After their last album,
Black Roses (2008),
the Rasmus took a four-year break before heading back to the studio to record this self-titled follow-up. Produced by
Martin Hansen, The Rasmus (the album) puts more emphasis on the pop elements of their music and adds more electronics, as evidenced by the leadoff single, "I'm a Mess." While there are several ballads ("Save Me Once Again," "Somewhere," and "Sky"), the album includes a number of rockier tracks as well ("You Don't See Me," "Someone's Gonna Light You Up," and "Friends Don't Do Like That"). The Rasmus entered the German album charts at number 26. ~ Christian Genzel