In 1989 the world saw the debut release from
Saraya. The band was named after female vocalist Sandi
Saraya, who assembled a strong band with guitarist Tony Bruno, keyboard player Gregg Munier, bassist Gary Taylor and drummer Chuck Bonfante.
The album has long been out of print till Bad Reputation re-released the album with bonus tracks. The album stands the test of time and therefore it is a much welcomed re-issue.
The style is 80's Hard Rock with flair of
AOR. The most rocking tune
Love has taken its Toll was also released as the albums lead single. However,
Saraya sounds best on the moody mid-tempo material. The treasure of the record is the emotional
Healing Touch. Tony Bruno plays some tasty leads and Sandi
Saraya's vocals sound fantastic. The song has a typical US Hard Rock feel made to be played driving down Sunset Strip at night.
The album has more than a handful of 80's classics among them
Gyspy Child and
One Night Away, which has the keyboard laying a great atmospheric foundation and the chorus being one of the best.
Fire to Burn and
Back to the Bullet are other bull-eye bleeding hard rocking tunes crossing the
AOR genre. The keys follow the guitar lines, but the keyboard is low in the mix and therefore the album comes off as a Hard Rock album since the guitars are in front.
The reissue has 4 bonus tracks added, so you better grab the album now since it is finally available. It is a must have!
Saraya only released two albums and then disappeared. Sadly keyboardist and songwriter Gregg Munier died in 2006.
Saraya had their own sound mainly because of Sandi
Saraya's raw trademark vocals. Great songwriting and great musicians makes this album a gem for any collector of 80's Hard Rock and a must if you already got
Saraya "When the Blackbird sings" or enjoy Vixen, Lee Aaron or Lita Ford.
Written by
Michael Thursday, August 19, 2010
Show all reviews by MichaelRatingsMichael: 7.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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