elephant
This is an extremely cute song, and a definite highlight on the album. "Walk Like An Elephant" is probably the most random song of Blue Monster's songs, and many of the lyrics either do not make sense or are completely bizarre. The song is basically about Blue Monster being teased by kids at school for "walking like an elephant" so Bikki suggests that he steps on them. "Walk Like An Elephant" is a very cute, well-produced song with a very catchy tune that will get stuck in your head as soon as you hear it. The production is well thought out, and you can see that it would have made a fantastic music video.

09. Monster & Friends
"Monster & Friends" is another great song from the album Blue Monster. Once again, the song is riddled with catchy hooks, awesome vocals, and hilarious lyrics. "Monster & Friends" is another one of those songs you'll find yourself humming when you least expect it. The only bad thing about this song is the production around "2:15". The transition to the "bridge" of the song sounds quite awkward, and could have been done better. However, keeping in mind that this was never released, we can't assume that the version I have is the final version of the song. The song soon catches back onto its catchy chorus, and finishes with a bang.

10. Monster Oh Monster
Another awesome track on the album, "Monster Oh Monster" is probably Blue Monster's second best known song and is about Bikki running away from the scary "monster". There are some awesome hooks in this song, and the chorus is very memorable... "monster oh monster oh let me go..." There are some very typical bubblegum moments in this song, such as the silly lyrics ("and my makeup's everywhere!"), and the silly sound effects (such as a croaking frog). Overall, this is a very strong song.

11. Baywatch
A delicious treat for all fans of Bubblegum dance, "Baywatch" follows the formula of previous songs such as "Monster & Friends" and "Monster Oh Monster". The chorus is incredibly cute, and there are more great "ai ai ai"s (think SMiLE.dk!), and "doo bi doo bi doos". This is a refreshing bubblegum dance song, in a very traditional style.

12. Together Forever
The final track of the album is a very inspiring, entrancing like tune, with the echoy feel that was used in "Night At The Opera". The song is initially about Bikki confessing her love for Blue Monster, and how they will be "friends forever". A very nice song, "Together Forever" probably shows off the true vocal ability of Anna-Clara (Bikki).

13. Monster Oh Monster (Remix)
This is a more fast paced version of "Monster Oh Monster", and could even be called a Speedy Mix. There are lots of fun bouncing foleys riddled throughout this remix, which add to the fun. I love this remix. A great song to end the album on as the audience is left witha bubbling energy that just makes you want to play it from the start again!

Overall, "Blue Monster Asia" is an absolutely FANTASTIC bubblegum dance album. Blue Monster, inspired by the Cookie Monster, is a loveable furby creature who has a crush on the pretty, cute Bikki Girl. Their relationship can even be compared to the famous fairytale (and Disney animated feature) Beauty and the Beast! This album is probably THE BEST Traditional bubblegum dance album ever produced, and I think it's a very shame that it was never released officially. Hey producers, if you're reading this, please release it! :-D Every song is great, there are no "duds", and no ballads. The album in non-stop bouncing fun! I recommend it to all fans of Traditional bubblegum dance!

Your nutty Bubblegum fan,
Mitch