Another female vocalist that was looked over by the public,
Alexa did manage to make a name for herself on the California club circuit, but didn't emerge far beyond that. Her voice is raspier, more in a Bonnie Tyler style than her contemporaries who all sounded more feminine. She also has that Lita Ford/
Doro Pesch force and command to her pipes with the added addition of a smoldering smokiness. She has grit and conviction, not just another pretty face pinup with a weak, wussy voice. Kind of a shame that she isn't a name like Lee Aaron - another female frontlady that she resembles voice-wise.
Alexa's one and only album became quite the collector's item, fetching prices on auction sites around the $150 mark. It was highly rare for a time, having hit the scene and was completely ignored originally. The re-issue that came later on sold out quickly but the demand was apparently not high enough for another reprinting...until now. This is another select bit for MTM Classix, a label that has been unearthing some lost gems recently. Their remastering has improved over time too, since
Alexa is much beefier and slicker than the original mastering.
The songs are guided by
Paul Sabu, who also handles the guitars and general production and mastering of the disc. They are fusions of
AOR-pop and to paint general bold strokes, can be aligned with the likes of "Out of This World"
Europe and 80s Heart. Nicely written, tight material that fits the quirks of the singer and helps bring her strengths into the limelight. There's a strong dancey side to many of these that would have made Taylor Dayne proud. 80s rock at its poppy
AOR saccharine peak, but sizzling with a touch of power due to the strong vocal delivery. Sugary enough to cause cavities and so radio friendly it is hard to imagine why others were singled out for stardom but this was left at the bottom of the bargain bin. There's no rhyme or reason to these things sometimes.
There are so many great songs here that cross the pop-rock/
AOR line and do it with style.
"Heart to Heart" is one of those repetitive pop type anthems that ooze radio friendliness. It gets caught in the head easily, even if it is just fluff stuff.
"Wanderlust" is reminiscent of Pat Benatar, but with
Alexa's belted from the gut vocals. It was the track that handed
Alexa a taste of mainstream fame in the UK. They just ate up all those keyboards. The passion play of
"A Cry Away" exposes a more vulnerable side and allows her voice to take center stage and just soar.
"Spooky" lays on the synth and
"We Don't Remember Why" is a danceable piece that seems perfect for the female lead singer's voice. It gives off vibes of
Doro once she went solo and a bit softer than when in Warlock. For the just plain fun category there's
"Let It Rock".
"From Now On" is a declaration of femme force independence, breaking away from relying on someone else. The melodies and positively huge chorus line back up the feel with a pop tinged power.
Paul Sabu easily gave
Alexa some of his finest songs, and they are all given appropriate treatment throughout the disc.
Usually MTM Classix releases add something to the original recording to boost the quality of the release. This one however, they left on its own. There is nothing tacked on here for the die hards that might already have this in their collection. Then again, this is one of the few cds that have been unearthed for a lease at a second life that does not need the support of bonuses. It stands proud on its own, another testament to its extended lifespan.
Alexa's
Alexa is not just for fans of female singers only, there is plenty to love here for anyone into the
AOR scene circa late 80s. Fun songs that are easy to listen to, and a babe with a good set of pipes on her make for a well rounded rock release. MTM was wise to resurrect this one, since it stands as one of the better all around reissues that I have heard from their stable so far. A no brainer purchase for 80s fans and anyone that is curious as to what a CD that was once worth oh-so-much sounds like.
Written by
Alanna Thursday, May 25, 2006
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