I gotta tell you I'm really not a fan of a kind of compilation release with musicians and vocalist being different on each track. I feel I was thrown back to when K-Tel Records were in business but I'm also not saying that AOR "The Color Of L.A." doesn't have some quality players. One of my favorites as a matter of fact being Philip Bardowell and the list goes on after that with the likes of Tommy Denander and Steve Lukather. Also some of the tracks were on past AOR releases and re-recorded which for me is just a waste, why not just include new songs? Anyway let's get to it, the opening track "Jenny at Midnight" is sung by Joe Pasquale. Joe does a phenomenal job that makes a smooth approach to a disc that I wasn't in favor of. The song is one of those tunes you would listen to over and over again. The soaring guitar work and melodic overtones really hit a high note. Loved the track!
Jerry Hludzik (DAKOTA) captures another worthy tune with "Benedict Canyon" and what I really liked about the tune is the collaboration between the keys and Jerry's vocals, which made a huge impact.
Track three "Kimberly" is sung by Steve Newman and it has a style of Paul Sabu with heavier vocals but I feel the guitar work on the song could have been a bit cleaner, all in all not a bad song.
You know you hit the home run ball when you start a song with heavy keys, thunderous drums and soaring guitar and then add an angelic voice of Joey Summer on "Under Your Spell". So far AOR "The Color Of L.A. " is making me eat my words about not liking a certain kind of compilation CD.
One of my personal favorites Philip Bardowell handles some vocals on three tracks "Kimberly", "Just One Kiss on Your Heart" and "You're My Obsession" all three tracks are amazing. Phillip has that same aura that John Waite possesses and he can turn dust into gold, my favorite of the three tracks are all three! The guitar work on "You're My Obsession" also bellows greatness making this my favorite of the three by a hair.
Rick Riso kicks the disc into high gear with "Halo of Light" as the music sounds a bit in the mold of JEFFERSON STARSHIP's "Jane" just slightly. It has that sound of the vintage days when music had some depth.
The last two tracks "Grace" and "Never Gonna Let Her Go" are both instrumentals. I was more partial towards "Grace" because I love the keyboards as they were highlighted on the track.
AOR "The Color Of L.A." has some very special songs and many enjoyable to listen to over and over again. Melodic rock fans will love this so pick this one up. |