Christian Steiffen

Gott of Schlager.

Sober and matter-of-fact, reflective as always, the "God of Schlager" - the title of his latest outpouring to date - invites us into the Amber Room of good music. Anthems such as "Ich hab die ganze Nacht von mir geträumt" and "Sexualverkehr" were just the prelude, now it's time to get down to business.

Even in his choice of album title, Christian Steiffen falls back on his perfectly staged and celebrated stylistic device of understatement, adding: "Words can't describe me and this album. The term 'God of Schlager' can only be an attempt, but will forever remain a crutch..." And he's right, of course.

And the very first track makes it clear that the holiday from rock'n'roll is over: "Hier ist Party" combines elements of classic disco music with modern chanting. Wie der Wind" is about freedom, digestion and transience, illuminated in a country song that escalates into psychedelic spheres. In "Schöne Menschen", the protagonist addresses the ugly face of beauty mania from the Brothers Grimm to the present day. The autobiographical piece "Ich breche in die Nacht" explores the contrasts of thirst and homesickness as well as nausea and society.

"Verliebt Verlobt Verheiratet Vertan" is self-explanatory and followed by classic themes of German-language chanson such as Schützenfest, seafaring, New Year's Eve, punk music and, of course, carnival. All performed in a wonderfully soft timbre that, as always, correlates perfectly with the harmonies and arrangements of his friend and co-producer Dr Martin Haseland (now with a new cape keyboard). These are great new melodies from a poet and entertainer who is constantly surpassing himself.

Christianisation is still a long way from reaching its peak, but the fact that Steiffen is getting bigger and bigger doesn't bother him: "I don't force anyone to come to my concerts - they all come voluntarily." And so he will be going on the road again with this album.