TOMMY SHAW-Ambition

Tommy Shaw's 3rd solo cd, Ambition, is my favorite from him. The songs have more punch to them, and the production is a big plus for this cd. You get a little bit of it all here, from Shaw, and it was right after this cd that he started talking Styx reunion, before signing on with Damn Yankees.

The cd starts out with a rocker, No Such Thing, and from the first note it is obvious that Shaw is back on track. The cd continues on with two very good mid tempo songs, Dangerous Game and Weight Of The World. The guitar work on both songs really shine through.

The title track, Ambition, is the weak song of the cd. Tommy seems to be over extending himself vocally on this song. And I do not care for the fade out on the song, seems like there is still more story to be told.

Ever Since The World Began, is a slowed down ballad like song, culled form a Survivor cd. Tommy handles the vocals very good, and I actually like this version better than Survivors.

Are You Ready For Me is good mid tempo rocker, would have a better choice to start the cd with. And Yes we are ready, for this cd, the first good solo cd.

Somewhere In The Night is my favorite song on the cd, love the desperation in the voice and the playing, fit perfect the what the song is trying to get across.

Love You Too Much, could easily have been on Paradise Theater by Styx. The song has an excited happiness to it. Some pretty good keyboard work in it too.

The Outsider is another favorite of mine. It is a nice little rocker about a boy on the outside, and all the trouble he has been through in his life. And who at some time hasn't felt that way, an outsider.

Lay Them Down, has some awesome guitar work in it, and a great closer to a very good cd.

Grade B+