 |
RELEASED: 1992
PRODUCER: Neal Schon
LABEL: MCA
BAND:
Johnny Gioeli
Joey Gioeli
Neal Schon
Todd Jensen
Deen Castronovo |
+
Vocals, Guitar, Production
-
Sappy ballads |
TRACKS:
1.Life's A Bitch 02. Dr. Love 03. Rhythm From A Red Car 04. Change Of Heart 05. Everything 06. Takin' Me Down 07. Hot Cherie 08. Bad Taste 09. Can't Find My Way 10. I'll Be There 11. 31-91 12. In The Hands Of Time |
OVERVIEW
These guys just rocked up on the scene too late to make any waves. Neal Schon was set to produce, and after a few guitar parts; decided to join on with the band! Obviously grunge came and conquered, and that was all she wrote. However, all these years later, that first album still holds its own.
SONGS
A little sleazy rock kicks off proceedings with Lifes A Bitch. It’s a standard type affair, very Danger Dangerish. A moody Journey-sounding intro sets up the great rocker Dr. Love nicely; great tune. Even better though is the oddly named, but fiercely rocking, Rhythm From A Red Car; chunky guitars and a catchy driving chorus make this a perfectly polished song. First ballad Change Of Heart does well, but just doesn’t fit in at this point, particularly great work by Schon though. Raucous rocker Everything is well executed, but Takin’ Me Down really hits the spot with its croaky riff and catchy lyric. Another sensationally catchy-rocker bursts out of the speakers with Cherie; it’s about here that this album starts to prove itself. Bad Taste is a cool rocker, and Can’t Find My Way is another over sappy ballad. Feel good rocker I’ll Be There fairs much better, and beautiful instrumental 31-91 sets up the grand finale In The Hands Of Time; a great finish, where they finally nail a balanced ballad with great lyrics and soaring lead guitars.
CONCLUSION
Although fairly unknown; every big melodic rock fan would and/or should own this album. Some give it five stars, while other more mainstream punters seem to think its more towards two. Although far from perfect, Schon’s sensational guitar pieces almost make this his masterpiece, and the soaring vocals and catchy chorus’ make it a winner for all. Great, strong album.
