Sasha Alexander

Known in Europe only as Sasha, the 28-year-old singer-songwriter from western Germany has a string of European Music awards and nominations under his belt. Among them, the Echo 2000 award, a German equivalent to the Grammy. Sasha was also nominated in 1999 as best international male artist on the MTV Europe awards. Can he cut it here in the United States? \nUnfortunately, knowing the current fixation we seem to have with boy bands and the like, the answer will probably be "yes." \nThe first track, "If You Believe," starts out with synthesizers and a heavy, deep beat moving the song along until Sasha starts in with vocals. Aside from being lame in content, his voice isn't anything to shout about on this pop song.\n"Another Minute" starts out promisingly. Even the vocals start out decently, but when it comes to the repetitive chorus, the song loses its spark. "Don't Say Good-bye" is yet another song where Sasha attempts to show his range but winds up showing how he shouldn't be singing at all. The chorus to "Let Me Have You Girl" is almost the same as Inoj's "Let Me Love You Down" but with altered lyrics. "Let Me Be The One" is a decent pop song, similar to Phil Collins with less talent and heavy synthesizers.\n"Reach Inside" has a message: How can we reach inside our hearts? While a noble attempt at creating a meaningful song, it fails to impress, with Sasha's strained voice backed by a weak string orchestra.\nRounding out Sasha Alexander's disappointing U.S. debut, "Don't You Forget Me," "Something Stupid," "Love is All Around" and "Owner of My Heart" speak of love and relationships. How cliche. "Chemical Reaction" has Sasha trying to pull a Bob Marley-like sound with a tropical feel. Care to take a guess how it turned out?\nThis album is merely an attempt for a European pop star to gather a U.S. audience. For those of you who choose to purchase the album, listen for a bonus track, an unimpressive remix of "Let Me Be The One"