When listening to this you realize why II didn’t really cut it...decent album though it was. This one is full of hooks and just damn good hard rock. This is clearly how melodic hard rock is supposed to sound with big vocals, catchy hooks and flowing choruses. It would be very surprising if you hear anything this good in the genre this year. The music sounds free and new — nothing dated on here — but there is a clear link to their glorious past. Quality abounds and it’s a pleasure to listen to start to finish. Hardline are back firing on all cylinders.
Sunstorm: House of Dreams
Basically Joe Lynn Turner and whomever he can find to lend a hand, this is quality AOR from a veteran journeyman vocalist. As with the recent Jimi Jamison release Jim “songwriter extraordinaire” Peterik is along to lend a hand with whatever is needed. With Jim on board you know there are not going to be any stinkers ruining the vibe. Each songs uses JLT’s voice to its greatest capability.
Its not just Peterik lending his songwriting talents on here but Russ Ballard, Desmond Child and even Paul Sabu. Sunstorm provides JLT an opportunity to release some archive material than many might never have heard including the awesome “I found Love,” “Forever Now,” “Save a Place in My Heart,” and “Walk On” which he co-wrote for Jimmy Barnes. The Turner brothers of House of Lords fame helped write the rest of the tracks. JLT is backed by a tight band whole make the songs truly live.
The songs on here have hints of all the bands that JLT has leant his pipes too. They also speak to the pool of talent that JLT can call one when he wants to produce something special. If you want an AOR/melodic rock songwriting master class this might be a good place to start.
Well that is your selection for this week. Hope you enjoyed the reading as much as I did the listening. Head out and check out some live music if you can. Stay safe and see you next week.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Thanks for the heads up on the new OSI. It sounds awesome & I'm glad they went back in a atmospheric metal direction. They really know how to progress with their own sound. Their first release is still a great spin,but, Free was a little to safe for me.
It's a bit unfortunate that this album has me more interested than the new Dream Theater.