After the Rain
Nelson
(DGC)

This is one of those few albums that still sounds as fresh as it did when released over a decade ago. The Nelson twins, 2 of the 3 sprogs of Ricky Nelson (the other being actress Tracy Nelson) released their debut to huge acclaim. It is, in fact, the perfect AOR album and has been much imitated, but never topped. The first three tracks are good enough to get the album high marks. With the acoustically intro 'Love and Affection' as the opening shot, followed by the ballad 'I can hardly wait' and then the title track/hit single 'After the Rain', a rocker of the first order. Some people cannot get by the cheesy outfits and hair on the album cover, but this is way better than your average "hair band." Nelson have more talent in left pinkies than Poison ever had, or will ever have. The band still are huge in Japan and don't seem to mind the fact their sophomore release (a damn good album, Because they Can) got overshadowed by grunge. 'After the Rain' is a classic piece of American AOR and a essential collection of tunes. Yeah so their drummer, Bobby Rock, needs some serious conditioner for his hair and a new wardrobe. It its this good, who cares what they look like?

Rating: 5