Religion (Niagara album)

Religion is the fourth studio album by the French band Niagara, released in 1990. It marked a significant departure from their earlier, more synth-pop oriented sound, embracing a heavier, more rock-influenced style. The album explores themes of spirituality, societal disillusionment, and personal reflection, often through metaphorical and poetic lyrics.

Religion was met with mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised the band's willingness to evolve and experiment with a new sonic palette, others felt that the shift in direction was less successful than their previous work. Commercially, the album achieved moderate success, reaching a lower chart position compared to their earlier releases like Encore un dernier baiser.

Key tracks on the album include "Pendant que les murs tombent," a politically charged song addressing social decay, and "La vie est peut-être un cadeau," a more introspective track exploring existential questions. Religion is considered a pivotal, albeit divisive, album in Niagara's discography, showcasing their artistic ambition and willingness to challenge expectations, even if it didn't resonate as widely with their established fanbase. The album remains an important marker in the band's career, demonstrating their willingness to experiment beyond the synth-pop sound that initially brought them fame.