This is really a very interesting melodic rockband from Platte City, Missouri, USA. Their debut CD 'Try me… I rock!' is filled with classy 80s melodic rock a la DOKKEN, LOUD'N'CLEAR, FIREHOUSE, SLYBOYZ, SKYHIGH, SAVANNAH, DANGER DANGER... The 10 songs on the album are all a must to hear for fans of this genre. The band opened shows for bands like NIGHT RANGER, THE SCORPIONS, MOTLEY CRUE and WARRANT, so we are dealing with a professional band over here who definitely knows how to play good fun music. The album starts with "Me and my whiskey", actually the only weak song of the album, this song is just an 'o.k.' 80s boogie partyrocker (in the VAN HALEN "Hot for teacher" style).

But from the next track on it is classy 80s 'cheesy' melodic rock all the way! First there is "Fade into the night", a fantastic classic 80s fun melodic rocker a la SAVANNAH, SLYBOYZ, early DANGER DANGER… Next track "Are you lost?" is another great melodic rocker, this one is a bit in the style of CITA and GUILD OF AGES, so very melodic lead and harmony vocals over here. The lovely typical late 80s Power Melodic Rock ballad sound can be heard in the next tune "Goodbye" that reminds me of DAMN YANKEES, FIREHOUSE, VELOCITY…

The good instrumental melodic rocker "Sudden death" is up next and is a song with some cool tempo switches. Some nice melodic hardrock a la SLAUGHTER, WHITE LION,
RATT, FIREHOUSE… can be heard in "I'm gone". Then we get to another superb hookladen classy 80s melodic rocker titled "The way", one of the best tunes on the album. Much weaker is the bluesy hardrocksong "The other side". The melodic AOR ballad "Silently" follows and reminds me very much of bands like SAVANNAH and TALL STORIES.

The album finishes off with "What I feel", a great fun melodic rocker a la FIREHOUSE's "Don't treat me bad". This CD of TOYMAKER'S DREAM is quite an interesting and enjoyable 80s typed fun melodic rockalbum. If bands like JET RED, FIREHOUSE, JOKER, DIVING FOR PEARLS, DANGER DANGER, SLYBOYZ etc. etc. are up your alley, then get this album as soon as possible. Soon an interview with these guys! For now, check out their site at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/125/toymakers_dream.html

Rating: 9/10

It is the year 2000 and the French label AXE KILLER RECORDS has re-released one of the premier AOR Classics. The only SIGNAL record from 1989 has been picked up by Axe Killer who re-released it. The album was hard to get for quite some time, but now there are again about 3,000 new CDs available. I still think the 10 songs of SIGNAL show vocalist
Mar(k)cie Free at his/her very best.

Songs like "Arms of a stranger", "Does it feel like love", "Could this be love", "You won't see me cry" and "Go" are instant AOR Classics that prove again how good 80s AOR sounded. If you still haven't got this AOR Classic, then get this re-release by AXE KILLER RECORDS asap, because SIGNAL's 'Loud&clear' was and still is one of the best AOR records of all time.

Rating: 10

AXE KILLER RECORDS did not only re-release the 1989 AOR Classic from SIGNAL, but also the much praised debut of HOUSE OF LORDS from 1988 has been put out by the French label. Actually I find this quite unexpected, because the label used to bring only Heavy Metal releases, but it seems they are now also working in the AOR scene and these two releases are a very nice start.

This debut CD of HOUSE OF LORDS isn't as rare as the SINGAL record, because I saw it turn up in many regular record shops the past few years. Nevertheless, Axe Killer has done another fine job, because this is probably the best HOUSE OF LORDS CD with great AOR/Melodic Rocksongs such as "I wanna be loved". "Edge of your life", "Hearts of the world", "Under blue skies", "Call my name", "Jealous heart" (beautiful midtempo AOR, co-written by DAVID ROBERTS) and the STAN BUSH Classic "Love don't lie" (which is also featured in a remixed version as bonustrack for this re-release. More info on the re-releases of AXE KILLER RECORDS at: http://www.musicentury.com

Rating: 9/10

V&R RECORDS is an American label that has re-issued the first 5 albums of the Classic Pomprockband SHOOTING STAR on CD. The label did a really great job, 'cause these 5 albums are definitely all AOR/Pomp Classics. Especially the debut from 1980 is Pomptastic! That first album contains brilliant AOR/Pomp like a mix between KANSAS, JOURNEY, DAKOTA and SURVIVOR, this is Classic early 80s AOR/Pomp all the way!

Songs like "You've got what I need" (midtempo AOR/Pomp a la KANSAS meets SURVIVOR), "Don't stop now" (classic 80s AOR/Radiorock a la JOURNEY, SURVIVOR, 707), "Higher" (midtempo Pomp in KANSAS style), "Just friends" (lovely early 80s AOR Ballad like KANSAS meets JOURNEY), "Bring it on" (uptempo AOR rocker a la DAKOTA, with superb second vocal) and "Last chance" (midtempo AOR/Pomp) are truly wonderful. The debut from Kansas based SHOOTING STAR is a masterpiece and a must for fans of early 80s AOR/Pomp of the highest quality (read: TOUCH, SPY, KANSAS, STYX, LE ROUX, DAKOTA).

Rating: 9,5/10

The second album 'Hang on for your life' doesn't see a dramatically change in style and so again we can enjoy wonderful pure 80s AOR/Pomp. This time there are a few weaker songs, but in general songs like "Flesh and blood" (superb classic 80s AOR/Pomp), "Are you on my side" (Pomprock a la LE ROUX 'Up', including great piano-keys), "You're so good" (midtempo AOR/Pomp a la ROADMASTER) and the JOURNEY typed ballad "Sweet elatia" are quite sensational. Nevertheless, songs like "Hang on for your life", "Breakout" and "You've got love" are actually average rockers and can not compete with the band's shocking debut album. Therefore I prefer to hear the band's debut, but the second album also has its moments, but just isn't Classic AOR/pomp all the way.

Rating: 8,5/10

'3 wishes' is the third album of SHOOTING STAR and was released in 1982, one year after 'Hang on for your life'. This third album is in the exact same style as the previous record, so there is a balance between sensational AOR/Pomp songs and average rockers. The production was done by 80s AOR producer Kevin Elson (JOURNEY, EUROPE and
STRANGEWAYS) who did a nice job, and gave the band a straighter less pomp based sound.

My favourite songs on this record are "Standing in the light" (superb early 80s Pompous midtempo AOR a la ROADMASTER), "Heartache" (lovely early 80s late summernight AOR ballad a la VAN STEPHENSON, FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS and JOURNEY), "Where you gonna run" (calmer AOR a la ALLIANCE, FATK), "Weary eyes" (classy early 80s AOR) and "Let it out" also classy early 80s AOR).

Although there are also weaker rockers such as "Are you ready", "Do you feel alright" and "Turn it on", this time there are many sensational AOR songs, because the remaining songs are also pretty good, namely the JOURNEY typed AOR ballads "Couldn't get enough" and "Whole world's watching". Therefore this CD is better than the band's second CD 'Hang on for your life', but it still isn't as good as their classic debut.

Rating: 9/10

The fourth album 'Burning', released in 1983, was again produced by Kevin Elson, who gave the band a pure mid 80s AOR sound (a la JOURNEY, STRANGEWAYS, SURVIVOR). The pomp rock of the first couple of albums is almost completely gone. Although songs like "Straight ahead" (superb mid 80s uptempo AOR a la JOURNEY, SURVIVOR), "Burning" (classy 80s AOR ballad a la JOURNEY, HUGO…) and "Dreams" (super classy 80s AOR a la JOURNEY, AVIATOR, WHITE SISTER) are very impressive, still I miss the magic of the first and third album that were better than this record.

On the other hand, this album didn't feature any weak songs, because also tunes like "Taken enough", "Winner", "Train rolls on" and the cover "Reach out I'll be there" are quite enjoyable AOR/Melodic Rocksongs. A nice AOR record, but not as sensational as the band's previous albums. But the follow-up to this record is one-helluva AOR Classic!

Rating: 8,5/10

'Silent scream' is the fifth album of SHOOTING STAR. The album was released in 1985 and has been a collector's item for many AOR fans for years, so it's great that it now has been re-issued on CD. The original LP contained 10 songs, but V&R RECORDS added two bonustracks to make the release more interesting. Actually these two bonustracks are the only weak songs on the CD, because the 'Silent scream' album was an instant AOR Classic. Those two bonustracks are taken from the original soundtrack of the movie 'Heat' (check out that soundtrack anyway, because it also features a superb unreleased HEART song that is pure AOR).

Back to the original songs of 'Silent scream', this is prime-time high quality AOR like JOURNEY meets SURVIVOR. SURVIVOR is an easy comparison, because the producer of the album was our dear friend RON NEVISON who gave SHOOTING STAR a sound like SURVIVOR's record 'Vital signs'. The 10 songs are all Classic AOR tunes, so it's hard to pick up a favourite, but trying my best, I would mention "Summer sun", "When you're young", "I'm getting out", "Don't stop me now" and "Time" that all can be labelled as superb mid 80s Classic AOR songs like JOURNEY meets SURVIVOR.

Also a wonderful song is the Classic semi AOR ballad "Don't walk away" that should've topped the charts in the US back in 1985. 'Silent scream' is a Classic AOR album that can not be missed in any AOR fan's collection. After the release of this album, it became a little quiet around the band until 1989, when they released a best of with some new songs, and a couple of years later followed by the band's sixth studio CD 'It's not over'. This album was the first album released on the band's own label V&R RECORDS.

The second release was a CD containing the first two albums (without some songs). And
a few years ago there was a live CD of SHOOTING STAR. Now V&R RECORDS has done a great job, because they have re-issued the first five albums separately on CD, so everyone can complete their collection of SHOOTING STAR. Now we only have to wait for the band's new CD that is due out for release any day now. Hopefully more info and an interview with SHOOTING STAR soon. For now, get these re-issues as soon as possible. Check out the website of V&R RECORDS at: http://www.homegrownbuzz.com and e-mail them at: info@vandr.com

Rating: 9,5/10

Formed in 1996, this Swedish band sent me a 3-track debut CD, simply titled 'Demo'. Musically this is cool early 80s melodic poprock with influences of RICK SPRINGFIELD, TOMMY TUTONE, EDDIE MONEY… The CD starts with "Jump on in", a cool uptempo melodic poprocker in the style of mentioned acts. Also the following track "Fool to believe" is in this style, although this song is very radio orientated. The last track, "It's all over" is weaker and reminds me of STATUS QUO. More info on this Swedish band at: http://www.mp3.com/backtowork and e-mail them at: backwork@swipnet.se

Rating: 7/10

4 songs are on the debut CD of this LONDON CALLING, who are not coming out of England, but hail from the USA. I don't have that much info, so we stick to the music these guys are making. LONDON CALLING is playing a mixture of AOR, Melodic Rock, Hard Rock and Pop with the addition of some slight progressive influences, so I guess you can say that a lot of people will find something of interest on this disc.

Opener "Too late for you now" is a fine 80s typed uptempo melodic rocker, but vocally it sounds weak. Next track "London calling" is much better and also has better vocals on it. This song actually reminds me of the 70s SURRENDER (with ZAPPACOSTA), so this is a fine progressive AOR rocker.

Next tune "Lend me your dreams" is a poppy ballad a la ZAPPACOSTA. Closing track "Welcome to America" is again different from the rest, because this is a good uptempo melodic hardrock song in 80s style. Quite a diversity on this CD, so a lot to found out on a short mini-CD. More info at: http://www.mp3.com/londoncalling and e-mail them at: ronaldcederlund@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10

VISION 180 is back with a new CD-single. The single features two new songs. The first one is titled "If this is love", a superb classic midtempo AOR tune. This song is really amazing pure AOR and proves that this band is one of the hottest bands around today. The other song is "Beast of burden", a ROLLING STONES cover which is done as a duet with a female vocalist. I am still looking forward to a full-length CD release of these guys, hope it comes this year! Check out their site at: http://members.aol.com/rockto180 and e-mail them at: Rockto180@aol.com

Rating: 8/10

Jakob is the highly talented Jake Samuel of Talisman/Jekyll & Hyde(R.I.P. sniff! sob!) fame, and he has returned with a stylish demo containing three tracks of melodic, modern commercial rock, spiced as ever with his observational lyrics and his excellent voice.
The songs, written with Claus Hidegard, are a step forward from the raunch and roll of J&H, and could with with the right push be huge.

Opener, "Who could ask for more" is low-key cool with a big hook, whilst "Comin' your way, Jack" is widescreen Zep with a hugely melodic and atmospheric keyboard riff, and something worthy of a Bond film soundtrack, and "Crime of all times" harks back a little to J&H circa "Fallen Angel" but with an eye on the future. For more information on this awesome artist contact copperplate@ukonline.co.uk

Rating: 9,5/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

Debut album of US four piece which makes for an interesting listen with it's big arena sounding 80's American Hard Rock. Alot of work has gone into the bands performance with the production sound handled by knob twiddler Marc Jacob Hudson and the band themselves.

This killer album brings thunderous hard rock musicality into our living rooms, with vocalization parts that are cried out in typical American style. Raggedy Ann are highly competent muscians, the songs bring Brain Carson (vocals), Aaron Reames (guitars), Steve Bolla (bass) and Josh Goryl (drums) into the spotlight, with a show of full energy hard hitting hard rock songs with great chorus lines, which remind me of Van Halen (Roth era), Hair Of The Dog, Jackyl, Cinerella, Firehouse and Warrant (D.R.F.S.R era).

Perry Richardson from mutli platinum rockers Firehouse said this about Raggedy Ann, "This band have lot's of energy and attitude which is hard to get across onto cd", I wouldn't have said it better myself, he is dead right, there are many moments on this album to enjoy, from "Let It Roll" with Roth style cries from Brian Carson to "Volunteer", "Diggin' In" and the energetic arena rock of the excellent "Lion's Eye". The whole record leaves a very satisfying flavour of sweat and sinew in the air. Raggaedy Ann are hot news and you can check them out by Emailing: Haloent@iserve.net or http://www.ubl.com or http://www.iuma.com or by writing to: Raggedy Ann, P.O. Box 26041, Lansing, MI. 48909 USA.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Following hot on the heels of their latest album "4", Frontiers proudly release for the first time in Europe the classic "GO!" album- originally released on import only in 1997 to rave reviews. Along with Jaded Heart, Fair Warning are respectfully the best of the German rock bands from the 90's, have a look through any self respecting melodic rock fans cd collection and you are bound to find at least one or two Fair Warning albums somewhere in there.

So the release of "Go!" on Frontiers records must be cheered at - as finally we can get to buy this album at a sensible price instead of having to fork out extreme amounts of dosh for the imports , I dare say that with these new reissues the original imports may kick up some hefty dosh in a few years and become quite collectable, so if you have them hang on to them

"Go!"was Fair Warning's third official studio release, and perhaps the bands grandest release, a wide spectrum of faultless melodic hard rock saw their Japanese fans going wild over the band with huge huge sales in the far east. "Go!" has too many shit-hot tracks to talk about, but if I must then I would say that "Angels Of Heaven", "All On Your Own", "I'll Be There", "Without You","Sailing Home", and "The Love Song" remain my most played songs from the album. The nice thing about this re-issue is that most other labels would just release the album and that's it, but with this, Frontiers have had the good sense to add FOUR bonus tracks, making the album a whopping seventeen tracks in all.

The new material features a calmer, sexier version of the hit that never was "Without You", a karoke version of "Angels Of Heaven" which is mostly instrumental except for the chorus, and a new version of "Follow Your Heart" plus a brand spanking new song called "Light In The Dark", this is a huge symphonic ballad in the style of Uli Jon Roth's "Bridge To Heaven", now most Fair Warning fans haven't heard this Uli Jon Roth song, which features Tommy Heart singing his best ever vocal performance, I hope Frontiers take note of what I'm saying and if they reissue "Rainmaker" and the bands self titled debut, then they must try and feature this awesome song. never the less "Light In The Dark" is a fucking awesome song, I can imagine Ten doing a song like this.

This leads me onto the second of the re-issues, the bands live album "Live and More", it's such a treat to hear Tommy Heart in a live enviroment, I have some videos of him live, and the guy is just amazing, the way he can carry his voice has rarely been bettered by any of the hard rock bands from the 90's.

I like the cover art work on this one and the inside pictures are pretty cool, especially the one where the band are grinning like cheshire cats after receiving their platinum disc awards., this performance was recorded from their Japanese shows on the "Go!" tour, I wish I could have been there as the audience are going shit crazy over every song. You can really feel the sweat poring off Tom's head as he touches some really high notes that will leave you gasping I just hope that some day they will bring their magic over to the United Kingdom. "Live And More" is a two cd package with bonus tracks and different versions of "All
On Your Own" and "River Of Love", The brand new songs "Give In To Love" and "Come On", "Like A Rock", "Meant To Be" and "Out Of The Night" are all pure classy Fair Warning songs.

This is an essential album to buy, the best live album since Van Halen's "Live Right Here, Right Now".

Rating: 10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

There are times when all the progressive twists and turn, all the intricate harmonies, all the usual packaging has to be put aside for something visceral, primal, something stripped down to fighting weight with fangs sharpened; and when those times come, there is not an outfit better than Holy Mother.With a vocalist in Mike Tirelli who can out Halford Halford, with a rhythm section in Randy Coven (bass- he's been playing with Yngwie recently) and Jim Harris(from the Joerg Michael school of pound!) who could demolish a city centre, and a new guitarist in Jon Bivona, who's from the Priest school circa "Painkiller" albeit with more flair, we are dealing with quite simply, pound for pound, one of the purest metal bands out right now.

Yeah, no prefixes here, just titanium tensile metal, clean, mean, and in your face. Frankly the opening punch pattern of "Livin' on Luck", and the rampaging rhino of "Freakshow" sums them up far better than this scribble merchant can, whilst the dirty needle of the cynical "The Itch" launches itself , off the back of a mid-paced Priest riff, into your memory without as much as a by your leave!The title track is something that Megadeth have been looking to write for at least the last 3 albums, again being blessed with a strong hook, and a swaggering vocal from Tirelli(ex Burning Star), that stomps all over Mustaine and Hetfield in one swoop. Granted, over previous albums Holy Mother have been guilty of being a trifle relentless-fine by me to be honest-so, they introduce a bit of light and shade with the Kix/Cinderella gone metal ballad that is the excellent "Yesterday", and hint at Savatage territory with "Where their children play".

Again as with previous albums, the band cover a classic, this time showing Billy Idol how he should have handled "Rebel Yell", and giving new listeners a relatively gentle(I can't believe I used that term in relation to this band! Ho hum!)way in.Holy Mother have got all the bases covered-and then some! So, it always seems a little odd how they seem to slip through the
net in terms of attention. Don't let a great heavy metal band pass you by. This band truly will bang the head that will not bang!!!

Rating: 9,5/10 (Review by Andrew "None more metal" Paul)

Melodica is the new sensation from former Danger Danger/Bone Machine frontman Ted Poley. Also making a star appearance is Gerhard Pichler - an austrian guitarist/songwriter whom I have not heard of before, his style is pretty effective on each song, which compliments Poley's voice.

But it is Poley that is the star - and it's nice to hear him singing great melodic rock songs
once again, let's face it Bone Machine had their moments but lacked that little bit of kick
that Poley's dedicated fans wanted - Melodica is exactly the record that Poley's fans have been crying out for for years, huge slabs of melodic rock with lots of atmospheric keyboards. Melodica have their fare share of ballads - "Best Friend" is smooth with Poley on superb form whilst "Take Me Away" oozes class.

"Never Let You Go", "Playing With Fire" and "Forget About You" have a touch of Loverboy, FM, Bad English and Frederiksen/Phillips about them and are some of my
favorite songs on the record, Gerhard rips some sharp riffs on these tracks but even better
is "Long Way From Home" a song that will give multiple-orgasms to Poley's girly fans, this
is such a marvelous song, pure aor and melodic rock and the best song of the cd. Melodica is a finally crafted album, it's grows better and better with each listen and is possibly Poley's best performance since that classy debut Danger Danger record eleven years ago. I think that finally Ted Poley will be able to put the ghosts of Danger Danger to bed.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Originally issued in 1980, Shooting Star's debut album crahes open with the crunchy and catchy "You've Got What I Need",a song that sits close to JOURNEY (pre Escape) or SURVIVOR ,the rawness of the time gives this record it's appeal,this song would have bought down stadiums the world over,as it is very fist clenching song.

The next track "Don't Stop Now" continues this style, but all too soon the albums appeal starts to where very thin,and becomes quite cliched and tedious.The most noteworthy attraction of this album is the power of the guitars and drumming, which lean toward a very cool progressive sound mixed with a southernish sound a'la KANSAS.

My least favorite Shooting Star album, not a bad album,it's a good start to the bands career and shows that they know how to pen a good tune or two.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Listening back to this album I now realise how much of a success Shooting Star could have been,but for some reason this was never achieved,even though the band did get good promotion from their record company of the time EMI. This album showed prgogression in the bands the music and was up there with the like REO SPEEDWAGON , WHITESNAKE , SURVIVOR , FOREIGNER and BOSTON.

Tracks like "You're So Good" have pure rock and aor melodies,this song in particular is very catchy and features a great singlaong chorus,in the JOURNEY , KANSAS and FOREIGNER tradition. Other great songs on this album are the anthemish "Breakout",and the aor hard rock heaven "She's Got Money" with it's typical eighties chorus and boogie southern fried guitar playing. This is however a great song and no Shooting Star album is complete without it's throwaway ballads, on this album we have two, "Sweet Elatia" and "Hollywood".

Sweet Elatia" is a moody piano piece that for it's time is very very good, if this was recorded now with a plush production, I reckon this song would be a big hit, then again even in this original fomat it could still set a few doors on fire. The other ballad "Hollywood" is also a piece of pure eighties balladry in the style of Starz, listening to those big vocal harmonies and piano and violin experts. Yes it's great to see this album reissued on cd for the first time.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

When this was originally released in 1982 the review in Kerrang read "The songs come and go just like buses in the street".Whilst this fact is sometimes true it was a bit of a unnecessary dig at the band,as this album is a very commerical mix of hard rock and aor in the style of BOSTON , JOURNEY , SURVIVOR , WHITE SISTER , FRANKIE AND THE KNOCKOUTS and REO SPEEDWAGON, and what is nice about "III Wishes" is that it doesn't really sound dated at all.

"Are You Ready" is an out and out hard rocker,it's wierd but listening to this song in 1999 reminds me of SAMMY HAGAR crossed with JOURNEY. The guitars are shit hot,and the song is very catchy in the vein of Hagar's "There's Only One Way To Rock","Do You Feel Alright" should have set the american radios on fire with it's hit single potential chart fodder,"Turn It On" is also another good rocker with some AC/DC style riffing,"Let It Out" is a nice aor song with some pompy keyboards,this song is up their with Journey.

The album does feature quite a few ballads,"Whole Word's Watching" is one and sounds very beautiful,"Heartache" is another that is a passion filled monster,reminding me of JOURNEY'S "Happy To Give".This album works brilliantly and still stands up amogst most of todays standards.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This release was a slightly darker and heavier album,and like the debut it showed the band experiment with their progressive roots a'la STYX.

My favorite track this time around is "Winner",a speedy song with some solid guitar work and empicable vocals,this song reminds me of SURVIVOR , GIUFFRIA , ASIA and AUTOGRAPH, and it get quite heavy with lots of great melodies,hell at this rate guitarist, Van McLain should have been noted as one of the eighties pioneers. Other winners are the cover of "Reach Out I'll Be There", the keyboard driven "Train Roll On" and "Dreams" , and the short piano led ballad "Theme,this is a nice album,with plenty of nifty little tunes worth discovering.

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Finally in 1985 Shooting Star found themselves with a most impressive cd,which some still say is their best,and who's to argue with corking rock songs like "Heat Of The Night" a song which makes you think that you've heard it a thousand times,and you probably have as the chorus is very very irresistable and recogniseable,and a song that has probably been a blueprint for many of todays aor bands,this is a classic song without a doubt,also in the top song award run up is"I'm Getting Out" another song that resembles

JOURNEY , the ballad "Don't Walk Away" is in the style of BOSTON and FOREIGNER and has some lovely keyboard luxurioties to enjoy and some terrific soloing from guitarist Van McLain."Little By Little" opens up with some more racey keyboard sprinting Gary West's vocals chords simply drip in golden syrup,the tonsils on this singer take you into another world,this aor/pop at it's best and another highlight on "Silent Scream".

But it doesn't end there,no sit this album is a monster "Don't Stop Me Now" is a rich texture of FOREIGNER esquisite melodies and "Get Ready Boy" makes you want to bring out your old air guitar for a bit of fine tuning,this song is awesome,"Take It" has a marvelous hook that will simply slay you,other great songs are the SURVIORish "Summer Rain" and
the semi-ballad "Somewhere In Your Heart" which is a blinding combination of JOURNEY and SURVIVOR. "When You're Young" is also a great song,in fact this song will give you a sheer vast amount of excitment,when I was listening to this the only word that came to mind were "FUCK"!!

Yes "Silent Scream" should have proppeled Shooting Star into the same league as JOURNEY , FOREIGNER , NIGHTRANGER , REO SPEEDWAGON etc...The band went their seperate ways after this album,but they did pop again in 1991 with the awesome "It's Not Over" ,which has already been released on cd,and that's why you don't see a review of that album here.But "It's Not Over" is also a classy album,and on it's release Kerrang magazine awarded them a much deserved 5 star review,that year the only other aor band to achieve this in Kerrang was TALL STORIES and SIGNAL.So there you have it,i'm happy to report that Shooting Star are in the process of recording a new record,so hopefully i'll catch up with the guys later on in the year for an exclusive interview.Watch this space,and make sure you don't miss out on these reissues.

Check out the website of V&R RECORDS at: http://www.homegrownbuzz.com and e-mail them at: info@vandr.com

Rating: 10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)