This is my first encounter with Loverboy, but it surely won't be the last, let's just get one thing straight, this album rocks big time.
A bit scared away by the band's name, I still decided to order the album, having read some positive comments. That was one of the better decisions I made last year since I have been blasting this disc out of my stereo on almost daily basis since. I admit it; this is just my kind of Hard Rock.
The album kicks off with tempo and attitude as
Just Getting Started sends a gritty guitar riff into flow, the mid-section Stadium Rock sing along passage makes it clear that this music has roots back in the eighties, but does it ever feel present, vibrant and life confirming.
Fade To Black has the coolest stutter-like
f-f-f-fade to black chorus, giving it that extra charisma while an acoustic rhythm guitar injects a warm scent; still not enough to quench the overall sad feel, cause
she's not coming back.
One Of Them Days has a mid-tempo groove with a creative bass in front. A decent track lacking a more memorable chorus. A delightful element that keeps popping up through out the album is a strange and at times distorted keyboard, it often sounds rather wacky but somehow lays down a solid basic ground and stand as a fifth element making this something even more special, here it really enhances the songs range.
Only track not written by the band them selves is
Back For More, a great and thoughtful track with a solid rhythm section, spiced with cool enhancing moments and once again a stunning refrain.
Lost With You kick things back into fifth gear, a heavy piece of heaven sent catchiness. Crunchy guitar riffing, a great playful solo and frenzy underlying keys equals a highly energetic and awesome track.
Mike Reno's versatile and incredibly convincing vocals shines with full strength as he bends, folds and nails
I Would Die For You in a perfect way. Matt Frenette builds a close-knit drum structure and throw in some cool fills along the way. A captivating track that keeps growing.
In my opinion some of the best songs of 2007 are to be found on this album,
Real Thing is clearly one of them and just completely irresistible. A song about love desperation and revelation. The mid-section is too die for, a brilliant chorus closure with Paul Dean taking over with some melodic leads before the drum break takes the song back into its spellbinding chorus flow. I rest my case, this is rock brilliance.
The One That Got Away carries a strong emotional message and especially the lines below leaves a strong impression:
Did I love you way too muchTell me what I did so wrongWhat was the defining momentWhen you knew that it was gone The subtle piano melody, coupled with background keys and acoustic guitar create an authentic and sombre atmosphere that's so right.
The production is both powerful and an inch unpolished, standing as a cool contrast to the highly melodic overall feel of the album.
The big and ballsy sound is really felt in a track as
As Good As It Gets, again one of my absolute top favourites from last year. With funny lyrics like
Even Shakespeare couldn't write this scriptIt's better than a page from Romeo and JuilietYa, it's as good as it getsHemmingway wouldn't know what to sayThere aren't enough words or time in the day nicely fitted into a huge catchy chorus, I'm already in Hard Rock wonderland.
The groove is strong and weighty, with the keyboard taking over a brighter role here, with headphones you'll discover some great details.
Stranded sees Phil Colin from
Def Leppard adding background vocals to a powerful ending track, lyrically it deals with dealing with life, being highly relatable. The chorus has this immensely harsh edge making it totally convincing; in fact this song is perhaps the one that has grown the most on me. The two-parted guitar solo is a really cool treat and the wrapping up towards the end puts a perfect closure to the album.
Loverboy's eighth studio album is cut down to the point and the lyrics follows suite, nothing fancy but extremely well put together and with a nice natural flow.
It gets the balance between fun / seriousness and catchiness / groove just right, so if your party needs a kick this could very well be it (sorry for the rime).
There is some
Harem Scarem to detect in here and I also come to think a bit of Hush's II album, so supporters of catchy Hard Rock should do them selves a big favour and give this album a chance, it possesses a magnificent, effusive and vivid drive that most likely will get you addicted.
I haven't felt such a rush in a long time, this is really about as good as it gets... and my pick for album of the year 2007.
Highlights: Playing the whole damn thing through as loud as possible.
Written by
Tommy Monday, February 11, 2008
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