It started out as a romance with "I Am I". Out of the blue "In a minute all could change" was released and slowly I found myself falling in love. I knew had to purchase "Dream Another Dream" also, and now I must admit that it's more than an affair since I am falling deeply in love with the music of
Nuclear Valdez.
Quoting from one of my friends and fellow
Nuclear Valdez fan "
Nuclear Valdez don't write songs, they write hits". I couldn't agree more, since every song on this album has hit potential. Overall the songs are irresistible and all have an optimistic and cheerful beat to it. The lyrics are in contrast to the music, since they deal with dark topics mostly wrecked relationships.
"In a minute all could change" is a return to the guitar driven style of their debut album. Dan Ceratelli, who sets his personal mark on most songs, has replaced original guitarist Jorge Barcala. Ceratelli's aggressive playing is exemplified on the title track. His tone is special and he plays more bluesy than Barcala, who's playing was absolutely stunning on "I Am I". Jorge Barcala has still contributed to the album by co-writing 5 songs.
The songs of
Nuclear Valdez have an ability to stick to your mind like super glue. On this album there are loads of melodic tunes with
Someone to believe in and
Stem of Tragedy as my personal favorites. The lyrics on
Someone to belive in are really strong. The bittersweet refrain line on the melodic chorus goes "Show me the world, that has a sun for everyone". Guitarist Dan Ceratelli plays a great lead on the song and the great playing continues on the next track with an amazing signature riff, which forms the leitmotif of
Stem of Tragedy.
There is plenty of other album highlights. Just to mention a few:
- Goodbye Mary is a sweet acoustic song with Fro Sosa characteristic vocals shining.
- Remember has a really strong verse and some great guitar playing.
- Still Won't Let You Go is another Pop/Rock treasure with a chorus so melodic that you hum it in your sleep (I have tried myself)
- Save me and Walk Away both have fantastic choruses and smooth guitar solos. Save Me has a pounding rhythm giving the song lots of Nuclear power.
The blend of guitar driven Rock and Fro Sosa's fantastic voice creates a unique sound and differentiates
Nuclear Valdez from other bands. Sosa's voice is beautiful and expressive. The harsh lyrics are sung with such passion that the listener often feels sorry for Sosa as he sounds like a man drained of all hope.
"In a minute all could change" is a consistent album with no fillers all hits. Lead singer Fo Sosa has produced the album and he has done a great job. Even though this is not a major label release, like the previous
Nuclear Valdez albums, the sound is excellent.
As a special bonus the album contains 4 songs in Spanish. The band is rooted in Cuba/ Dominican Republic and hopefully this will break ground in the Latin markets. Even though I don't have any proficiency in speaking Spanish, the 4 songs sound very natural and charming sung in Spanish. Another song that clearly refers to their roots is album closer
Only Yesterday, which is a song that only can be written by
Nuclear Valdez.
"In a Minute all could change" is a triumphant comeback to the music scene, which isn't seen as magnificent since Aerosmith. It's time for everyone who owns any of
Nuclear Valdez's previous albums to renew their acquaintance with this amazing band. You have to be careful before purchasing the album. I warn you, when you hear Fro Sosa's voice and
Nuclear Valdez's unique style of Rock it's a companion for life - a commitment like marriage. My commitment to
Nuclear Valdez is clear.
.....in sickness and in health
Till death do us part
"I do".
Simply irresistible, Gracias.
Written by
Michael Thursday, May 1, 2003
Show all reviews by MichaelRatingsMichael: 9/10Members: 8/10 - Average of 1 ratings.
Member ratings
 | Steen (Staff)
Rating: 8/10
This really is a wonderful album. The up-beat, rocking music and the contrasting lyrics fi... · Read more · |
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