Night Ranger

Dawn Patrol-1982 (C)

Night Ranger's first cd, and one of my least liked cd by the band. Everything is here that is in the following cds, two guitars, two singers, and songs about young love and life. But for some reason it just doesn't come together yet. Don't Tell Me You Love Me was there only top 40 hit from this cd, and is the best song on it. Sing Me Away, Call My Name, Eddie's Coming Out Tonight and Young Girl In Love are all worthy mentions. But rest of the cd is just flat.


Midnight Madness-1983 (A-)

My second favorite Night Ranger cd. All my favorite hits too, Sister Christian, (You Can Still) Rock In America, Rumors In The Air, When You Close Your Eyes, and Let Him Run. plus rest of the songs are all good, with Touch Of Madness being one kick butt rocker. All the songs are done with a passion and the power of youth. Plus with a song titled like Rock In America, you would expect pure cheesey song, but the song rocks without the cornyness you would expect.

7 Wishes-1985 (A)

Never have understood the title name to this cd, it is only the 3rd, and the song and cd could have been 3 wishes, couldn't see any rhyming concerns to change to 7. On top of that aren't most wishes in groups of 3? oh well. This is my favorite cd by the band. While Jack maybe the main song writer of the band, it is Kelly that brings power to this cd. Vocally he rips through the songs with such intensity and passion. Faces and I Need A Woman are prime examples of this. Sentimental Street is the best song on the cd, again great vocals from Kelly. Interstate Love Affair is the best rocker on the cd, with Jack's This Boy Needs To Rock a close second. Goodbye puts a perfect ending on the cd, some great guitar work on the solo of this song and through out the cd.

Big Life-1987 (B+)

First thing I noticed when I originally put the cd on was the upgrade in production on the cd (but since they all have been remastered and tinkered with over the years, they all sound better) The title track to the cd is a great rock song, with some great vocals from Jack. Big Life the song, is one of my top 5 favorite songs by the band. The Secret Of My Success is another great song from the cd, with some of the best keyboard work (if not the best) by the Alan of the band. Jack and Kelly trade off vocals though out the song, which is nothing new for them, but it just adds to the over all effect of this song. But other than those two songs, there is nothing that really grabs you. The cd is good, no bad songs on the cd, but musically it is lacking. Rain Comes Crashing Down and Hearts Away are to other above average songs on this cd.


Man In Motion-1988 (D+)

Why is the man in motion? Why is he walking on a hill? Why is the sun setting on him? Is he late? What is he late too? I don't know the answer to the questions, but I do know that this is my least favorite cd by the band. Production bites the big one on this cd. The playing comes across uninspired. Even when the rock out on a song it is like going thru the motions. So maybe the man in motion is the band going thru the motions? Or is it because the production is so bad the songs seem lame? The first 3 songs seem like good songs, Man In Motion, Reason To Be, and Don't Start Thinking (I'm Alone Tonight) but they are lifeless. Rest of the cd, just about aw full. Shame too Jack and the band had a good run up to this cd. So maybe the sun that is setting on the man in motion, is the the sun or the big life setting on the band.

Greatest Hits-1989 (A)

A good hits cd for the band, does nice work of covering all the radio top 100. There is something from all the cds released up to this time. Just wished that could have added some AOR or MSR hits form the cds to this package. But it does show what made the band big, and its wasn't the hair. it was good solid song writing, to good singers with Jack and Kelly and great keyboardist with Alan and two very good guitarist with Jeff and Brad.

Live in Japan-1990 (B+)

The cd was recorded just before the band broke up on the Man In Motion tour. Never saw the tour, but the cd they were supporting at the time was awful. But thankfully this concert from that tour was good. It is so good it actually breaths new life into the hits and even it the songs from Man In Motion. Man In Motion, Don't Start Thinking, Reason To Be and Halfway To The Sun actually sound good and worthy to be on a cd with the rest of Night Rangers songs. Like I said above, the production on Man was bad so maybe that is what hurt the songs. Anyway the cd sounds great for a live cd (don't know how much post-production work was done). Let Him Run, Goodbye, and Reason To Be make for outstanding music as the songs are back to back with some great acoustics.

Feeding Off The Mojo-1995 (B-)

There are a few things different about this cd,

1) Jack Blades is gone in Damn Yankees, and the band is down from a 5 man unit to a 3 man unit

2) Since Jack was the main song writer the band credits the songs being written by Night Ranger plus what ever outside help.

3) The band brings in outside song writers, not to just help with the songs, but to write songs for them.

4) the band actually sing other artist's songs. Case in point they do a good cover to Peter Frampton's Do You Feel Like I Do and the Beatles' Tomorrow Never Knows.

With these changes, which were needed after the bad Man In Motion cd, the bad pulls off a good comeback. With Jack off in Damn Yankees, instead of sitting idle the band moved ahead. There are surprisingly some good songs on the cd. Mojo, Last Chance, Precious Time, The Night Has A Way, plus to two remakes above. But rest of the cd misses the mark and ends up pulling the overall quality down. But this new line up first and only cd was good enough I would have bought another outing by them.

Neverland-1997 (A-)

Jack Blades returns along with the rest band on a very solid cd. The lead off song was not I was expecteing, but Forever All Over Again is a masterpiece when it comes to Night Ranger ballads. The title track Neverland cranks the rock up the cd. Jack plays a mean bass line through it. As Always I Remain has Kelly singing a mid tempo rocker. Kelly's vocals are as strong as ever. The chours really makes the song. Someday I Will another mid tempo song that really shows the band in top notch. My Elusive Mind is another rocker, showing signs of youth still in the music, but mixed with a little more maturity than before. That is something that the whole cd has shown, signs of growth in the writing and playing. New York Time starts out good, but lags a little before an awesome guitar solo. I Don't Call This Love, Anything For You are two great songs that close out a remarkable comeback by the band. Really Sunday Morning is the only song I don't like on this cd. The slow parts of the song are painful to listen to, but once it picks up, it improves.

Seven-1998 (B)

A good solid cd from the band, but nothing really stands out other than Sign Of The Times, Don't Ask Me Why, and Soul Survivor. It is worthy of other Night Ranger cds and has all the classic elements, except for the big production. The production is good, but lean, I guess it was a sign of the times for that era.

Rock In Japan; Greatest Hits Live-1999 (B+)

Another good live cd from the band, good production all the hits, plus some good selections off the then new cd Neverland. You like live cds (like I do), this worth pickin up.

Hits, Acoustic & Rarities-2005 (A-)

This is not just another hits package, yeah the hits are here, but they have been rerecorded. Sister Christain he has a rerecord and acoustic version, both of which are swesome. Don't Tell Me You Love Me is live and rerecorded. Only complaint, nothing from Big Life like the Secret Of My Success, or fropm Man In Motion, which could have used the updates production (better).

A very good cd.

Hole In The Sun-2007 (B+)


This is Night Ranger's hardest rockin cd and one a lot of fun to crank up and listen to. The opening track Tell Your Vision kicks the cd into gear, and it just keeps rolling along song after song. Not to say their aren't some slower songs, Their Is Life and Fool In Me are two songs of the better. Songs that really stand out on the cd are the ones already mentioned plus, Rock Star, What Ever Happened, and Being. No complaints from me on the production, band sounds good with some much needed life brought back to the music. A great return.

Styx-

Crystal Ball-1976 (C-)



Crystal Ball, the title track off of Tommy Shaw's debut with Styx. The title track is a classic. But the rest of the CD doesn't hold up as near as well. Put Me On, is an interesting rocker, sung by JY, and a good song to start the CD off with. Mademoiselle has good harmony with a good guitar lick played through it. Jennifer and This Old Man by DeYoung are nowhere near his best work. The former has some interesting sound effects in the song, but nothing that helps the song out. While Jennifer is almost unlistenable . Tommy's other song, Shooz, tries to rock hard. but to me it is stale. For the most part this whole CD is pretty stale. Who would know,that this would be the superstar line, by listening to this CD?


The Grand Illusion-1977 (A+)


This is it, the greatest Styx cd, and one of the best cds in rock history. Not a bad or weak song on this disk. And it shows Styx at their best, as a group, and this is a group effort, from the opening title track, to the last. The first track, The Grand Illusion, is a heavy metal anthem on the illusions of life, for the rich or poor, the common man or the superstar. Come Sail Away, is the best track, about looking back on life, about your dreams. This is my favorite song period!! As it slowly builds from its piano opening, to its rocking ending, this song as you singing along with. Dennis also has two other songs on this disk, the mystical, and haunting Castle Walls (love the keyboard work in the middle of the song, have it for one of my ring tones), and the Grand Finale, which brings this great CD to a close. Tommy, also has some his best work, Man in the Wilderness, has a great guitar solo in the middle, and Fooling Yourself, with acoustic guitar and keyboards, makes for an interesting get up off your butt and sing along song. Superstar, is the only song that really doesn't hold up to rest, but it's still good. JY's one song, the rocking Miss America, is his best work, and the song that he is best know for. Blazing guitars, a sea of keyboards, and a wall of harmonies, all hidden behind lyrics about life, this makes for a awesome concept album. The songs, all fantastic, listened to by their selves, or on the radio, cannot do the album the justice, of sitting down and cranking it up, from start to finish. MY Favorite CD by Styx or anyone....


Pieces Of Eight-1978 (A-)


Pieces of Eight, is the hard rocking follow up to their 1977 heavy metal, prog rock cd, The Grand Illusion. And what a follow up it is. Like their previous cd, their is not a bad song on this outing. Most bands, now a days,would crack under the pressure, of having to record a follow up, to a highly successful cd. Plus the pressure of doing this in just over a year of their last release. Pieces starts off rockin, with The Great White Hope, a song written and sung by JY. This song deals with the success that the band was going thru, and how one minute your on top of the world, and the pressure you are under to stay on top. I'm Okay, is a brilliant song by Dennis, with a great organ solo in the middle, love the way the song starts too. But every one of us at one time or another has felt the way this song is singing about, am I really different, is it okay to be this way? Sing For the Day, a Tommy Shaw song, is very good and is one of four songs of his on this cd. Even though this cd is named after a Dennis song, Tommy is the hero on this outing, this is some of his best work, with Renegade, and Blue Collar Man, being two his greatest songs. Aku-Aku, is the ending song, and the weakest on this set. Queen of Spades, is a rocker, with a good beat. The title track is a haunting number, with a good piano part. The Message a keyboard instrumental, leads into the Lord of the Rings. JY handles vocals on Lords, this is a good song, with good guitar work in it, but JY's vocals are little too nasal in it. A great cd, from a great band, and one their last albums that seemed like a group effort, instead of individual efforts.


Cornerstone-1979 (A-)




A new CD, and a new direction, for STYX. Not only did this CD contain the #1 smash Babe, but it contained, some of the finest writing to date for the group. Borrowed Time, and Lights, were both co-written by Dennis and Tommy. And both are good songs, with the first having a great opening, but the lyrics, are a little dated today, (talking about here comes the 90's). Babe is the ultimate power ballad, before the term power ballad game into being. This song changed STYX and their musical direction. The First Time, another slow song, contains stringed instruments, and I'm not talking guitars. Why Me, a song dealing with, why does everything go wrong with me. It is also one of the first, if not the first Styx song to feature horns for the band. Yes, a new direction. Boat on the River, by Tommy, is simply beautiful, a peaceful song, that, if you close you eyes, you can imagine, that you are on a river bank, on a spring night ( I know that sounds corny, but hey..) Eddie, is your typical JY rocker, this seems to be the typical type of song for JY on each CD, and it getting a little old... Eddie rocks, but never really goes anywhere. Never Say Never Again, a mid tempo song, is the weak song on this outing. Love in the Midnight, with it's three part harmonies, and rockin interlude, brings this disk to a close.This CD is good, very good, but, it's the beginning of the end for STYX. Even though it has two songs co-written by Dennis and Tommy, it seems to be a Dennis CD, which there is nothing wrong with that, but STYX is a group. And has a group, it needs to be a group effort, or each member needs to take turns, being in charge of the direction of the album. Dennis was in charge of this disk, and the next two, Paradise, and Kilroy. Personally, Dennis, in my opinion, was the mastermind behind most of the hits, and is a brilliant keyboardist, an outstanding vocalist, and an underrated songwriter. But, STYX is a group, and Tommy and JY are excellent singers and songwriters too. I hope Tommy remembers this has STYX heads into the future with its new line up. But for this year that this CD was released, STYX was on top of he world, with their third straight smash CD.


Best Of Styx 1971 to 1975 -1980 (B)


When this album was released in 79, the line up that appeared on it had already changed. John C. had been replaced with Tommy. Plus the group was well on their way to superstar status by then. So wooden nickel released a best of record, from the four albums that STYX had recorded with them, before changing over to A&M records. This album contains the top ten hit Lady, and that's the only hit that is on this release. But that should not rule it out as a good cd, since it does a good job picking the better songs from that era of the band. Witch wolf, Man of Miracles, Southern Woman, Rock and Roll Feeling, and Lady are some of the songs on the cd. As a eleven track CD, it could have included a few more songs, but back when this was released, there were no Cd's, and album space was limited. So some better songs, by JY were left off, like Young Man. And not even represented, are JC's songs like A Day, The Serpent is Rising, or As Bad as This. But, this a good CD to start you the Wood Nickel years with.



Paradise Theater-1980 (A)

Paradise Theater is a work of art, a labor of love, from vocalist, keyboardist, Dennis Deyoung. From the opening piano note, of A.D. 1928, to the closing note of A.D. 1958, Paradise will hold you in awe. Not since the Grand Illusion, has STYX made an album this good. It all starts with A.D. 1928, which goes into Rockin the Paradise, and that is what this CD does, ROCKS. It's not the heavy metal / prog rock, of Grand Illusion, or the hard rock of Pieces of Eight, but it comes over strong, even on the slow songs. With the fist pumping anthems of Rockin the Paradise, a song about America needing to stand up and be counted, to Half Penny; Two Penny, which deals with the decay of the American dream. The Best of Times, and the disco-rock flavored Too Much Time on my Hands, have sing-a-long choruses, that has you humming along with them all day. Snowblind, is a rock radio classic, written by Dennis and JY, and sung by JY and Tommy. This song deals with substance drug abuse, and JY's singing on the beginning of it, is very haunting. The song was also accused of having backward satanic messages on it. My question who sits and plays a record backwards anyway. The lesser known songs on this disk, Nothing Ever Goes as Planned, and She Cares, are both very good, and deserve repeated listening, as does this whole CD. This is the last "true" Styx classic, with the line up of Dennis, Tommy, JY, John, and Chuck. There would be other STYX Cd's with this line-up, and different line-ups, but no other CD this great, has come out since.


Kilroy Was Here -1983 (B)





I remember buying this cd the day it came out, I don't remember making it past Mr. Roboto, the first day. The next day at high school, I was singing the song, all day, to anyone who would, or wouldn't listen. Later, I played the rest of the CD. I thought it was good, very good. Now as I listen to the cd, Kilroy, I find that it really doesn't really stand up to the test of time, or even other Styx Cd's. Mr Roboto, is still awesome, but its one of those songs that you crank up at home, but in public, you turn it down, and hope that no one hears you, but thanks to the Volkswagen commercial, a few years back, its now hip again to crank this song up in public. Don't Let End, is you typical Dennis Deyoung song, your typical good Dennis Deyoung song. The sing along chorus, and catchy beat of this song will, having you singing it all day. Cold War, suffers alot over time, seems very dated now, but the keyboard work in this song is very good. And the live version, of this song (see Caught in the Act video), really rocks. Tommy's other two songs , Haven't We Been Here Before, and Just Get Thru This Night, are both very good, with the latter, being very textured, a very pleasing song to listen, and relax to. Dennis' other song, High Time, is not a good song, its tied into the Kilroy concept, and that seems to bring it down. Even though Dennis ties a good beat to this song, it wobbles as bad as a Roboto. JY's two songs, are Double Life, and Heavy Metal Poisoning. Double Life, is a good song, and a little on the slow side for JY, one of the things that makes it an even better song. Heavy Metal Poisoning, is the most disappointing song on the CD. Just the name of the song promises, a get down, head banging, in your face song, but .... it's a song from the point of view of, Dr Righteous, the "bad guy" of the concept CD. So instead of this great hand pumping get down song, we get this slowed down song that sags under its own overblown weight. And JY's singing on it, is boring beyond tears. But I have to say JY does a great job of tying the song it with the Kilroy concept. The CD closes with Don't Let it End (reprise), a waste of space, it's an attempt to bring the concept to a close. It tries to tie a couple songs together, like the Grand Finale did for the Grand Illusion, but it never gets off the ground. If you don't take this CD serious,for the concept it is suppose to be, and you just sit back and listen to it, you'll find some good songs. But what this CD really needs is rocking song or two added to it..


Caught In The Act-1984 (B-)

Caught in the Act came out in 1984, just after the breakup of STYX. At the time it was the only live cd by the group. The disk is 14 songs, one of them is a new studio track, Music Time. Music Time is a fun light hearted song, not to be taken too seriously, and not to be mistaken as a good Styx song. It's not one of their best by far, but not near their worst. The live songs, are a mixed treat. Some songs come across flat, and boring, Babe, and Don't Let it End, Mr Roboto, all very good studio songs, are missing something on the live tracks, Fooling Yourself, tries very hard to rock, and almost does, but it misses the mark. Crystal Ball, seems uninspired. The Best of Times, holds its own, as does Come Sail Away. Blue Collar Man, Snowblind, And Rockin the Paradise, do just that Rock. Too Much Time on My Hands, is a pleasant surprise, no longer does it sound like a rocked up disco song, but a good rock and roller, with more guitar, and a more lively beat, plus the song ends better. But the true star of this cd is JY's Miss America. This song kicks some serious [...]. On the studio version, it's a great song, on a great cd, The Grand Illusion. On this cd, it sticks out, above and beyond the rest. As far as this cd goes, compared to their other live cds, it's the weak one. But still it's good.
Oh, I did I mention no Lady or Renegade on the cd!!!


CLASSICS-1987 (A-)







Classics came out in 1987 and as all the basic hit Styx songs. Missing is Lady (recorded on a different label)







Edge Of The Century-1990 (B)

Glen Burtnik, steps into Tommy Shaw's place on this cd. And does a fine job, better than Tommy did on his first Styx cd, Crystal Ball. From the opening track, Love is the Ritual, you know that STYX is in capable hands with Glen. Two of his other songs, Edge of the Century , and World Tonite, are both great rockers, but he misses the mark, with the ballad, All in a Days Work. Dennis, is still Dennis, turning out slow songs, like the moving Show Me the Way, Carrie-Ann, and Love at First Sight. Good instrumental on Back to Chicago, and a good song, but it doesn't feel like a STYX song, more like one of his solo songs. And the rocker Not Dead Yet, shows that Dennis can still sing a rock song, even if he doesn't write them any more. JY's one song is Homewrecker, a standard JY song, good keyboard playing in it, but it still feels like songs by the numbers. Over all not a bad start, for the new line up. Glen proved he could write for STYX, and after seeing him in concert with STYX, that he could sing Tommy's songs. The group proved they were not dead yet.


Greatest Hits, import,-1992 (A)


Good selection over CLASSICS above and more up to date. Includes songs from Classics and from Edge of the Century which wasn't out, when Classics was released. Love is the Ritual a song by Glen Burtnick is a nice welcome, since this is the only hits cd it is on, or that Glen sings lead on period. Since this is an Import Lady is included, but mastering is off and you have to turn the volume up on the song to make it as loud as the others. Another minus, Babe, Blue Collar MAn,Mr. Roboto are edited to make all the songs fit on one cd.


Greatest Hits- 1995 (A)





Greatest Hits 1995 included all the songs from Classics, minus Light Up, Added instead is Lorelei. Plus a newly recorded Lady, with Tommy Shaw playing on the song. This is the best of the hits cds




Greatest Hits part 2-1996 (A-)





Has all the other hits not on the above cds. These songs didn't really score on the charts, but did get radio airplay and are concert favorites. Plus two new songs, "It Takes Love" and "Little Suzie" Both are Glen Burtnick songs and both are pretty good. Suzie is a good rocker with Tommy singing lead . On Love Dennis has lead and the song has a snappy beat to it. Both songs while good do not quite hold up to the classic Styx songs.

The Best Of Times; The Best Of Styx-1997 (A)



The Best of Times; The Best of Styx 1997 is an import that combines the songs off of the 95 and 96 cds, plus the new songs. The only bad point is that it is one cd, so a lot of the songs are not on here, that were hits in America. It takes the hits from across the seas.








Return To Paradise-1997 (B+)

RETURN TO PARADISE, features three new studio recordings, plus two classic songs sung live, that were not on CAUGHT..., Renegade, and Lady. For the most part, the songs are equal to, the original studio versions, and way better than their last live versions. The only song that comes up short on this outing, when compared to its last live recording, is Miss America. It's a good recording on this disk, but on CAUGHT, it is awesome. Grand Illusion, is the big winner on this disk, the way they have reworked the song is great, it was a rocker before, but now it blows the original one away. Snowblind, and Too Much Time on My Hands, which were good last time, still rock. Dennis also does better on this CD, his song Babe, which was stale last time, comes across fresh. Crystal Ball which last time, was uninspired, now seems to be robust. Suite Madame Blue, Lady, Regenade, Rocking the Paradise, Blue Collar Man, Fooling Yourself, Come Sail Away, all rock, equal too or better than the original. Lorelei even comes on stronger. Show Me the Way, Best of Times, and Boat on the River, are good but are the weakest of the set. The new songs are good, but don't rank up there with the STYX classics. Paradise, is another Dennis ballad. Tommy's On My Way, is a rocker that could easily been on Cornerstone, or one of their Cd's from that time. Dear John, is a moving tribute to their drummer John Panozzo, who died a year earlier.RETURN TO PARADISE, is better than CAUGHT IN THE ACT, and the following live cds released up to 2001. So start here, for a great live CD.


Lady -1998 (C-)





This is the Best of Styx 1971 to 1975 minus one song. And also the tracking is off stops one song in the middle and starts another.






Brave New World-1999 (C)



When the word was out that STYX was recording a new CD, I was ready. My favorite rock group, was back, after recording some new songs on two greatest hits cds, and a live CD. But upon hearing it I was disappointed. What we got was a STYX cd without Dennis, and we got a Dennis solo CD. Both good, in their own right, but both a MAJOR let down, when put together. As a STYX CD, it rocks, really rocks. JY and Tommy both put out some good songs on this CD. Where Dennis is I don't know. He isn't heard on background vocals, and his keyboards are almost non-existent. I Will be Your Witness, sounds like a classic STYX song. Brave New World, also, could belong on any 70's STYX CD. Everything is Cool, is the best STYX song on this CD, this is the song that should have started the CD off. Heavy Water is one of STYX' hardest rockin songs in years. JY also does good on What Have They Done to You. Number One tries hard to rock, but falls short. And on the STYX part of the CD, Just Fell In, should have JUST BEEN LEFT OFF, it's the worst song on the CD, sounds like Tommy, doing CHEAP TRICK, doing Elvis. On the Dennis solo part, his songs sound like they could have come off any of his 80 cds (DESSERT MOON, BACK TO THE WORLD, and BOOMCHILD). All three good to great cds. Goodbye Roseland, is his best song in many years, it's a touching and moving song. High Crimes and Misdemeanors, is a jab at both government officials, and rappers. While There's Still Time, is good, but a standard Dennis ballad, and you can hear Tommy in the vocals, just enough to let you know, that this is a STYX CD and not a solo. Fallen Angels, is a look at being in the lime light, and that we shouldn't look to "stars" to be a guide in our lives. Great Expectations, is a clunker, even though the message is good. All songs on the Dennis part are ballads, or slow tempo songs, sure wish Dennis would rock again. Another thing that hurt was the order of the songs. Not having the same producer for the two different parts didn't help either. Must say I like Dennis's production better. But lean toward the STYX part more. Over all a very very disappointing Styx cd!!!!

Hugo

Hugo is as close as to being a twin bother of Steve Perry by looks as he is by sounding like the man. At first glance you would think you are seeing Steve Perry in his prime, right off of the Escape era. And at first listen one would think that also. But there is something about Hugo, that at times his voice sounds weaker than Perry's and has a hollow ring to it. This could be from production, because not all the cds are quite that way, but the thinness is there. On his second solo cd Time On Earth from 2000 his vocals are so frail and back in the production, that it is hard to understand what he is singing. At times the songs are what Perry could be writng, but they seem to "lacking" a soul or heart to them at times too. Again could be from production or from lack of a good writng partner to bring some new ideas, cause at times the songs are so close to greatness.......!


Valentine - 1991 (B+)

A great start. The band came out burning. Production at times sound very 80's to me, which tends to take away from the music at times. And the production tends to make more than just Hugo's voice seem hollow. His voice while sounding good, seems like it could break if to much strain was put on it. And while the music sounds hollow, it is crisp and clear, but it seems to have no depth. But enough of that.

Runnin Out Of Luck Again starts the cd off good, a really cool opening leaves you wondering what this cd will sound like. But it soon kicks in to a good rocking tune. No Way keeps the fire burning, but lack of depth and bass really pulls the reigns back on this song. Tears In The Night really screams Journey, and Hugo shines on this song, showing the promise of what he has to offer. Too Much Is Never Enough is a updated Anyway You Want It, with a twist to it . Never Said It Was Gonna Be Easy is my favorite song on the cd. Hugo really shines on the slower songs. The cd has some other good songs like Once In A Life Time & You'll Always Have Me. Of course there are a couple of songs I do not like, Naughty Girl and We Run. Rest of the cd is pretty standard rock music for that time frame. I think the band over all was good, just production held them back.

Open Skyz -1993 (B-)

This to me really is the second valentine cd. They changed the name because their guitarist (I believe) left the group, otherwise this is rest of Valentine, or so I have been told. Hugo again shows some amazing vocals, but for me it is the songs this time around, that really don't make the cut. None Of It Matters is a good song with some interesting keyboard work at the end of the song. Nothing With Out You is another nice song, with Hugo sounding very "Perry like". The song as I said is nice, but seems to be missing a hook to it. The same can be said for the song following that one too, Golden Years. Open Skies kind of get things back on track, with a very intresting 60's opening, but it holds my interest. The Answer is a very vocally powerful song, that Hugo nails against an acoustic background, WOW!!! The band finally shows some life on Everyday Of My Life. The song really rocks and Hugo pulls off a very muscular vocal on it, shame the background vocals on the chorus distracts from the song. Pickin Up The Pieces Again show some limit on the height of Hugo's voice, still it is another great job. Hugo and the band even take on Supertramp's Give A Little Bit, which is the best song on the cd. Which kind of brings home what I said earlier, that Hugo needs a good song writer to be with him, he can write, but at times he lacks a musical punch. Candy From Strangers is another strong showing from the band with a good vocal, but the song lacks something to grab your attention. Take Me There closes the cd out, but after two other really good slower songs on the cd, this almost feels like been there done that. I am not taking away from a good song here, but the other two fill two close to this one. Have to give it to Hugo he nails it, and the slower ones seem to fit him even better. Production is better this time around too. But this time the songs seem to be lacking.

Hugo-1998 (A)

This is what the Journey reunion Trail By Fire cd should have been like. Hugo like either Storm cd, did Journey better than Journey did at the time. This is my favorite Hugo cd. The production on this cd is crisp and clean and packs a punch. The songs are all good, no, make that great. The band members play with a purpose, and axeman Vinny Burns plays a slick guitar putting a fire in the songs. And Hugo has never sounded better. If Hugo intended for this to sound so much like Journey, or if he is just doing Hugo, I do not know, but it sounds good.
The cd starts off with a bang with the intro/We Will Find A Way. This was the very first song I ever heard Hugo sing, and I have been hooked ever since. On the first two cds above Hugo really shined on the slower songs, but here he shows he is in complete control. Love the ending of the song, the echo effect drives home the production values of the cd. Walk Away carries a good beat thru the song and the chorus has you singing along. Slow keys and another great chorus has So Many Tears A Go screaming for repeated listens. And the songs pulls a Journey on you with the high vocal note with matching guitar solo, reminds of Steve and Neal in the glory days. Crazy hooks with the vocals and the chorus and keeps you humming along.

The cd seem to have a natural flow from song to song that keeps you listening. All That You Wanted is a slow burner of a song, the song stays in check but seems like it could bust open at any moment. All The People You Love has a good guitar lick and a rougher sounding Hugo matching the edge on the song. If Your Ever Lonely has a familiar sound to it, at times I could swear I have heard it somewhere before, but then it changes directions so slightly, just to be different. Desire (is that Neal playing?!?) again another song with a scorching guitar part, but even with that, it is my least liked song on the cd. Vocally, the chorus fails to deliver. But still a song that is worthy to be in with the rest of the songs on this cd. Standing Alone is a rocker, with a good vocal. The cd closes with the best vocal track on the cd, A Tear In LA. Listening to the song it seems like it could have been a follow up to Faithfully, with the mood, playing and wording of the song. Wow a great song and cd.

This cd could have easily been a natural follow up to Raised On Radio.

Time On Earth-2000 (C-)

From the start of the first note, the cd had a false hope to it. Can't Stop Loving You had an old familiar sound to the music, but that is were it ends. The keyboards sound distant and faint. Hugo starts singing and he sounds hollow. the chorus kicks in and it comes across the outer edges of the sound spectrum giving it a distant light touch when it should pick up the song, it distracts from it. Not a good start. One saving grace for this song is the guitar, it is clean and clear. Tell It To My Heart has a good chorus, and an ok build up to it. And Hugo pulls off some good vocals on it, especially at the end of the song, holding the note over the guitar. But this is one of the few bright spots on this cd. Last One More Time could have been a vocal triumph for Hugo, but the vocals seemed slurred and the high notes unnecessary. He seems to be worried about trying to be Steve Perry, and the song shows his short comings on it. Passionate vocals isn't always about going high as you can. Anyone In Love sounds beautiful, but comes across as a very boring song. Fine shows some fire to it, something this cd is very lacking in, but at times Hugo vocals on this song are almost grating. The tone of this whole cd is bland. Blues For You, is one of the two really standout songs on this cd. Hugo sings with a passion that seems to be missing for most of this cd. The playing by the band also shows a deep burning fire. If rest of the cd could have been like this...IF!!! This Love Song, I Will Be Waiting, and Our Love Will Be There are just plain boring. Every time I listen to these songs, I can not help but think what a waste of talent. The other outstanding song on this cd is Triumph's Magic Power, Hugo delivery and vocal power is great, the band shows life too. The cd closes with what could have been another great song, I like the song, I just don't like the production on this song. Heck, I don't like the production on the whole cd to be honest. Poor material, poor production, lifeless singing and playing. Only 3, maybe 4 songs I listen to on the whole cd. Shame, because Hugo is talented.

Fire In The Night-2004 (B)

A big improvement over the the last cd. Better writing, singing, playing, and a lot better production. The cd starts with a barn burner with Hand In Hand. This song belongs in a handbook on how to right songs that sound like Journey. It is very good. Fire In The Night, is another good rocker, with a strong beat to it.

I'll Learn To Live Without You is a nice mid tempo song, that sounds like a leftover from Raised On Radio by Journey (which is not a bad thing). The acoustic Just So You Know is probably my favorite song on this cd. Hugo sounds awesome. Hugo as good interaction with his guitarist on (Don't Wanna) Say Goodbye Tonight, it is good to see a little bit of dueling going on with them. Just To Be With You Tonight, another slow song that Hugo pulls off well, no surprise there. While Here I Am suffers a little from a really lack of build up from the band. This song could have been through the roof if the band had been kicked a few notches.

I really dislike the opening vocal on Every Time You Walk Away. Rest of the song just never recovers. It's The Love while a good song also lacks from really strong playing, or a deeper sounding bass. And Hold Me the closing song tries to show some punch, but by the time it delivers, I have already lost interest in the song.

Over all a strong cd from Hugo.

Hugo's Evolution Live 2006

So does Hugo sound like Steve Perry? Here is a download of his band Evolution. Evolution is a Journey Tribute band. This show has 10 live songs recorded at the Canal Ball Room. 10 tracks and front cover in the download. So could Hugo have pulled off being Journey's new singer?

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QQJS8JVJ

Soul Salvation-2008 (B+)

Wow what a return, Soul Salvation is a great cd!!! The tile track is one of Hugo's best!!! Hugo sounds great and the band is just as good if not better than they were on the first Valentine cd. The music seems inspired and the production is top notch. Dream On The Way starts the cd off on the right foot with a nice tempo song that is great all the way thru. The vocal ending of the song is great. Pickin' Up The Pieces, another mid tempo song with Hugo and the band playing with a fire that begs to be noticed. I usually hate songs named Love Song, but this Love Song, stings with passion. The guitar solo is one of the best on any Hugo cd. Hugo glides thru the vocal on the song, the high notes are clean and full of power. With the way One More Chance starts out with the urgent guitar and beat, I was really expecting a faster paced song, but the band keeps it under control, which just servers Hugo's vocals better. The song seems like it could explode at anytime, but it never does, which just adds to the heat of the song. Hugo as always shined on the slower song, and the slower the song the more like Perry he sounds. With Pages, Hugo should have been in full Perry mode, but that is not the case. Pages is the weakest song to this point on the cd, it ends up picking up some steam, but it is the arrangement of the song that kills it for me, seems to busy. Every Time You Go Away, starts with a nice little vocal intro, then kicks into gear, becoming a nice mid tempo song. I really like the chorus on this song, even though it likes a good hook to grab your attention. Could have liked a longer guitar solo on this song too. Ending reminds me of Girl Can't Help It from Journey's Raised on Radio. I'll Be The One has a laid back feel to it that for some reason didn't really grab my attention the first few times I listened to it. It has grow on me, but is lacking something, needs a little more punch to it. Has some nice vocal work to it. Wait has a catching chorus to it and rock pretty good thru out the whole song. Some good keyboard work on this song too. Good soulful guitar solo in the song. Hugo's vocal is stunning, like the way the music stops for a few seconds and Hugo carries the song for that instance. Just adds to the strength of the song. The last song Love Is All We're After is the worst song on the cd. I really do not care for this song. Hugo sings in a lower register, which he has done before to good effect, but here it is very distracting and annoying, The song has a very retro feel to it, which also for some reason I do not like.
Over all a very good return for the band. A couple of songs really hurt the cd, but the over all feel for the cd is good.

The Dream-2008 (A)

While Hugo's debut self titled solo cd from 98 is my favorite cd by him, this cd is a very very close second. If you wondered how Hugo would sound with Neal Schon playing the guitar, you got the next best thing, Josh Ramos. It was Josh who gave the Storm that extra Journey edge on their two cds, and he does it again here. The cd also has a nice "wall of sound" production, yet the vocals or the guitar never get lost.

You're Not Alone starts the cd off rocking, and as soon as the guitar starts you there is something different this time around. The song is fast paced with a hard hitting drum through it. The chorus lifts the song up and Ramos burns it up. Heck Ramos burns it up the whole cd, finally someone to give Hugo that extra push. The second song also starts with a urgency, but quickly fades, by then it has already pulled you in. All I Wanted has a beat that keeps you in the song, even though it never really picks back up to how it started. Josh's playing makes the song smolder. The title track The Dream is a nice Journey tribute, that pulls the vocal style from Don't Stop Believin. The Dream is not only a tribute to the song, but a modern day extension of the song. Fools Game is one of the weaker songs on the cd. It sounds good, but comes across lacking lyrically. It is however a great showcase for Ramos. Bring Back This Love, In The City, and Tomorrow are good songs, all show what make Hugo and Ramos a good pair, strong guitar and great vocals. The two of them take these slightly above average songs and pump some life into them.

When You Get Lonely, I can not make my mind up on this song, one time I think it is my least liked song on the cd. The next time I really like it. Today, I really like it. The problem with it is Hugo's vocals. At times I think they are a bad fit for the song, then the next time I can hear the loneliness he is expressing. Not a bad song when I am not into it, but when I am, my third favorite song on the cd, behind You're Not Alone and The Dream. I Can Take You closes the cd. Clocking in clocking in just a few seconds under 8 minutes shows why theses two people need to work togerther even more. The song holds your intrest the whole time, Josh's best work on the cd, which is great thru out. Hugo pulls out the high notes and finally has someone to push him on.
Givin time this may end up being my favorite Hugo cd..

Styx the early years

Styx is my favorite rock group. One of the reasons I have like the band is because it is hard to put their music into anyone category. Rock-n-Roll, pop, hard rock, soft rock, new wave. The band has had hits in all these feilds too. At any time in the bands history, they have had 3 vocalists. Dennis DeYoung (keys), Tommy Shaw (guitar), James Young (guitar), John Curuleswski(guitar), Lareance Gowan (keys) , and Glen Burtnik (guitar). Plus the band has had Todd Sucherman and John Paanozzo on drums. Also on bass was original bass man Chuck Panoozzo, and now Ricky Phillips. But no matter the line-up or the year, the band has made good music and put on great concerts.
The early years of Styx was Dennis, John C., John P, JY and Chuck, this was up until the Equniox cd, which would be John C's last.

Styx-1972 (C-)

The first cd by Styx is the most un Styx like of all the cds. 2 or 3 songs on the cd are written by the members of the band, the rest of the cd is covers. Not that the covers are bad, they just are not that good. Styx would not have a good covers cd till about 30 years later. My favorite cover song, which is my favorite song on the cd, is Quick Is The Beat Of My Heart. Best Thing is my favorite Styx written song. But I would not buy this cd if I were not a Styx fan, any of their best of cds from this era 2 of the 3 good songs on the cd. By the way, the cover show is from the 1980 re-releases, this not the original.

Styx 2-1973 (C+)

After a lackluster start, Styx came back with their follow up CD, Styx 2. This time writing their own songs, and John C. singing on the two songs that he wrote, A Day, and You better ask. A Day is a good song, containing a very good instrumental in the middle. You Better Ask is one of the two weak songs on the CD, a song about VD and pregnancy and the problem it causes. But the star of this CD is Dennis. Writing five of the six songs, and handling vocals on three of them. Dennis started it all right here, with a song called Lady. Not a hit at first, but a couple years after the release of this CD, it would be a top ten hit, their first of many. Father O.S.A. one of the other songs that Dennis has lead vocals on is a prelude of songs to come for the group (Madame Blue, etc). JY isn't to be counted out, handling vocals on You Need Love and the rocker I'm Gonna Make You Feel It, which is a great closer for the CD. Styx showed life on this CD, long before anyone really knew them. Earl Of Roseland is my least liked song on the cd, Dennis' voice is grating.

Serpent is Rising -1973 (D+)

I remember when I first got his album (CD), I put it on and cranked it up. I was totally blown away by the opening track, Witch Wolf, JY had created an awesome rocker. But things didn't awesome for long. The Grove of Eglantine, by Dennis falls flat, one of my least liked songs by Dennis. I do not like the way it is sang, arranged, I just don't care for it. But JY, again saves the CD with the third track, Young Man. This track has a meaning behind it, and can still be sung today as easily as when the Vietnam war was going on. And this song kicks butt. JC, enters the game with a good As Bad As This, but by the time the track is over, a non listed song pops up, Plexiglass Toilet. This has to be the worst Styx song in history. Its a embarrassment to listen to, when I play the CD now, I have to hit the skip button. It's hard to keep listening to the CD after hearing this song, most of the time, I'm able to move on to the next song. But since its a "hidden" song its tacked onto the end of As Bad As This, and you can't program your player to skip "Plexi"without skipping "As bad as.." The next song is Winner Takes All, a good message, but Jy voice is whiny, and the CD never really recovers with the following tracks.The CD really tries to rock, and at points it really does. Witch Wolf, and Young Man are two of JY's finest. Dennis writes three songs and sings vocals on two, one of witch is a duet with JC. As a concept CD, which it tries to be, it comes up very short with its dark message. Basically it is some songs (most of them poorly produced and written) with a very very thin theme in some of them.

Man of Miracles-1974 (B-)

Their 1974 release, starts off with the rocking Rock and Roll Feeling and ends with the metal title track Man of Miracles. And this CD contains some very good songs, even though they never got any air play, Lady from Styx 2 was starting to be picked up ath the time of this release .This CD contains other rockers besides the two mentioned above, Southern Woman the 3rd sung and written by JY, shows that he could carry a STYX CD. He also sings A Man Like Me, Havin' a Ball, and shares vocals with Dennis on Lies. Having written or, co-written about half the tracks on this outing, JY made what would be his best STYX CD. He would later be reduced to one to two songs a CD, as the Tommy and Dennis pair would take over the writing chores on later Cd's.Dennis made his presence know this time, on the last CD (SERPENT) he was almost unnoticed. But this time he showed his style, that would later develop into his superstar writing pattern.Here he as the songs Golden Lark, A Song for Suzanne,both good, the haunting Evil Eyes, the lackluster Christopher, Mr.Christopher. And if you were lucky you may have the CD with the hidden track Unfinished Song, which besides Lady is his best song up to this date. JC didn't sing on this outing, and he only co-wrote three songs. Rest of the band Chuck and John, show a growing connection in the playing together, the whole group appears to be coming together. only leave Havin' a Ball, which keeps repeating itself, is the weakest song this time, followed by DeYoung's Christoper song .Over all not a bad album.

Equniox-1975 (B+)

Styx starts off their new CD with a one two punch, Light up, and Lorelei. Both songs sung by Dennis show the growing range of his vocals, and the range of his keyboards. The former was written with JY (which he now sings lead vocals on in concert). The CD is very keyboard driven, and very well produced. Both songs, along with this Cd's Suite Madame Blue are Styx' classics. Suite Madame Blue is one of my all time favorite songs, the live versions of this song stand out above just about any song on radio or in concert today. Lonely Child is your typical Dennis song. Midnight Ride is a classic JY song, and one of his best ever. Mother Dear would be JC's last song for Styx (he would leave the group before they would start this tour), and other than some good keyboard work, this song falls flat. Born for Adventure, is a good rocker.Overall not a bad start with their new record label, and it stands up well to the test of time. Over the past couple of years this CD has grown on me even more.

Steve Perry

Steve Perry, The greatest singer is Rock history, and one of the greatest singers ever. The man could belt a rocker that would floor you, then sing a ballad that would rock you with the emotion he put into it. The man has also caused more controversy. Who cares if "Elvis has left the building", it is "Perry has entered the building!" His sudden disappearance after Journey's Trail By Fire, has divided the Journey camp. Did he leave Journey or was he fired? Did he really have hip problems and if he did, was there surgery. Is he losing his voice? Is he ever going to make a new cd? Every year for the past 10 years, rumour has it Perry is in the studio working on a new cd. 10 years now!!! And the big one, which came first the chicken or the egg question, "would Journey have made it big without Perry or would Perry have made it big without Journey?" Whatever the questions, the man has talent as a singer and song writer. But who would have been more popular?


Street Talk-1984 (B+)

Journey's vocalist Steve Perry's STREET TALK is his first and best solo cd. With a voice like Perry, it is hard not to know it is not him singing. He has a voice like no other. He is the voice of rock. STREET TALK confirms this even more.
Oh Sherrie starts off the cd. It starts off with a very recognizable keyboard intro, but when Perry sings, you know who is in control. This is his show, no matter how good the music is or how poor, Perry sails above it all. Perry sings with control and confidence. Even though his voice is showing more wear and tare, he pulls it off in a slightly lower range. He still soars above the rest of the singers in the field.
Perry vocals are showcased on all songs, but he really shines on Oh Sherrie, I Believe, She's Mine, Foolish Heart, Running Alone, and Captured By The Moment.
While Strung Out wasn't a vocal showcase for Perry that it could have been, it is still a good song, and is the most Journey like sounding song on the cd. And that brings the only weak point to the cd. The people playing the music for Perry. As great of a singer that Perry is, he needs a strong band to back him up. The musicians are good here, but they are not of the Journey caliber.
Still a very good cd here,and some good songs.

For The Love Of Strange Medicine (C-)/Remastered (B)

Production, production, production. It can make a bad cd good, or a good cd sound bad. This cd show both sides of the coin. When this cd first came out, I was ready for it. A new cd from the voice of rock himself, Steve Perry!! This man can sing and right music, but more than anything he can sing. From the opening note of You Better Wait to the note of Anyway I was in shock!?! What had happened?! This was not the Steve Perry I know. While there were some good songs on here, the cd was lifeless, from the singing to the playing. So I put the cd on again, this time I cranked it up. HORRIBLE!!! Turned it down half way threw the cd. It was almost a week before I came back to it. Listened to it in the car, at work, on my walkman. Everywhere I went this cd went with me. And for years the memory of this horrible outing by Perry was how I pictured him. The Journey reunion faired better, but failed to live up to Journey's high standards. While I said it was a bomb (for Journey), it is not a bad cd. But this cd was bad. The only songs I every listened to when I put this on were You Better Wait, I Am, Stand Up, Missing You, and Anyway the rest were skipped.

Now flash forward 12 years. Journey reissues their catalogue freshly remastered. I by them all plus Steve's Street Talk. I was amazed by how good they sounded. But did I want to waste my money on this cd? I am glad I talked my self into. The remasters have breathed a new life and a new sound into this cd. The music no longer seems stale, but full of life and crisp. Now other songs that I skipped I listen too, and the songs I liked, only sound better.

Yes production can make a difference.

Greatest Hits Plus 5-1998 (B+)

Is Steve really worth a hits cd? Only 2 cds (solo) and I was not a big fan of the second for a long time. Yeah Steve is worth this. Included are some soundtrack solo stuff the Awesome I Stand Alone and some early demo, plus songs from his unreleased Against The Wall cd. Would have been nice to have had some Journey songs recorded from his solo shows.

Playlist; The Very Best Of Steve Perry-2009 (B)

Can't really say a lot about this set. Nothing new, and it is all covered in the 1998 hits cd. Worth buying if you do not own the remastered cds above.

Ok, who would have been more popular if Perry had not gotten hooked up with Journey?

Perry had retired, given up on music Journey was still moving a long, having hired a new singer right before Perry came along. I think both would have done ok. Perry's solo stuff has been good but not outstanding, while Journey's has done a little bit better. What Perry was lacking was someone who had the fire that his voice had, and keep the music sharp. What Journey had was someone who could sing, but they seemed scared to move on from the prog sound they were stuck in (Perry had the attitude to move them foreward). So I think, Journey would have gone down the rock road and Perry more pop or even r&b. But it doesn't really matter because they got together and made some of the best music out there. Schon needed someone who could match his playing, and Perry had the voice to do it. Perry, then Cain brought a more pop rock approach to the sound, but Neal's guitar keep even the slow songs on fire, and Perry's voice gave them soul.

Forget about all the what ifs and what could have been, just crank it up and enjoy the voice and the music.

SAMMY HAGAR

Sammy Hagar is one of the finest rock and front men in the business. He has had a successful solo career, fronted one of the biggest rock bands in history, Van Halen. And on top of that he has worked with and has the respect of the rock community.
Sammy may not have the best voice out there, but he packs an emotional wallop in his songs. Sammy may not be the best guitarist out there, but he can handle his own against the best. He may not be the
best stage persona, but he has fun on stage, and brings the audience along for the fun. Sammy's song writing at times seems pigeon holed, but he does it good, and will still step out into the political or religion area and have his say. So what makes Sammy one of the best front men out there, all the above, and a love for what he does. It shows on every cd. I may not like everything he has done, but Sammy holds to his guns, and lets it rip. The cds below are what I have, and with the new Chickenfoot cd, now is a good time to see how it compares to the rest.




Chickenfoot-2009 (B+)


A new "super group" of veteran rockers, lead by Hagar on vocals, with his musical buddy from Van Halen, Micheal Anthony on bass. Joe Satriani, is the guitarist, and Red Hot Chilly Peppers drummer, Chad Smith fills out the band. What a combination, I didn't know whether to run and hide or strap on my headphones and crank it up. Not being a big Chilly Pepper fan and not having followed Satriani career that much, I was in doubt about this cd. But hearing Mike and Sam together again was what made me crank it up. I am glad I did. This cd starts off with a bang and heads along at warp speed. Sometimes the music seems ready to jump off the disk. The first 4 songs Avenida Revolucion, Soap On A Rope, Sexy Little Thing and Oh Yeah, along with Get It Up and Learning To Fall make for a great rock and roll cd. The band for the most parts seem to click very well together, still a little issue with the drummer, but he moved up a notch in my book. Satriani I like his style, got 6 of cds on the way. What can I say about Sammy and Mike, other than BAM!!!! In your face rock, lets see if Dave, Eddie and little wolfie can beat this!





Sammy Hagar-1977- (C+)

First record of Hagar's I ever owned. This cd hasn't really stood the test of time that well. The are a hand full of good tunes Red, Rock-n-Roll Weekend are the best of them, while Filmore Shuffle and Cruisin and Boozin feel out the rest the decent songs. C&B musically, is good , but hate the thought of drinking and driving with your buddies, now a days, sends shivers down my spine. Rest of the cd is filler and the songs really are slightly below average.



Danger Zone-1979 (C)


This outing by the Red Rocker contains some good songs also. Love Or Money, Bad Reputation, Iceman and Run For Your Life. But as with Sammy early work, the songs were either good or bad, and it is about 50/50 on this outing. Production is better this time too. Sammy plays with a gusto on all the songs, it just that all the songs aren't worth the effort.





Musical Chairs-1981 (B-)


This is were Sammy started coming into his own. Chairs is a raw energy filled cd. The songs are all good. There are no songs that have "filler" written all over them. Reckless, Turn Up The Music, You Make Me Crazy, and Someone Out There are the stand outs on this cd. Turn Up The Music is one of my top 10 Hagar songs. And he has done something here that was really lacking on his earlier efforts, you want to listen to the whole cd, and some of the songs have you singing along.



Standing Hampton- 1981 (A)

This is my favorite Hagar cd. From front to back it rocks. If Hagar came into his own on Musical Chairs, he kicked it into overdrive with this outing. I'll Fall In Love Again, Heavy Metal, Sweet Hitchhiker, Baby's On Fire, and my favorite Hagar, There's Only One Way To Rock. Production on this cd is the best yet to this point, not to raw and not to polished, it adds just the right kick without overdoing it. Not a bad song on this cd, the music is tight, the vocals are powerful and Hagar is at his best. There is only one way to rock with Hagar, LOUD!

Live 1980-1983 (D)

I wanted so bad to like this cd when it came out in 83. The performance and production does nothing to catch Sammy at his best, and that is on stage. Cd (record then) was recorded in 1980 so nothing from his last two fine recordings, Standing Hampton and Musical Chairs are on here. I feel it was released to catch some sales on Hagar's new found popularity. Song selection is ok, and the cd may be better if it was remastered. But for now it is the low man on the totem pole.

3 Lock Box-1983 (B)

Again Hagar delivers another great cd. Many people I have talked to consider this his best pre Van Halen cd, and some his best period. I am not one 0f those people. I think the cd is good and has many good songs on it like, 3 Lock Box, Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy, Rise Of The Animal and I Don't Need Love. It is the other songs that fail to hit the mark. Remote Love and I Would Change A Thing are cringe worthy. Rest of the songs are ok, but do not offer any thing good or bad to the cd.

Through The Fire-1984 (C-)

I did not get this cd till a few years back. Never heard of it till then. Hagar and Neal Schon of Journey on one cd. The possibilities!! The cover promised this music would be on fire, just like I thought. Top Of The Rock was just that my favorite song from the cd. But then something bad happened, rest of the songs failed to capture the lead of song. What should have been an awesome musical experience turned to pain. Each track was a bigger disappoint than the last one. It wasn't until My Home Town that the guys turned it around and then it was too late. The cd may not be as really bad as I say it is. But the problem is with the greatest axeman in the business, Neal, and one of the greatest rock and roll front men, you hopes are really high for a great cd, no an outstanding cd. What we got here is a plain doctored up live cd, with ok production and just ok songwriting and playing.

V.O.A.-1984 (B)

Again back to his basic band, Hagar pull out another good cd. I Can't Drive 55, one of Sammy's best songs, starts this disk out on the right start. A hard guitar lick and a great sing along chorus that sinks its hooks in you and drags you along. The cd almost stumbles with the second song, Swept Away. The song is a little too over dramatic for it's own good. Rock Is In My Blood, Two Sides Of Love, and Don't Make Me wait are standard Hagar affair, they are still worth repeated listens. And the cd ends with the awesome Burning Down The City, some great guitar work on this song.

I Never Say Goodbye-1987 (A-)

This is my second favorite cd by Hagar, which was recorded after his first cd 5150, with Van Halen (Van Hagar). The production adds a heavy feel to the cd, which normally I do not care for, but it works here. Some of Sammy's best guitar work is on this cd, and his voice is in true form. Every song is good from the blues Standing At The Same Old Crossroads, to free flying Eagles Fly. Returning Home and Boys Night Out sound like 5150 material (which was their best cd), while the rest could have had a place on any of his last 3 studio cds. The last three songs on this cd are in my top 10 Hagar songs, Back Into You, Eagles Fly, What They Gonna Say Now. Give To Live was the hit off this cd, and probably my favorite liked song on it. A great cd.

The Best Of Sammy Hagar-1992 (A)

Of all the early Hagar "best of" collections this is the best. Pulls from all the early cds, plus has Hagar's version of his own song, that Rick Springfield made famous, I've Done Everything For You. Plus Otis Redding's' Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay with the rock Boston on backing vocals. Plus it doesn't hurt that it has all my favorite early Hagar songs, like Plain Jane, Turn Up The Music, Reckless, Bad Reputation, You Make Me Crazy. A good solid best of collection all the way around.

Unboxed- 1994 (A)

Another good collection of Sam's songs, this time from 81 to 87. The big ones are here Only One Way To Rock, Heavy Metal, I Can't Drive 55, plus many other. Two new songs Buying My Way Into Heaven and Up In Smoke are a welcome addition to the Sam club of music.

Marching To Mars-1997 (A-)

Sammy comes back to his solo career with a vengeance. Marching is a solid effort that kicks some serious butt! Little White Lie is a rocker with a blues feel to it, and Huey Lewis is playing harmonica on it too. Lie is under 3 minute and packs a punch, that makes me want to throw down on guitar, or in my case air guitar. Following along in the right Now mode, is Who Has The Right a very social commentary song about life and death. Both Sides Now is another good rocker, as is the tile track. The Meatloaf song, which Hagar wrote, is on here, Amnesty Is Granted. Meat played it out as a straight rocker, but Sammy builds it up then takes it down for a nice controlled ride with his voice at times cutting loose and taking you over the edge. rest of the songs stand out as more than just filler. Another great cd.

The Anthology-1998 (B+)

A good collection of songs from montrose to his V.O.A. cd. The songs are in chronological order and show a good selection from his early years to his right before Van Halen years.

Red Voodoo-1999 (C)

Sammy started getting away from the rocker and going more into the party mode in both persona and concerts. It was a change I didn't like. The songs are ok, and the production pretty weak. The songs are not bad, but other than Don't Fight It, I really can't find any reason to own it, unless yur a Hagar fan.

Ten 13-2000 (B)

A return to basic for Sammy here, at least on recording. Better production, writing and playing make for a better record, and that is what we got this time around. It starts off with Shaka Doobie a nice little rocker, with a nice guitar lick. Must say Sammy and his new band (from 97's cd up) are starting to gel pretty good here. Let Sally Drive, Serious Juju, Deeper Kind Of Love, and Ten 13 are the standouts, only a couple songs fall below standard fare, and the rest stay above average rock.

Not 4 Sale-2002 (B+)

Another laid back cd from Sam, that rocks! Sam must be getting older and wiser, having learned what works and what doesn't, he has laid the ground work for a great cd here. Production at times seems a little weak, but the song writng is above par. Half Way To Memphis is one of his finest songs. Stand Up, Whole Lotta Zep, Hallelujah, Things've Changed are all stand out songs on a cd full of good siongs. Sammy plays with the experience of a seasoned rocker, but with the gusto of a young one. One of My most listened to Sammy cds.



Live: Hallelujah-2003 (B)

Live, raw, loud and in your face is the best way to describe this cd. If I remember right the cd was recorded in different cities and not at one show, which I must say kinda of set me back at first. But there is no denying this Sammy at his best. Montross, Van Halen and his solo songs are here.








The Essential Red Collection-2004 (A-)

Probably the best collection of Hagar songs from early to his 1999 cd Red Voodoo. Collects some of his soundtrack songs too.

Livin' It Up-2006 (B)

A great laid back cd from Sammy, and the new songs Sam I Am and Living On A Coastline are great songs that set the mood for rest of the cd. Want rock, you got it, want some blues, it is here. want some folk sounding songs, check, want some country he got that too. A very dervierse cd for Hagar, and it comes across very clear that Sam is having a blast.

Sammy covers Dylan and Chesney along with a couple of others. Sammy's band is tight, and so is the production. Very good outing, but, there were a couple songs that I tend to skip, not because they are bad, just not my cup of tea, or in Sammy's case shot of tequila.

Cosmic Universal Fashion-2008 (D+)

I have gave this cd several listens before passing judgement. Sammy has long been one of my favorite artists, but this is crap. Sam tries to reinvent himself. I don't know what he trying to prove here, we all know he can rock, but this cd tries to be so upfront, that it is distracting. Most of the problem seems to come from the production of the cd. I don't know who produced this cd, got mine copy off Itunes, but he needs to be fired. The production is so sloppy in its attempt to sound modern and hip that it kills the songs. And for the most part the songs need to be killed. Sammy does a horrible cover of the Beaties Boys Fight For Your Right To Party, the Beastie Boys? Come on Sam, you can write better songs than this in your sleep.

The title track, Psycho Vertigo, Peephole, and When The Sun Don't Shine are the best of this poor selection. They are actually good songs, but production just about makes them unlistenable. I actually like Peephole better here even with the production better than the Soul Sirkus version that Hagar and Schon wrote for Planet Us. About the only track that Sammy's vocals don't sound like he is whinning. I thought for a while Sammy's vocie was shot unitl I heard Chickenfoot, again a casuality of poor production.

Maybe next time Sam will leave his tequila at home and pay more attention to want his going on around him.