Every now and then I like to have some easy listening; nothing elaborate or involved, just plain, sincere, rocking music without too many twists or mind-boggling progression that has an uplifting air to it. It's that kind of all-weather music you can listen to while working out, when you're back home after a long day's work, or when you just want to chill out with a beer in your hand and free your minds from the worries of everyday life. Well, one such band that delivers just that is the Swiss, CRYSTAL BALL.

Having released its previous album, "Liferider", in 2015, the band returns with its ninth full-length, "Déjà-Voodoo." The band travels the main avenue with its straightforward musical approach without deviation in what seems to be a very comfortable spot. Those who are already familiar with it know that there is not too much to ask for from the band in terms of evolution or moving out of its comfort zone and grazing in new pastures. Although it brings nothing new, the band continues to exhibit quality in what it does best without sounding too repetitive. In fact, it sounds as fresh as ever and is far from being tiring or burdensome.

This is a very solid release and it rocks from start to finish. The production is top-notch and the sound is HUGE; it pervades the entire space and makes me feel I'm right there in the studio with the band. In what has already became a habit, the band hosts Stefan Kaufmann (ex-ACCEPT, ex-U.D.O.) on guitar and backing vocals on some of the songs. Kaufmann was also in charge of producing, mixing, and mastering, just like on most of the band's albums since 2003. The powerful vocals are delivered with much passion and conviction, which is a key factor in the appeal of this album. Anyone looking for shredding solos won't find them here; the solos, if any, are rather incidental and are usually very simple, short and quite slow. Simple yet powerful bass lines and heavy drumming drive the CRYSTAL BALL machine.

The album starts with the title track, "Déjà-Voodoo," a nice warm-up for things to come. "Director's Cut" is a solid mid-tempo rocker and my favorite track on this album. Again, the band manages to get you hooked without playing tricks - it's just as direct and honest as it can get. The songs are extremely catchy and I have found myself singing along with the choruses already in my first listening. The lyrics mainly deal with all kind of life situations, love, and relationships. This album gives me a feeling of yearning, a desire to go back to the places I feel most secure in and the people I feel most comfortable with; it's all about familiarity. Just as this feeling sets in, there comes the reassuring, "Home Again", at track 6 to confirm that your feelings were not for nothing. Next in line is the epic, "To Freedom and Progress", a typically themed power metal hymn calling for victory by the power of the steel.

The limited digipak edition of this album features two bonus tracks at number 10 and 11, "Full Disclosure" and "Fools' Parade." By the sound of these two, I wonder why they are featured only as bonus tracks on a limited edition and not included in the original track list anyway. They totally fit in, both musically and thematically. "Dr. Hell No" has somewhat MANOWAR-ish attitude, both in riffage and vocal delivery, without sounding forced or unnatural. That's the beauty about CRYSTAL BALL; although the challenge they take isn't too great, their effortless endeavors are well transmitted to you, the listener, which makes you feel easy. So here it is - an enjoyable album that can serve as the soundtrack for any occasion and bring up a smile on your face.<