ONLY THE BEST
 |
|
|
Everything with a melodic edge is also contemplated here. That’s why you will find albums from other subgenres like: Adult Contemporary, Alternative Rock, Melodic Hard Rock, Pop/Rock and Country Rock. Best Albums
Check out the new releases from Sunstorm “House of Dreams”, and Hardline “Leaving the end open”. Both are solid melodic rock albums. “Above And Beyond” by the swedish band Bad Habit and “Revolve” by Danger Danger are also among the greatest AOR releases of 2009. If you like a more oriented Hard Rock sound, you can find “Distant Encounters” by Optimystical.
Bad Habit, a well known band formed in
Sweden back in the 80's, is back with a great new album. Catchy melodic
songs in the AOR vein, great hooks and a good production makes this
release very enyoable. Highlights include: “A lot to learn”, “I need someone”, and “Never gonna give you up”. It will be very
tough to match the amount of quality Melodic Rock/ AOR albums we had
during 2008 and 2009. “House of Dreams” is the second release by Sunstorm and it has some superb AOR moments like “The Spirit Inside” and “Divide” with great vocals from Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple, Rainbow, Ingwie Malmsteen). Those tracks are the highlights of the album. Sunstorm’s Line Up: Joe Lynn Turner (Vocals), Uwe Reitenauer (Guitars), Thorsten Koehne (Guitar Solos), Chris Schmidt (Drums), Dennis Ward (Bass, Backing Vocals, Additional Guitars), Gunther Werno (Keyboards). The first album (cover-art) was released during 2007.
Hardline has great AOR moments too. Some examples are these tracks: “Before this” and “Bittersweet”. Hardline’s Line Up: Johnny Gioeli (Vocals), Josh Ramos (Lead Guitar), Atma Anur (Drums), Jamie Browne (Bass), Michael T Ross (Keyboards).
The wait is over for the new album from Danger Danger. “Revolve” was released and is undoubtedly a contender for best album of the year. AOR legend Ted Poley is back on vocals and he sounds great. The amazing “Rocket to your heart” or the absolutely fantastic AOR anthem “Hearts On The Highway” are clear examples of why we love this kind of music. Great songs, catchy choruses, tasty guitars and an impressive production. A must have for any fan of the genre.
Danger Danger’s line up: Ted Poley: (Vocals), Rob Marcello (Guitar), Bruno Ravel (Bass, Keyboards, Guitar, Piano) Steve West (Drums, Percussion). Last year, Marcello and Ravel took part of the amazing album “Marcello and Vestry”, which was the best melodic rock album of 2008 along with “Artwork” from Work of Art. On the other hand, Poley released a Greatest Hits compilation of his solo work. The new song“You won’t see me crying” is a glorious AOR track.
We are looking
forward to the new melodic rock proyect called W.E.T. A band formed by
guitarist/songwriter Robert Sall (Work Of Art),
guitarist/songwriter Erik Martensson (Eclipse) and
Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman). Also coming soon is the
new release from Blanc Faces “Fall from he moon”, with brothers These two albums may be among the greatest melodic rock albums of the year.
German vocalist Micheal Kiske (Helloween) is working on a new album with the american singer Amanda Somerville . “Past in different ways” was his latest release during 2008.
The new album of Foreigner is out now. It is called “Can’t slow down” and it is a quality melodic rock album. New vocalist Kelly Hansen (Hurricane and Unruly Child) did a great work on leading vocals in replacement of Lou Gramm, and his voice is similar to Gramm’s sometimes. “When it comes to love” is one of the best songs. This album came after the 2008 release:“No end in sight: The Very best of Foreigner”. The last studio album from Foreigner came out in 1992 when the amazing “Mr Moonlight” was released with the great vocals of Lou Gramm. Foreigner formed in 1976 and has sold more than 30 million copies in the USA alone.
After many years of absence, Lou Gramm also has his solo work released as “Lou Gram Band”. The ballad “Yos saved me” and “Baptied by fire” are the highlights.
“The Crowning” by Crash the system is another good album filled with rocking catchy melodies. Some of the best vocalists from Sweden are included in this project: Göran Edman (Street Talk, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Brazen Abbot, etc), Mats Levén (Ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Treat, Infinite Mass, etc), Thomas Vikström (Ex-Talk Of The Town, Candlemass, etc) and Björn Jansson (Ex-Ride The Sky, Tears Of Anger, etc). Daniel Flores (Drums, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Strings). Sören Kronqvist (Keyboards, Rhythm Guitars, Bass).
Steve Overland (vocalist of the british band FM) released his new work called “Diamond Dealer”. A superb collection of melodic smooth AOR songs with a lush production. Another awesome release of this great singer. Highlights include: “I’m still breathing”, “Brave new world”, “Hearts don’t lie”.
Daughtry keeps also delivering great music with his new rock album called “Leave this town”. Vocalist Chris Daughtry, American Idol finalist in 2006, has a great voice and sold almost ten million copies worldwide with only two albums released. Highlights of the album: “September”, Call your name”, Life after you”.
Classic
alternative rock bands Collective Soul and Third Eye Blind are back with
great albums. Both bands had huge success in the 90’s and they keep
delivering high class music. Third Eye Blind’s album “Ursa Major”
debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Top
AOR’s Line up: Philip Bardowell, Steve Overland, Fergie Frederiksen, Bill Champlin, Dane Donohue (Vocals), Frédéric Slama (Guitars, Keyboards), Tommy Denander (Guitars, Keyboards, Bass, Programming), Joey Heredia (Drums).
Cliff Magness released his first solo album ““Solo” in 1994 by the request of Empire Records, Sweden, in limited numbers. A re-issue is out now, and all tracks of the original album are digitally re-mastered. It is a smooth Weastcoast/high tech AOR release. Magness is a Grammy award winning and Oscar nominated writer/producer. His career includes many hits. He has written and/or produced songs for artists like: Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Sheena Easton, Steve Perry, Dolly Parton, James Ingram, Cheap Trick, Amy Grant, Lisa Marie Presley, Judith Owen, Wild Orchid, Hanson, Kelly Clarkson, to name a few. He worked with Avril Lavigne as songwriter and producer for her multiplatinum album “Let Go“.
Mitchel Musso self titled album was released and it contains quality pop/rock songs like: “The in crowd”, Hey” and “Speed dial”. On the country side we can mention good albums from newcomers Eric Church and David Nail.
The duo worked together previously for the Poley's solo album called Collateral Damage. That album was among the best AOR releases of 2006. Poley released Smile in 2007. Another classy AOR album. Now they return under the Poley/Rivera moniker for the first time. The album delivers a good set of melodic rock tunes. Highlights includes: Only human, Breathe deep, Crossing this ocean and Insanty. From the inside-Visions (Melodic Rock) Other highlights includes: “Love is no stranger” and One more night in heaven”. The band: Ramos-Hugo-The Dream (Melodic Rock/AOR)
A traditional melodic rock album with no mayor surprises but with some very good AOR songs. The album is not an instant hit, but it works overall. These Journey-esque musicians teamed up for this record and It is good to hear some new material from the great voice of Hugo combined with the also great guitars of Josh Ramos. Highlights of the album: “You are not alone” and “In the Ciy” (a superb AOR ballad). Lineup: Hugo Valenti: Vocals
Dreamtide Dream and Deliver (Melodic Rock)
German rockers Dreamtide are back since their last album was released five years ago. This time with a more diverse sound. The cd is filled with highly quality melodic songs, catchy arrangements and distinctive guitar riffs. It contains 14 tracks and 70 minutes of great melodic rock music. Highlights includes: “Dancing with the night falls” (an impressive ballad), The Vow, Same Star, Download a dream. The band: Olaf Senkbeil: Vocals Final Frontier Freelight
Rob Moratti : Lead Vocals and all Background
Harmony Vocals
Highlights includes: “You're the only one”, “Playing with fire”, and Good intuition”. The band:
Take a listen to this superb AOR/Melodic Rock album that is undoubtly one of the best releases of the year. This album of great quality can be described as classic melodic rock. It is full of great songs with killers choruses, big and awesome guitars that are all over the record, and a great production. It is a must have for any AOR fans. Specially those who likes Danger Danger and Classic American Melodic Rock. You won't be dissapointed by this glourious melodic rock album. The band: Frank Vestry: Vocals Highlits of the album includes: One more night (one of the best songs of the year), Gone (a great rock ballad), Live Life, All I wanna do is you, Ready or not.
The year 2008 has been a prolific year in the melodic music camp. Another proof of that is this release from Chicago natives, 7 th Heaven. The album delivers what you are willing to hear if you are a fan of high tech classy AOR, catchy choruses and a dose of Def Leppard sound. It is a solid album full of great songs. The AOR anthem “Better this way” opens the album and it is undoubtely one of the best songs ot the year. It has a wonderful chorus that sticks in your head every time you hear the song. Other highlights includes: Ghost of me, Winning it all, Cellophane, This summer is gonna last forever, Trade, Take me back, Oh so really ol, Gave you my word. This album is a must have for any fan of the genre. One of the best releases of the year.
Line up: Keith Semple: Vocals, Guitars
Hope All Of My Day (AOR)
This is a great AOR album from a new swedish band that it is among the best releases of the year. If you want high quality melody songs, this is a must have for any fan of the genre. Influences of Bryan Adams can be heard in many songs. These musicians have a long background and have been playing music for many years in different bands. Now they team up for this strong debut album. Highlights includes: “Come Alive” (absolute favourite) and “You Could Be Mine” (another favourite, classy AOR song with a catchy chorus).
The band: Henrik Thomsen (vocals, bass) Mats Johanson (guitar) Imre Daun (drums, vocals)
Jack's Mannequin The Glass Passenger (Alternative Pop-Rock) Andrew McMahon is the singer and also the piano-playing songwriter that leads Jack's Mannequin. The first album from Jack's Mannequin came out in 2005 named “Everything in Transit” and it was a superb pop/rock album full of great and catchy melodies. The cd was received with positive responses and it debuted at number 37 on the Billboard Album Chart. It contained great songs such as “The mixed tape” (the first single) and many more. He underwent a successful bone marrow transplant from his sister after he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia and the supporting album tour was cancelled at that moment.
Now he is back with the highly anticipated second release that debuted at number 8 on the Billboard Album Chart. The album has again great melodies and catchy tunes like “Spinning” (absolute favourite) and the lead single “ Resolution”. Fans won't be dissapointed.
This great pop-rock AOR singer released his first album in 1972 and had a mayor succes in the 80's with many songs like “Jessie's Girl”, Don't Talk to Strangers”, “Affair of the Heart” and “To Love Somebody” just to name a few. Now is back with a new album.
After releasing “Rock of Life” in 1988 we had to wait until 1999 to hear new material from him with the superb album Karma. Our personal favourite of his career. Then came the critically acclaimed album Shock/Denial/Anger/ Acceptance in 2004 and the covers album “The Day after Yesterday” in 2005.
The new album, which debuted in the top 30 in the Billboard Top 200, is lead by the single “Victoria Secret”, a classic Springfiled song and one of the best songs of this genre of the year. Highlights includes: Victorias Secret, Time Stand Still, Sahara, Oblivious, I'll mi that someday
Work of Art- Artwork (AOR/Westcoast)
This swedish band delivered a stunning pure AOR debut album full of quality songs, good harmonies, catchy choruses, big beats and a great production. The album is filled with melody and most of the tracks are uptempo tunes.
Just take a listen to songs like Camelia, Maria, Why do I, Her only lie, Peace of mind, Once in a lifet, and the more alternative and fabulous track, Cover me. The voice of singer Lars Safsund sounds great on this album.
Another outstanding release from this genre. It will be among the top 5 best albums of the year.
Line up: Lars Safsund: Vocals, Keyboards
Elevener When Kaleidoscopes Collide (AOR)
This swedish band made a strong debut with this album filled with smooth and catchy AOR tracks. Basically the band consists of Johan Bergquist (Vocals, Keyboards, Bass) and Andreas Broden ( Guitars, Drums). Another quality release recomended for fans of 80's European AOR. Highlights of the album includes: “Her Eyes”, This Heart of Mine” and “Could it be you”.
Frozen Rain Frozen Rain (AOR)
A pleasent and traditional European AOR release from this great belgium band. It is a generally uptempo album very enjoyable with some great moments, awesome guitars, and catchy anthems like the opening track “Waiting for you”. Take a listen to this album, fans of this genre will certalinly enjoy it.
The band: Johan Waem (vocals) Tommy Denander (Radioactive) (guitar) Vincent De Laat (bass) Kurt Vereecke (keyboards, vocals) Daniel Flores (drums)
Many artists have been involved with the Frozen Rain proyect such as: Tommy Denander (Radioactive), Steve Newman (Newman), Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye), Jim Santos (Norway), Johan Waem (Belgian singer), Ollie Oldenburg (ex-Zinatra vocalist), Ward Snauwaert (guitar player of Reborn), Guido Priori (Myland) and more.
Vertical Horizon-Burning the Days (Alternative Pop-Rock)
The band was formed in 1990 and became succesfull in 1999 thanks to the song Everything You Want which skyrocketed to the top of the charts. The song was the second single of the great album also called Everthing You Want that sold more than 2,000, 000 copies in the US. It was one of the best releases of that year and had well produced and great pop/rock songs such as Send It Up, All of You.
The next cd called Go came out in 2003 and despite of not having the succes as their previous effort, it was a solid album in a similar vein as their predecessor. The album was re-released in 2005 with a bonus track.
Now comes “Burning the Days” lead by the first single “All I said and done”. The band keeps their pop/rock style with more slow tempo songs. It may not have instant hit singles as their previous albums, but you cand find good songs here. Highlights of the album are: “Lucky One” (our favourite), All i said and done and Afterglow.
Mandy-Pete Lesperance
Blanc Faces - Falling from
the moon
W.E.T. - Comes Down Like Rain
DANGER DANGER - Don't walk away Acustic Live
7th heaven - Better This Way
W.E.T. - One Love
Final Frontier. - High tension wire
|
DVDS
|
Copyright Beatriz Mariniello and Daniel Mariniello
