There has likely never been a better timed release than this one.
Terra Nova were a notable
AOR force throughout the latter half of the 1990s but hung it up just as 2000 was about to ring in a new decade. Just recently, they have resurfaced with an all-new album, "Escape" that was unleashed earlier this year. Undoubtedly this has brought them a throng of older fans clamoring back with the added bonus of finding a brand new crowd to gobble up their smooth brand of melodic rock. There is no better tactic to refresh the fading memories of those who were awe-struck by the band during their first existence and to please those who just hopped on the bandwagon for their recent resurrection than to make available a best-of release. Especially one that slyly does not include anything from the fresh disc, and instead chooses to compile a fine lineup of older tunes and five bonus tracks.
This is in their favor though, because repeating the songs we were just introduced to in the past year would have cluttered the aptly titled "Best Of +5". This approach is much fresher, because anyone that didn't check out "Escape", will be tempted to after feasting on this assortment of melodic treats.
One of the extra tracks kicks off this disc, "I Wanna Know" and reveals the band's tougher side that was prevalent during their original incarnation. It's a hard rocker through and through and features keyboards just pouring out everywhere. Fred Hendrix's vocals are gritty and bristling with attitude. What a contrast to "Escape"! This is good stuff though.
After that it's twelve tracks culled from the gravy of
Terra Nova's back catalogue, "Break Away", "Make My Day", and "Eye to Eye". The music is very catchy and well put together and makes an easy dozen to just kick back and relive the coolest, most memorable pieces the band recorded in the 90s.
A quick who's who of these includes the uptempo, guitar driven
"Break Away" that sports a fantastic sing-a-long chorus and swirling keys. The pompous ballad
"Not Here With Me" that begins positively epic and then strips back to the simplicity of vocals and piano before adding more instrumentation back to the mix. Another great chorus here that oozes emotion and a string section.
"Hey Babe" continues the flame of light, lovey-dovey music tinged with sadness, or does it? The guitar turns for the heavier and it takes on this sweeping, pop-rock sound that is mid tempo
AOR gold.
"Once Bitten Twice Shy" gets off on the right foot with a feel that is like crossing
Night Ranger with the lighter moments of Hagar sung Van Halen. Just check out that opening synth, it is right out of the book of
Night Ranger. Another great piece, and they just keep it coming. The title track from
"Make My Day" just slathers on the hooks and echoes the heavier feel of
"I Wanna Know" but with that carefree storyteller spin a'la Bon Jovi.
"Holding On" is
Survivor resurrected with a European accented singer. Imagine that... it just has to slap a smile on your face.
"Like the first time I keep explorin' baby every inch, missed you so much."
"Love of My Life" is simply a heart ripping ballad that takes the sentimentality and dials the nob up to eleven. It pours it on unrelentlessly and makes for one of
Terra Nova's best songs they ever laid down. Absolutely beautiful and a show-stopper. It is filled to the brim with keys and dramatic echo effects on the vocals, this one alone is worth the price of admission. It's just a gorgeous song.
Then there's the four reasons needed for those collectors that must have it all, and already possess everything
Terra Nova, other than the opener of course. These were recorded for the debut album sessions and are just now finding their way out of the vaults. These are generally slower and a bit ponderous, even. The polish that makes their previously released material shine so brightly is not present here. These are stripped and minus all the frills, showing a more organic side to the band.
"Against the Wind" tries to strike a chord by pulling the sentimental strings but is overly acoustic and too wandering. With repeated listens it tends to grow on you though.
"Reminiscing" is much better, though the pacing is much the same. This is very balladesque and casual feeling. Kick back and let it take you on it's relaxing ride.
"I'm the One" slaps you upside the head with plenty of organs and an uptempo rockier approach. Not bad, and very modest at its heart. Ha! The lyrics are delightful in their over-confident masculinity. Finally,
"Holy Water" is another midpaced track with a feel that will take you back to the days of Trixter and poses the question:
"What's a sea without water?"
Even if the majority of the bonus tracks are not going to rock your world, the 12 chosen ones that compile the "Best Of" part of the album are irresistible
AOR. The other five are just extras to an already sweet deal. Think of this as the perfect companion to "Escape" and go seek your copy now. Fans of
AOR that haven't discovered these guys yet are missing out, and this is the perfect introduction.
Written by
Alanna Thursday, December 8, 2005
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