Reviews

{$Ace of Base}'s sequel to their multi-platinum debut {^The Sign} sounds like the same record on the surface. There are the same bouncy {\Europop} beats, ingratiatingly catchy melodies, and shiny production. However, underneath that gloss is an improved sense of songwriting. {$Ace of Base} still might not be innovators, but they don't need to be. Instead, they turn out tightly constructed {\pop} songs that are better written than they appear -- songs like the hit {&"Beautiful Life"} would sound good in different arrangements or if they were performed acoustically. And the songs on {^The Bridge} are, overall, better than the ones on {^The Sign}. {$Ace of Base} might not be able to replicate the phenomenal success of their debut, but they have managed to deliver an album that is just as satisfying. [The Japanese import version includes a {$Vission-Lorimer} club mix of {&"Beautiful Life"} and an {$Armand Van Helden} {\house} mix of {&"Lucky Love."}] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide