NEW REVIEWS • 0-9 • A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • L • M • N • O • P • Q • R • S • T • U • V • W • X • Y • Z • VARIOUS ARTISTS • GRADING

SAHARA SNOW | Sahara Snow | (MTM Music, 1997)

Modern World / Rovianne / Scandalous Life / Psychoactive / Is Everybody Happy? / Miss Your Kiss / Suzanne / Heaven / Stranger / New Lover / Somewhere / Lust

Rick Springfield-Bob Marlette-Tim Pierce. Just a quick look at their massive list of merits makes you weak. As expected the album is of high quality. Even if a few songs tends to sound a bit too samey, the overall quality can't be denied.
Here follows a song-by-song review.

"Modern World" The opener is an ok straight a head rock song with some flirts with dance rhythms.
"Rovianne" I have to say that at first this one really knocked me. Also after listening to the whole record it's a relief to have a song in this vein. But I can't deny that it gets a bit annoying hearing about Rovianne after a while (57 times I think it is). But still very good!
"Scandalous Life" A dirty track. Just listen to Tim's guitarplaying. As a song not that hot though.
"Psychoactive" This has, like so many others, a lot of dance rhythms happening. Give it some time and you'll find a beautiful tune underneath all the stuff that's going on. Sometimes I wish they didn't have to hide away every hook behind a wall of noise. A gro(o)ver.
"Is Everybody Happy?" I have to say it sucks big time…
"Miss Your Kiss" Bob Marlette's favourite (actually he mentioned another song, called "Act Of Faith", from their collaboration, but it will probably appear on Rick's forthcoming solo-album). Feel the groove. Yeah! Actually I haven't really figured out whether it's catchy or closer to boring. Maybe something in-between?
"Suzanne" This has also some dance rhythms. Not as heavy as in "Psychoactive" or "New Lover" though. Perhaps the best song on the album? Just listen to that summer light chorus.
"Heaven" Right out boring. A few hints here and there won't do.
"Stranger" The second of totally four songs where Bob & Tim not participates. (The other three are "Rovianne", "Somewhere" & "Lust"). This one has Rick done together with Mark Spiro. A great pop/rock song with a chorus that hangs around for a while. The drum machines sucks big time though.
"New Lover" Very dashing. Just give me a few minutes to recapture my strength... With a beat like this it could probably work in a gym situation or aerobics. Whatever. It's sweaty. Not one of my favourites that's for sure.
"Somewhere" Reminded me directly of the song "I Need You" that he sang on the soundtrack Iron Eagle II (Epic/CBS, 1988). A magnificent majestic ballad.
"Lust" Wow! If Rick's upcoming solo-album will go in this direction I won't complain. A very fresh and at the same a somewhat dirty sound. Also a bit simpler like he did 'em before. Reminds of The Hooters too with that accordion sound. GREAT!

Review by: Stefan

SAVAGE GARDEN | Affirmation | (Sony Music, 1999)

Affirmation / Hold Me / I Knew I Loved You / The Best Thing / Crash And Burn / Chained To You / The Animal Song / The Lover After Me / Two Beds And A Coffee Machine / You Can Still Be Free / Gunning Down Romance / I Don't Know You Anymore

This Australian duo sold cd's by the cartload during 1997 and '98 due to the popularity caused by the hits "To The Moon And Back", "Truly Madly Deeply" and "I Want You". This new will probably sell by the cartload too. Reasons to believe it will is that basically it have the ingridients making it happen; sloppy ballads, dance/disco songs and some positive up-tempo pop. This is more or less same 3 categories as on the debut. Unfortunately, in my opinion, 2 out of the 3 categories are too much corporate record company ideas for my stomach to take. The sloppy ballads are too sloppy and the dance songs are just too predictable.
But just like the debut, "Affirmation have a few simple, yet so catchy and up lifting pop tunes. The title track is without a doubt a driven pop tune, unique it isn't by far though. "Crash And Burn" also belongs to that category. "The Lover After Me" is a great pop song with a balladry feel to it. With the sentimentality on the right level makes me wonder when it will appear on Dawson's Creek (the TV show).
My favourite though is the truly, madly and deeply (funny guy) uplifting "The Animal Song". How could anyone not get in a good mood listening to such a song?

Review by: Stefan

SEVEN LTD. | Reset Devices | (Vinny Records, 2000)

Endless Goodbye / The Infinity Of Your Smile / Shine Your Light On Me / Seven / Worlds Apart / Man Behind The Mask / So I Can See / Feel Your Love / Matter Of Trust / The Candle

A new Spanish AOR-act on the newly formed Vinny Records label. Not so much AOR as Westcoast, comparable to Toto, a slightly progressive touch reminiscent of Marillion and other within that lighter genre. It is very slick, and it's performed with conviction. The songs ranges from average to good and to give a general opinion I'd say this is really good for being a debut! Songs like "Endless Goodbye" and "The Infinity Of Your Smile" are really good and definitely worth checking out!

Review by: Larry

SHOTGUN SYMPHONY | Sea Of Desire | (Frontiers Records, 1999)

Sea of Desire / Believe in Me / Dancing on Fire / S.O.S. / Heart of Glass / What I Wouldn't Give / The Way That You Feel / Phases / Inside Out / Between the Eyes (Eyes of Anger Part II)

New Jersey based Shotgun Symphony have obtained quite a following within the past
six years or so. In "Sea of Desire" we have the bands fourth release, but the first album I've heard of theirs. Their sound is very innovative and to compare them to another band is a hard thing for me to do. Personally, this album isn't for me - but I can see why others would enjoy this release. It's very keyboard oriented and vocally, Tracy White is a little too high pitched of a vocalist for my taste. I'd compare him to maybe Michael Sweet (Stryper) or Tony Harnell (TNT) - but at the same time he sounds very original. Highlights on the album include: the opener "Sea of Desire" which is also featured on the Union 2 Sampler - it embraces a big sing-along-chorus that will be a treat for fans of the material featured on TNT's "Intuition" release, the emotional piano ballad "What I Wouldn't Give" - "Believe in Me" which is best described as a harder edged AOR song and the epic "Between the Eyes" which is very melodic with some inspiring lead guitar work. If you like everything from, AOR/Progressive Rock/Melodic Hard Rock - this album is for you. If you prefer straight ahead melodic rock or pure AOR - you'll probably want to sit this one out.

Review by: Rob

SHOUT | Shout | (Escape Music Ltd., 1997)

Breakin' All The Rules / Love Is A Drug / No More Lies / Stuck In The Middle / If It's Love / Rip It Out / Heartbeat / Rockin' In Stride / Bad Girls / Madness / Tonite You're Mine / Lady Ice / The Riddle Song

This is really a re-issue of an independent release from 1986 featuring vocalist John Levesque (later Wild Horses).
This album contains typical melodic hardrock from that period. Back then I would have been totally out of control, but not nowadays. Not saying that this is a bad album, far from it, but I have to say that there are too many songs sounding alike.
However, opener "Breakin' All The Rules" made me feel like 11-12 again, sounding something in the style of Black'N'Blue's "Nasty Nasty"-record.
Which means quite simple melodic hardrock with some attitude.
In for some flashbacks? Go ahead and get yourself a copy. The risk (?) may be that you'll find out that you have become 10 years older since you really was into this sort of music.
The Japanese market will probably love this. Approved.

Review by: Stefan

SPENCER & BULLOCK | Games Of The Heart | (Songhaus Music, 1998)

Tell Me What Angels Do / Games Of The Heart / Standing In The Shadow Of Steve / Don't Cry Now / Two Strikes / Vandy's Voyage / For Claire / Healing Wings / Just Like You / Peace Of Mind

Dane Spencer & Kevin Bullock delivers some sort of a crossover between progressive rock/AOR and acoustic pop/rock. Listening through this album time after time I'm still waiting for something, just anything, to happen. It never does.

Review by: Stefan

MARK SPIRO | Devotion | (MTM Music, 1997)

My Devotion / Rhythm Of You / The Rain Came Tumblin' Down / Time Keeps Ticking / Love Is War / Kiss The World Away / Sunset City / Better With A Broken Heart / Campell River Road / Valdez / Don't Leave Me In Love / Guardian angel / Desert Bloom

Perhaps THE songwriter? Mark Spiro surely has created magic in his days. The whole melodic rock press throughout Europe praised his previous record "Now Is Then, Then Is Now".
Here follows a song-by-song review on his 4th solo-album "Devotion"

"Devotion" Strut's in an ordinary tempo, but the lovely chorus saves the song.
"Rhythm Of You" A soothing and pounding beat. A driven chorus. I think this is Great!!!
"The Rain Came Tumblin' Down" A bit melancholic and atmospheric at the same time. Tasteful and varied guitarplaying from Michael Thompson. I think this is yet another superb tune.
"Time Keeps Ticking" This is my least favourite on this disc. It never really takes off. It sort of stands at the same square through the whole song.
"Love Is War" A sort of groovy song during the verses that blossom's in a very addictive chorus, as he usually does 'em. A cure for soar ears.
"Kiss The World Away" Actually I think this is a bit dry in the verses. But the chorus part...phew. Another one of those with an atmospheric and uplifting feeling.
"Sunset City" I have to say that this song goes nowhere fast... The great guitarplaying from Michael Thompson doesn't help on this one.
"Better With A Broken Heart" This is an absolutely brilliant, splendid & magnificent pop/rock tune!!! Simple and extremely catchy. And I really like Thompson's guitarplaying on this one. Previously done by Stephen Bishop (then called "Kari") and Uwe Ochsenknecht. I think Mark's version is the best.
"Cambell River Road" This has a low-keyed melody that really puts the lyric in focus. Sit back, close your eyes and a short movie starts to play. Great!
"Valdez" An up-tempo and more guitar driven tune. Sheer brilliance!!!
"Don't Leave Me In Love" A slower song Mark wrote with Dan Huff for Giant's 2nd album. This one is stronger in the verses. Also, Mark's voice sounds a tiny bit strained in the chorus. Still a very good song, with Dan Huff's guitarplaying as good as ever.
"Guardian Angel" Like in "Cambell River Road" the lyric stands in focus here, even if it is a rockier tune. The man is truly a genius.
"Desert Bloom" A calm and low-keyed closure of the album. Yes, it is a bit pale, but there is something that really makes me like this one. I can't quite put my finger on it though.

Review by: Stefan

MARK SPIRO | The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of | (MTM Music, 1999)

I'll Be There / Love In A Western World / Can You Hear The Night / Fire & Water / Halflight / The Rhythm Of Your Soul / Rain In Her Heart / Vendetta / Back To The Promised Land / Can't Take That Away / I Made It So / Pray For Rain / The Palm Of Your Hand

The American singer/songwriter Mark Spiro presents here his 5th album "The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of". Well, if you'd go by Spiro himself it is his 4th real release since he doesn't think the dance-pop flavoured "In Stereo" from 1986 should be counted. You may know that he haven't got a copy of his own…
A majority have known him only has a songwriter, a talented such. Heart, Bad English, Lita Ford and Giant, where he actually where meant to be leadvocalist, are just some of the artists that has been blessed with his compositions. His name is often named in the same breath as the likes of Desmond Child and Diane Warren, but there are some differences easy to see between Spiro and those 2 hit machines. Whilst Child's and Warren's direction are more traditional (not meaning less good) Spiro challenges both himself and his audience more. Despite the fact that he has had success as a songwriter, and still do, he doesn't come near the success Child and Warren has experienced. Which I believe has something to do with my above stated theory.
Mark's 2nd release "Care Of My Soul" (1994, Empire Records), moreover also the start of what has proven a strong collaboration with A&R Magnus Söderkvist (then with Empire Records now with MTM Music), was a bit laidback but at the same time artistic with original elements courtesy of Spiro.
Magnus Söderkvist were also involved in the following record "Now Is Then, Then Is Now" (1996, Westcoast Records). This time around more mainstream but all elements and depths of Spiro could be traced. One of my absolutely all time favourite records ever - if not my no 1…
"Devotion", released the fall of 1997 on MTM Music, was/is a really good record looking song by song, but the album feel never really appears since the songs goes in all kinds of directions and also because the production lacks quality here and there.
Looking song by song on this new record I can't really say I think it's better, but the production is stronger and therefore the album feel gets more present.
The opening track "I'll Be There" is written with Jim Vallance, who we know from his work with Bryan Adams, and it can be heard because the melody is more traditional than Spiro normally does them. The lyric content are despite the often used title more of Spiro though. Thoughtful as few.
"Love In A Western World" and "Fire & Water" are more laidback during verses to, as when it comes to Spiro, increase tempo in the choruses. "Can You Hear The Night" is another pop flavoured song with somewhat different, for Spiro, drum rhythms.
"Halflight" and "I Made It So" are more pop. Perhaps nothing out of the ordinary nonetheless catchy.
"Pray For Rain" and "Vendetta" sees him move into more guitar edged orientation. It works okay in "Pray For Rain" who has a nice melody, but "Vendetta" falls very flat. The monotonous chorus goes nowhere fast. As boring as "Time Keeps Ticking" on "Devotion". Even Spiro himself hates it…
I have saved the best till the end. When Spiro is in the mood he outdoes most artists, on this album there are some moments. Listen to the simplicity and innocent in "Rain In Her Heart", the songs melts even the hardest heart. Listen to the pounding beat in "Back To The Promised Land" and how it explodes in a chorus so beautiful. As it's written with Dan Huff of Giant it's beyond me why they never cut a version of it.
Discover the original version of "Can't Take That Away" which Spiro did on "Care Of My Soul". This version is more direct, more in your face.
He closes with "The Palm Of Your Hand". A verse and chorus that doesn't seem to belong, but somehow he manages to get it together. Small trembling steps that grow into a big uplifting chorus.
Follower of Spiro enjoys this album with delight and hopefully many more will discover his greatness.

Review by: Stefan

RICK SPRINGFIELD | Karma | (Victor Ent. - Japan, 1998)

Prayer / The White Room / Free / It's Always Something / Religion Of The Heart / Shock To My System / Karma / Beautiful Prize / In Veronica's Head / Ordinary Girl / Act Of Faith / Jessie's Girl (Acoustic Version '98)

A comeback that probably has been eagerly awaited by many. Of course, he did a smaller comeback in 1997 with Bob Marlette and Tim Pierce in the project Sahara Snow (go to archive for interview and review), but I guess this is considered the real deal.
I knew that "Karma" was going to be a smoother and more laid-back record and I were really curious how it would actually sound. And I think it sounds quite good, but it's far too smooth.
"Prayer" however, opens the album in a brilliant way. A more up-tempo song with a hi-tech sound with drum loops reminding me of the "Tao"-album and also "Sahara Snow". Written by Rick, Bob Marlette and Tim Pierce. "The White Room", written by Rick and Jim Vallance, has also an up-tempo feeling, but it's still quite smooth, a decent song. "It's Always Something" is another one with a more uplifting feeling. But just like most tracks this one has a lack of real electric guitars, which I really miss.
"Shock To My System" is one of many laid-back tunes on this disc, but it has a very addictive chorus with beautiful harmonies. The 2nd of totally 3 songs written by Rick, Bob Marlette and Tim Pierce. The 3rd one is "Act Of Faith" which is also very laid-back. A very addictive chorus with beautiful harmonies courtesy Rick and Richard Page (Mr Mister).
A good album but still far from the qualities of "Living In Oz", "Tao" and "Rock Of Life".

Review by: Stefan

ST. CLAIR | St. Clair | (MTM Music, 1997)

3 Words / San Fernando / Stay / Fire And Ice / After The Fire / Siren Song / Not For Me To Say / Wise / Something For Somebody / Shadow Of Myself / Rocket To The Promised Land / Turn The Wheel

Here is an album for you who want some easy listening.
Very simple acoustic pop/rock are what Scott St. Clair Sheets and Glen Burtnik soundalike Ron Corbett offers.
The major part of the album is maybe a little bit too laidback for fans of more electrified melodic rock music.
I don't think I have any special favourite songs on this album. If I had to pick one out it could maybe be the AOR-cliché "After The Fire".

Review by: Stefan

STEELHOUSE LANE | Metallic Blue | (MTM Music, 1998)

Metallic Blue / Surrender / Addicted / Find Your Way Home / Dr. Love / Still / Best Years Of My Life / Can't Fight Love / Feel My Love / Fire With Fire / Can't Stop / Brighter Day

Did anyone say world class? If not I surely am, that's for sure.
The man behind this project is Mike Slamer (City Boy & Streets), who has written all songs (together with other great writers/musicians) and he also does all the tasteful guitar work on the CD.
The unknown, yet very talented, Keith Slack handles the vocals. A singer with a great feeling.
Some songs has been done before, but so what? They're killers!
"Metallic Blue" & "Can't Fight Love" (previously done by House OF Lords in 1992) are two knock out rockers.
Out of the five songs that I know has been done before, including the two above mentioned, I only think "Dr. Love" (done by Neal Schon's Hardline in '92) is weaker than the "original" version.
The other two are James Christian's "Brighter Day" and Wall Of Silence's Def Leppard-esque AOR-smash "Addicted".
What about the rest then? Well, they're more or less killers the whole bunch.
"Still" has a chorus that after just one listening is tattooed on any brain.
"Find Your Way Home" & "Best Years Of My Life" proves that a ballad can be done without being pathetic.
"Surrender", written with the guys from Tower City, is another FM-rock smash with lots of great guitar playing from Slamer.
BUY OR DIE!

Review by: Stefan

STEELHOUSE LANE | Slaves Of The New World | (MTM Music, 1999)

Give It All To Me / Find What We're Lookin' For / Son Of A Loaded Gun / Turn Around / Slaves Of The New World / All I Believe In / In Too Deep / The Nightmare Begins / All Or Nothing / Seven Seas / Where Are You Now

"Give It All to Me" is a strong opener which demonstrates a tougher edge to the music that wasn't displayed on the first album. At the end of the song there's some incredible guitar playing where Mike Slammer really lets loose.

"Find What We're Lookin' For" is uptempo again, but with more of an AOR feel to it. A nice main guitar riff surrounds this track, but something is lacking and I find the song quite bland.

"Son of A Loaded Gun" is a moody song and one of my favourite Steelhouse Lane songs to date. When the chorus kicks in it gives me chills - absolutely an incredible song. Keith Slack has a fantastic voice and what an outstanding vocal performance on this track.

"Turn Around" brings the first ballad of sort on the disc. It has a slow groove going throughout the song with another enormous chorus. AOR fans will be loving this track.

"Slaves of the New World" has a different vibe than the previous tracks. I hear a lot of Saigon Kick in this track. It's one of those songs that you either love or hate. I personally think it's an excellent song that displays a different side of the band.

"All I Believe In" is an epic ballad with some "dreamy" lead guitar/keyboard sequence at the beginning that compliment each other very well. Most songs that clock in over seven minutes I find are very boring, but that is not the case with this track.

"In Too Deep" gets things rocking again and reminds me of the song "Still" from their debut album "Metallic Blue."

"The Nightmare Begins" I guess is a cover song from Mike Slammer's former band Streets. This song still sounds very dated and should have been left in the eighties.

"All or Nothing" starts off kinda blusey with a Bad Company vibe happening - another incredible song. In fact, this cd has so many brilliant songs on it you would think it was a greatest hits release - unreal!

"Seven Seas" is another favourite of mine. An intense sing-along chorus that has almost a "pop" vibe to it. By the time you hear the chorus the second time around, you'll be singing along with it guaranteed.

"Where Are You Now" is a nice way to end an album that is sure to be considered a melodic rock gem in years to come. It's an optimistic number that will please fans of Giant and Hardline.

Review by: Rob

STONEBOLT | Regeneration - The Best Of | (Rewind Records, 2000)

Don't Ya Hide It / Was It You / I Will Still Love You / Extra Mile / Love I Found / Queen Of The Night / Let's Go Back / You Don't Care / New Set Of Changes / Going Through The Motions Of Love / Are You Listening / Take The Time / Rollin' Down The Highway / Crying Again Tonight / Lovestruck / Price Of Love

Stonebolt started as long ago as back in the late 60s and recorded a couple of records during their heydays. Despite the high quality on their albums they remained in obscurity. Here is a compilation with some of the best songs recorded by this brilliant group. Opening up with the blistering "Don't Ya Hide It" which is pure and genuine AOR in its very best shape. And there are more. "Extra Mile" which is one of the newer songs written is another song which has classic written all over it. The Boston-like "The Love I Found" is another goodie. "You Don't Care" with its Supertramp edge is also great. To sum things up I have to say that if you were raised on traditional AOR acts such as Boston, Kansas, Styx et al, then you should make this release priority #1 to get a copy of as it contains of a couple of gems not to be missed.

Review by: Larry

STONE SOUP | Spooge | (MTM Music, 1997)

Fighting The Good Fight / The Ultimate Touch / Can't Sell Me Love / Not A Day Goes By / Promises / Run For Your Love / Young Blood / Right Before My Eyes / Hit Where It Hurts / Hard Fall / BONUS TRACKS JAPAN: Rock You / When The Walls Come Down

To be honest I had never in my life expected this. The song featured on MTM's sampler "Fighting The Good Fight" was a bit too ridiculous to excite me. And "Spooge" opens with that song followed by two songs in the same vein. Next song "Not A Day Goes By (not Rick Price's classic song) is ballad which is ok. It's from this point the album literally explodes into melodic mayhem.
"Promises" and "Run For Your Life" are filled with harmonies and keyboards á la Bon Jovi 1984. "Young-blood" and "Right Before My Eyes" are very much in the same vein with the latter even showing traces of an early Aldo Nova (could maybe have something to do with the fact that Mr Nova is actually responsible for the guitar work on this one).
The album also shows a fine production with an extra plus to studio drummer Steve Ferrone's (Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, Bee Gees etc.) powerful playing. Thank God for real musicians.
The Japanese version includes two bonus tracks ("Rock You" & "When The Walls Come Down"). None of them affects the grading in any way. You can manage without them. It also has a different artwork, which was originally meant for the European version.
Stone Soup doesn't taste that bad!

Review by: Stefan

STORYTELLER | Corridor Of Windows | (MTM Music, 2000)

What She Wants / In Your Arms / Hello Heaven / Why Cry / Like It Or Not / Wait Till You Find Me / Corridor Of Windows / She Sherea / Never / Where Is Daniel / Private Eyes / White Liar

A cult release according to many. Nothing more than an OK release according to myself. Typically 80's flavoured melodic hard rock/AOR with a slight pompous, White Sister-esque touch.
"She Sherea" is good despite being a blatant rip-off of Streetheart's "Hot Cherie" (also covered by Hardline, Danny Spanos, etc). Other than that, this is one of those previously un-released albums that quite frankly isn't much to make a fuss about.
Check out the Swedish acts released on the same label lately instead and save a few bucks that way!

Review by: Larry

STRANDED | Long Way To Heaven | (Escape Music Ltd., 1999)

Somebody Laughs / Make Your Move / Only Human / Fight On / Comin' Of Age / Spaceman / Still Want You / It's A Long Way To Heaven / Always / Heart So Cold / Tonight Can Last Forever

If you are familiar with the 2 superb releases by the Canadian talents in Agent on Escape Music you have heard the name Troy Reid. He is the vocalist, and a multi-instrumentalist, in the very same band. On this record he has together with the gifted guitarist/songwriter Kenny Kaos (The Distance/Pokerface) created some material that definitely has the right to be described as AOR. Sometimes with a spaced twist, like in "Spaceman", but also with almost classic mid 80's sounding keyboards like "Fight On" showcases.
The fabulous "Only Human" went straight through my heart (just like an arrow) after only one spin. It's simple and it has got a beat that simply is irresistible. One of the best songs this year, there just isn't any doubt.
Most records this year have been okay or good, but nothing more. This record is scary close at times falling into the same category but luckily the material is strong enough to crawl a few steps more on the ladder. To the same quality to any of the 2 Agent albums it never reaches though. It's not even close to be honest. So, if you haven't got any of the Agent records start out with them. Then you can move on to Stranded. If you're still interested in pop flavoured AOR that is?

Review by: Stefan

STRANGEWAYS | Strangeways | (Hangdog Records, 1985)

The Kid Needs Love / Hold Back Your Love / Close To The Edge / Heartbreak Zone / Cry Out / Power Play / Breakin' Down The Barriers / Now It's Gone / More Than Promises / Hold Tight / Streets On Fire

Scottish band Strangeways are highly regarded within the AOR-community. Their debut, now for the first time released on CD (with one bonus track!), was a really great album. It sparkles with talent and production handled by Kevin Elson. Vocalist Tony Lidell who sounds very much like TNT's Tony Harnell (almost same names, too!), can get a bit annoying at worst, but he pulls off a great performance most of the time.
Tracks like "Hold Back Your Love", "Power Play" and "Now It's Gone" are just some of the tracks that comes to mind when picking favorites.

STRANGEWAYS | Native Sons | (Hangdog Records, 1987)

Dance With Somebody / Only A Fool / So Far Away / Where Do We Go From Here / Goodnight L.A. / Empty Streets / Stand Up And Shout / Shake The Seven / Never Going To Lose It / Face To Face

In 1987, with their sophomore album and addition of session-vocalist Terry Brock, Strangeways reach their peak with the classic "Native Sons".
Once voted the fourth best AOR album ever by the readers of KERRANG!, the album is nothing but a masterpiece.
The album is crammed with Journey-esque material and with songs like "Dance With Somebody", "Where Do We Go From Here", "Only A Fool" and "Goodnight L.A.", it's really hard trying to be critical about it and a must in every AOR-collection.

STRANGEWAYS | Walk In The Fire | (Hangdog Records, 1989)

Where Are They Now / Danger In Your Eyes / Love Lies Dying / Every Time You Cry / Talk To Me / Living In The Danger Zone / Modern World / Into The Night / Walk In The Fire / After The Hurt Is Gone

Their third album showed another side of the band. Getting a bit more mainstream, more Starship-like (a lot of this due to Mike Shipley's wonderful mix of course), but the song material not as strong all the way through.
Still, it is an essential release for AOR-fans all over the world and with stunning songs like "Where Are They Now"."Love Lies Dying" and "Everytime You Cry" just to name some, it's also a must in every collection.

STRANGEWAYS | And The Horse | (Hangdog Records, 1995)

Precious Time / Mans Maker / Out Of The Blue / Through The Wire / The Great Awakening / Wonder How / Head On / Some Of Us Lie / Over You / On

On album #4 Terry Brock was out and Ian Stewart handling the vocals and also a major change in direction.
I remember when I first heard this how I utterly rejected it. And today I have to say it's their least good effort. But it's not a bad album either. All it takes is to get over that initial schock and you'll find some good songs in a more epic pop-vein with no traces whatsoever of the band's past.
Standout tracks are "Out Of The Blue", "Some Of Us Lie" and "Over you". Reminds me of Big Dish if anyone remember them, and very much Pink Floyd.

STRANGEWAYS | Any Day Now | (Hangdog Records, 1997)

It's Alright / Come and Dance / What About Me? / Blue Line / Northern Town / Sweeter Than This / Shillean / All I Want / Losin' My Friend / And The Horse / Fallen Angel / Bye Bye Johnnie

Their latest album is a bit softer, slower, moodier more epic in its approach and quite honestly really beautiful but once again not the same Strangeways as they once were.
Once you have accepted this fact, enjoy what is being served rather than reject it as it's tasty and deliciously delivered!
Wonderful moody guitarplaying courtesy of Ian Stewart and really great songs like "It's Alright", "Come And Dance" and "And The Horse" being immediate favorites!

Maybe the last two albums may be too much to take for the average conservative AOR-fan, but give them a chance and widen your horizons a bit.
Maybe they should have dropped the Strangeways tag when they changed direction this radical?
Nevertheless, for every conservative buy their three first albums PRONTO and the rest of you should buy all albums and find out why I am raving about this band so much!

Review by: Larry

STREET LEGAL | Thunderdome | (Frontiers Records, 2000)

Thunderdome / Chasing The Rainbow / Powertool / Calling For You / Wrong Side of Town / Red Light District / Stranger in the Night / Will I Ever Love Again / Shadow Dance / In The Mood For Your Love / Shine On

Street Legal are from Norway and this is their debut cd. If you like heavy, bluesy, melodic hard rock with a European flavor - this cd will interest you quite a bit. The first time I heard it I was reminded of Whitesnake/Blue Murder with hints of Deep Purple. Bass player/singer Bjorn Boge sounds very much like John Sykes of Blue Murder!
"Thunderdome" & "Chasing the Rainbow" start off the cd as heavy as can be - I could easily hear these songs on Blue Murder's "Nothing But Trouble" cd. "Powertool" is still rocking, but maybe a little more melodic and the guitars aren't as "up front" in the mix. Just when you are thinking a slower number would be nice - you get it! "Calling For You" is a strong ballad - while "Wrong Side of Town" picks the pace up again and "Red Light District" is bluesy and has a huge sound.
Other highlights include: "Shadow Dance" which is like the first two tracks on the cd and the acoustic track "In The Mood For Your Love". This is a very solid cd and will please fans of Blue Murder, Deep Purple, UFO and Whitesnake. While the style does have a European flavor overall, it will also please people who enjoy American hard rock.

Review by: Rob

STREET TALK | Collaboration | (USG Records, 1997)

Walk Away From Love / If You Say It's Over / Standing In The Rain / Brand New Start / Among Friends / Could You Be The Only One / Where Does Love Go / In The Eyes Of A Woman / If You Say It's Over (Acoustic) / Borrowed Time

Here's a new young Swedish band (read Fredrik Bergh & Andreas Lidberg) that possesses a lot of talent. In fact, hope I'm not putting too much pressure on them, but they should be one of the bands that will carry the torch of the more sophisticated side of the Adult Oriented Rock into the next century.
Hearing this album it's obvious that the heroes for Fredrik and Andreas are Journey, something they can't deny.
The album starts off in its rockiest mood with "Walk Away From Love", sung by Kristian Andrén. He's one of three vocalists on this record (hence the title!), and even if he isn't the sharpest pencil in the box he's quite okay. Like in the beautiful and harmony-filled "Brand New Start".
The cleverest idea however, was the brilliant move to hire former Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist Göran Edman.
Here he sings on three brilliant mid-tempo rocking ballad-sounding songs. "If You Say It's Over" is destined to become a favourite on all radio stations that still plays this kind of music.
Mr. Edman sings a bit different here than he usually does on all the hardrock-albums he's guesting. Not as hi-pitched, more controlled and soul-filled. In my opinion he's never been better!
An extra plus to Fredrik and Andreas for a really great production and the fact that they have written practically everything on their own.
I hope they can keep their fire burning so that they can create more songs/albums of this calibre in the future.

Review by: Stefan

STREET TALK | Transition | (Point Music, 2000)

Someday (I'll Get Over You) / Need Someone / If Anybody Breaks Your Heart / Let Me Be The One / Always Stand By You / Ye Gods And Little Fishes / Everything I Do Is Just For You / Energizer Bunny / Don't Give Up On This Love / When You Lose The One You Love

Almost three years since the debut "Collaboration" (USG Records, 1997) mainman Fredrik Bergh collaborates again. Without almost any exceptions the house has been totally refurnished. Vocalist Göran Edman, who sang 3 songs on "Collaboration", now not only sings lead on all tracks but also contributes with lyrics to two songs ("Ye Gods And Little Fishes" and "Energizer Bunny"). To fill the place for the Neal Schon influnced guitarist Andreas Lidberg is the equally talented Sven Larsson whose performances on the album is quite enjoyable. Very melodic and Neal Schon influenced too for that matter.
Keyboarder Fredrik Bergh, who has written all songs, has with "Transition" continued to build on the "Collaboartion" foundation. Small pieces of well written, well produced and well performed sophisticated pure AOR with great harmonies.
The predecessor was a great record, but with 2 instrumental pieces + an acoustic version of one of the songs it felt kinda short with only seven "real" songs. That is however not a problem this time as Bergh as managed to penn 10 great tunes. Most songs I guess some would describe as "mid-tempo hell", but if you like me love it it's more like "AOR heaven".
Although one could criticise the lack of variation, there aren't any boring tracks - not even close actually!
As this is a "Album Oriented Rock"-record I don't wanna pull out any tracks in particular, but I can't help but mention "Ye Gods And Little Fishes" and "Energizer Bunny". They're not that different from the rest in reality but enough to stand out as the top tracks.
Concludingly, if you wonder, any comparsions with other Swedish bands like Treat or Europe is nothing but BS.

Review by: Stefan

STUART SMITH | Heaven And Earth | (Frontiers Records, 1999)

Don't Keep Me Waiting / Heaven & Earth / See That My Grave Is Kept Clean / When a Blind Man Cries / Memories / Dreams of Desire / Trouble in Paradise / Shadow of the Tyburn Tree / It's Gotta Be Love / When the Blues Catches Up With You / Do You Ever Think Of Me / Road to Melnibone / Howling At The Moon / Telstar 2000 / Lose My Number

This is the re-release of the Stuart Smith debut cd! As I'm sure most of you have read on other websites Stuart is a talented guitarist from England that has managed to feature the vocal talents of: Glenn Hughes, Richie Sambora, Kelly Hansen and Joe Lynn Turner - just to name a few. Also I should point out that the re-release of this cd has added four bonus tracks. "Memories" (a lame rocker that I wouldn't have minded if it never saw the light of day), "Howling at the Moon" (an awesome blues influenced number that wouldn't be out of place on either of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd cd's), "When the Blues Catches Up With You" (a huge blues number with some very inspiring guitar playing - love it!) and "Telstar 2000" (an instrumental that does nothing for me). So to sum in up, two of the additional four bonus tracks are amazing!

Moving onto the other songs on the disc, the cd starts off with an upbeat rocker entitled "Don't Keep Me Waiting" that features Kelly Hansen handling the vocal department. Kelly sounds incredible and the song will be a sure favourite on the disc. Slowing things down a little, "Heaven & Earth" features Joe Lynn Turner on vocals and he sounds great as well. Normally I'm not a fan of Joe's voice, but he fits this song very well and the song itself is very solid - so that sure helps. "See That My Grave is Kept Clean" starts off mellow, but sure picks up the pace after the first minute and has Glenn Hughes on vocals. To be honest, I've never heard much of Mr. Hughes work before, but I must say I'm impressed. He has a fantastic voice, but I can't compare his vocal style to anyone else. "When A Blind Man Cries" is my favourite track on the cd and is preformed by Richie Sambora - I just love this man's voice! It is my understanding that this song is a Deep Purple cover, but I've never heard the original version - so I can't tell you how it stands up in comparison. "Dreams of Desire" is an classical instrumental which happens to be my favourite instrumental on the entire cd - a very classy piece of work. "Trouble in Paradise" is a straight ahead rocker that has Kelly Hansen at the mic again. I love his vocal performance on this track and wish that latest Unruly Child cd rocked as much as this song does. "Shadow of the Tyburn Tree" is my least favourite track on the cd. It has Joe Lynn Turner singing and I find myself skipping this one - boring! "Its Gotta Be Love" has a good groove happening with some accompanying horns which is a nice touch. "Do You Ever Think of Me" once again has Mr. Hansen singing and this track also appeared on the Unruly Child release on MTM Music. I personally prefer this version a hundred times more - it has more of a guitar edge and less AOR than the other version. "Road to Melnibone" is a mellow instrumental which is very nice to kick back, close your eyes and relax to. "Lose My Number" ends the cd rocking with some nice blues soaked keyboards and has Kelly Hansen on vocals once again. I love every song that Kelly sings on this release. In fact, there are only three songs out of fifteen that I don't like! That's really not that bad at all.

To sum things up, if you enjoy your hard rock with some heavy blues influence - this is a MUST for you to pick up. It's by far one of the best blues cd's I own and I'm sure it won't disappoint anyone. It sure lives up to the hype that this release has been given.
Visit Stuart's website at: www.stuartsmith.com.

Review by: Rob

STUNLEER | Once | (MTM Music, 1998)

Love Is A Liar / Go Don't Go / If You Want Love / Eye To Eye / Foolin' / No Words Can Say / Come To Me / All The King's Horses / Hungry Eyes / Deliver

Finding AOR/melodic hard rock album's with the great late 80's sound today is like finding a needle in a haystack. Pretty hard obviously.
This American outfit, Paul Michael (bass), Michael McCabe (guitars) and former Touch vocalist Doug Howard, has worked on this debut since the end of the 80's.
The combination of pure AOR-cuts as "If You Want Love", "Eye To Eye" and "Deliver" mixed with a bit tougher songs like "Love Is A Liar", "Foolin'" and "Come To Me" makes this record interesting from the 1st second to the last.
Check it out.

Review by: Stefan

SUNSHINE JIVE | Sunshine Jive | (MTM Music, 1998)

Fools Parade / Sunshine Jive / You Got What I Wanted / Lost In Love / Under Summer Skies / Love Reaction / Sunday Rain / When You Love Someone / Sha Na La La / Stop This Crazy Ride / Reason For Me / Trapped / Something More

The opening track "Fools Parade" took me totally by surprise, I was floored. Pure dynamite AOR!
But the 2nd track "Sunshine Jive" gave notice that this record would be more complex and different than a mainstream AOR/FM-rock album.
If one ingredient is AOR the other would be funk rock á la Dan Reed Network or Extreme. "You Got What You Wanted" is another one of those funk-influenced tunes. "Trapped" is also pretty weird; the rough chorus really pumps up the beat. It can't be described, it must be heard. Totally amazingly weird.
3 beautiful ballads are also on the menu; "Under Summer Skies", "Reason For Me" and "Something More". In the latter superb vocalist Tommy Dempsey (who sounds like a more soul & blues influenced version of Steve Perry/Hugo) does a performance coming straight from the heart, beautiful.
How diverse this record may seem the band still has managed to create an album feeling.
Dare to try something different, try this one...

Review by: Stefan

SWITCHFOOT | New Way To Be Human | (re:think, 1999)

New Way To Be Human / Incomplete / Sooner Or Later / Company Car / Let That Be Enough / Something More / Only Hope / Amy's Song / I Turn Everything Over / Under The Floor

One of this year's biggest surprises to me personally comes from this trio. Power-pop at the very best, sounding like a mix between Cheap Trick, Foo Fighters and an ounce of Jars Of Clay. Opening track "New Way To Be Human" sets the standard with a hook that refuses to leave your brain for weeks. "Incomplete" is actually even better! Truly magnificent power-pop of finest brand!
But the list goes on..."Company Car", "Amy's Song", and "I Turn Everything Over" are other masterpieces, every song having its own identity and certain twist to them. Add to that a superb production courtesy of Charlie Peacock, and what else is there to say except: BUY BUY BUY!

Review by: Larry

SWITCHFOOT | Learning To Breathe | (Re:Think/Sparrow, 2000)

I Dare You To Move / Learning To Breathe / You Already Take Me There / Love Is The Movement / Poparazzi / Innocence Again / Playing For Keeps / The Loser / The Economy Of Mercy / Erosion / Living Is Simple

Switchfoot's previous effort (their second) "New Way To Be Human" (Re:Think, 1999) instantly became a favourite here at aor.nu. No wonder when they delivered an album with such infectious hooks, big melodies and classy performances. Switchfoot are not all about pop with punch, they also have the ability to deliver classy soft songs filled with superb harmonies.
Expectations were quite logical high on "Learning To Breathe" and though the album is good I must say I am a bit disappointed. Basically they offer more of the same, but without the punch that "New Way To Be Human " had.
Though I can't really find any tracks that right out blows, it is harder finding any stand out tracks in particular. But "I Dare You To Move", "Learning To Breathe", "Love Is The Movement" and "Playing For Keeps" gives the fans of "New Way To Be Human" some value for the money.
A good album when we had expected a great.

Review by: Stefan