Rating: 2.75/5

Over the last year or so Poison front man Bret Michaels has managed to revitalize his career thanks mainly in part to the whole reality T.V. craze. The show Rock of Love had Bret looking for love and while music channels the likes of VH1 forgot about music long ago the show surprisingly became a hit. A couple months after the second season finished comes the release of Rock My World an album that can be called a combination of a soundtrack with a retrospective of material that has been featured on all of Bret’s solo albums. The compilation also features several brand new tracks including the raunchy rocker called Go That Far which served as the theme song for the show. Another new song, Start Again, is just like the material that Bret wrote with Poison yet there isn’t really much behind the songwriting or delivery for that matter. The final new composition is perhaps the best out of three a heartfelt love song entitled Fallen blends a piano with an acoustic guitar and a decent melody but isn’t as well executed as Bret’s career defining piece of musicianship also known as Every Rose Has Its Thorn. It’s hard to judge such an album considering that I don’t really know what category to put it in since it does have some new tracks but with the rest of the material being from Bret’s previous solo efforts I think the final product could have been improved upon a little bit more. That’s not saying that this is a bad collection and if you are a fan of Rock of Love and more importantly liked the music that was featured on it this would be a suitable investment however please bare in mind if you’re a die hard Bret Michaels fan and have every piece of music this man has created I don’t see a need for it. When it comes to Bret I never really saw what the big fuss was about since his rockers seem to be overdone to the point where he’s trying to extend his brand of fluff rock past the limits of Poison. The country side of Bret is a drastic improvement, but that’s still not saying much, maybe he should just reach out to Jon Bon Jovi and start a new project considering Jon is obsessed with that particular sound now. The final and perhaps best wisdom I could give when it comes to Rock My World is hop on iTunes, check out the samples of the new songs, and come to your deductions on whether or not to add them to your music library.

> Good - A few new tracks from Bret Michaels. I’m glad to see that Bret and VH1 Classics decided to give fans some new material in favor of just the standard greatest hits compilation.

> Bad - Not really any strong material on the album. Apart from Fallen the two other new tracks fall into the typical Bret Michaels/Poison mold of being pure fluff. Past that you get all the noteworthy material of Bret’s solo career but then again I don’t really recall any of his solo work being noteworthy (that just might be me though).

> Similar - Poison, Bon Jovi

> Label - VH1 Classics
 

Rating: 4.15/5

Three short years ago the band known as Revelation Theory came on the scene with their first feature full length studio album Truth Is Currency. A lot has changed since then including the band’s name as it has been shortened to Rev Theory but now as their sophomore release Light It Up hits this group from North Andover, Massachusetts turns up the intensity with an album that focuses on pure modern rock anthems delivered in a nonstop adrenaline rush. With this release appropriately titled Light It Up it seems that everything is falling into the place for these guys as they recently had their music featured in the WWE (aka World Wrestling Entertainment for anyone out of the loop). When reading up on the history of Rev Theory I noticed that they were getting a lot of comparisons to Theory Of A Deadman and while both groups have similar traits Rev Theory have some qualities that stand out a bit more. The first being is vocalist Rich Luzzi has a more gruff sounding voice and that actually makes the material come off sounding more natural. If one were to compare Light It Up to Theory Of A Deadman’s latest effort Scars & Souvenirs both have their distinctive ways of hooking listeners and that can be attributed greatly to the modern rock productions but there is something about Rev Theory’s disc that makes it stand out more. Maybe it’s the fact that they are a band who dig down deep with nearly every song and still keep their concentration harnessed whereas Theory Of A Deadman feel like they’ve fallen by the wayside in recent years. Comparisons aside Light It Up manages to go the distance even with it’s not being the best modern rock release of the year. It’s never the easiest thing to get ahead in the music industry nowadays but I can reassure everyone that this is how a band should deliver a sophomore effort. Sure the contemporary formula has been used far too many times however that is why when the proper steps are followed you can’t knock it. Just like their counterparts Theory Of A Deadman Rev Theory use all the modern bells and whistles given to them and thankfully it pays off marvelously. When a band chooses the name for their latest opus there has to a deep meaning for not only the band themselves but to make a statement where the music will take them at that point in their career and without a doubt Rev Theory are ready to Light It Up this year. The opportunities that these guys are presented with will allow their star to shine I personally think it will shine brighter as their career evolves but as time has proven in the past we’ll just have to wait and see.

> Good - A fine slice of modern rock well executed and delivered in an album that should be able to stand and deliver every time you listen to it. Heavy sound with mesmerizing harmonies and passionate vocals that in a modern rock world where most post grunge vocalists still like still like to sound a bit depressed Rich Luzzi could very well be a savior for modern hard rock.

> Bad - Still a modern rock album no matter how you look at it. If you’re sick and tired of groups like Nickelback, Theory Of A Deadman, or Velvet Revolver you will probably want to ignore this release. I should bring to everyone’s attention, once again, the fact that there are certain modern bands getting back in touch with arena rock and Rev Theory is another of those bands that I can definitely hear those certain elements so I’d at least recommend checking out some samples online before passing this one up… Who knows you might like what you hear!

> Similar - Theory Of A Deadman, Nickelback Saving Abel, 3 Doors Down, Velvet Revolver, 10 Years

> Label - Interscope Records
 

Rating: 4/5

When it comes to angry chick rock (almost hard to believe how popular that label has become) there isn’t any doubt that Alanis Morissette set the bar for the genre back in 1995 with her iconic Jagged Little Pill. Four years since her last studio effort comes Flavors Of Entanglement a release that sees her get back in touch with her angst driven past. Like so many innovators in the rock industry Alanis has managed to mature extremely well. Flavors shows the world that Alanis still has a powerful presence to voice her concern with what’s happening in the world. With tracks like Citizen of the Planet and the first single from the album called Underneath she refuses to hold back. This time around Alanis is able to turn the tables a little further with an exploration into Electronica and while it is a change of pace for her I’m reminded when she tinkered with this sound back on 1998’s Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie. As a matter of fact her fascination with experimentation is what makes Flavors Of Entanglement a powerfully driven album. Even with a lot of what could be best described as noise in the background Alanis can show off her amazing vocal abilities. Perhaps this is the best album of Morissette's career vocally since she still has an edge about her when relentlessly belting out heavy rockers or slowing things down with an emotional ballad. It shows more to an artist who hasn’t only managed to come into her own as a songwriter/musician but as a vocalist she isn’t afraid to be the chameleon and change her colors over one album and without a doubt this is an album where she does it time and time again. As a whole the finished product makes for an exciting listen considering that Alanis keeps you guessing to the point where you really don’t know what to expect next. It’s a perfect example of changing it up with every song to give the listener a much more consistent album. The only thing I was distracted by is the fact that once she goes into ballad mode she kind of gets stuck in it. Alanis has stated while promoting the album a majority of the material is written about having a broken heart and getting out of a relationship but it has to be asked - How many times can one write about heartbreak on a majority of the album? Despite that Flavors Of Entanglement is a welcomed addition to Alanis Morissette’s discography and should compliment any fan’s collection. It’s definitely not Jagged Little Pill 2 yet it doesn’t try to be and more importantly doesn’t have to. It’s been over 10 years since making a huge statement in the music industry and if this album is any indication we won’t have to worry about Alanis losing her magic touch. As long as there is something going on out there I’m sure she won’t be afraid to give the world her views on it and quite honestly I don’t think we’d expect anything less from her.

> Good - After a four year absence Alanis Morissette returns and pushes the boundaries of her own creativity with an album that sees her experiment with her sound yet again. Angst driven rock in true Alanis fashion so if you’re a fan of Jagged Little Pill you’ll be able to find several songs that fit into that category. 

> Bad - One too many ballads. Now while the songwriting is definitely some of her best, thus far, I actually prefer to hear some dark rockers from Alanis. As I stated above this is the woman who set the bar when it came to angry chick rock so I could have done without a ballad or two and actually several more rockers would of balanced Flavors Of Entanglement a little bit better. Other than that the solid songwriting is what keeps everything on course. Even with this disc having a couple drawbacks it works on so many different levels.

> Similar - Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos

> Label - Warner Brothers Records
 

Rating: 3.95/5

Since the early days of Bush Gavin Rossdale has certainly come a long ways and looking at the last few years Gavin has managed to evolve into a much more charismatic singer. 2005 saw him step out from the shadows with a short lived band/project called Institute by having brief success on the charts. The single Bullet Proof Skin was featured in the movie Stealth as well as being in the video game NHL ’06. Unfortunately the album itself (entitled Distort Yourself) didn’t fair too well between critics and music fans so Rossdale decided to scrap the project and once again start fresh. It’s somewhat fitting that the first solo effort from him is called Wanderlust considering the definition for the term is the desire to travel. If one were to look back at Rossdale’s career since the break up of Bush he has since been on a journey throughout the different realms of the modern rock world. Joining him on this Wanderlust is acclaimed (or hated depending on who you ask) producer Bob Rock. This combination is quite the interesting one but when first listening to the disc it doesn’t take long for one to pick up on the signature elements that stand out in a Bob Rock production. Compared to the material that was done with Bush and Institute this is a departure with Gavin focusing on trying to bring singer/songwriter elements combined with some pure arena rock influences. If anyone were to ask me what this release sounds like I would say that it’s a mixture of Chris Cornell meets Phil Collins. It’s an interesting assortment however a song like Future World has a delivery that relies more on a laid back approach that is reminiscent of what Phil is known for whereas the grittier This Is Happiness is a blend of Sound Garden riffs with harmonies that almost border on signature Cornell vocals. As a whole Wanderlust brings Gavin Rossdale into a different dimension and even though the entire album isn’t consistent it really takes his career in a new direction. If this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his solo career I can’t wait to see what else is in store from Gavin Rossdale as now he has more leeway to explore limitless possibilities.

> Good - Gavin Rossdale the solo artist finally emerges with a debut album that casts him in a different light. Wanderlust changes it up for Gavin and shows the singer/songwriting side to him. 

> Bad - An album that lacks stability. While there are several stand out tracks the rest of the album is weighed down by Gavin trying to change it up too many times. Unfortunately when Wanderlust hits a bump the rest of the album is kind of thrown into a rut and it’s a bit of a challenge for Gavin to get back on course.

> Similar - Bush, Institute, Gavin DeGraw, Chris Cornell, Phil Collins

> Label - Interscope
 

Rating: 4/5

It’s difficult to label Disturbed since many in their fan base detest them being called an alternative metal band yet throughout their career it seems that deeply under their gruff exterior lies a tried and true American hard rock band. Ever since Disturbed exploded on to the scene with their debut The Sickness there has been something distinctively different about this band. The secret to their success lies in producing modern hard rock that was not only edgy but it also had a real sense of melody and some very hook-laden structures in the songwriting that many other groups in the contemporary metal scene didn’t have. For their newest album Indestructible it almost seems like Disturbed have gone back to their heavier roots but have really brought forth lyrics that incorporate passionate delivery with meaningful writing. When looking at a band the likes of Disturbed this will probably be as heavy as I go but when listening to what they’ve done on this latest album I can’t help but be impressed with their talent to compress all the elements down into material that stays with you as the album relentlessly crashes through barriers. From the group’s earlier anthems the likes of Stupify and Down The Sickness vocalist David Draiman has remained the critical focal point that makes Disturbed so identifiable and his performance on Indestructible shows the world that this unique front man is still able to match his performances on previous albums while still continuing a natural progression. In the end Disturbed has delivered a solid album that could very well be their best work since their first album as it really gets this band back firing on all cylinders with musicianship that is more than just pure blunt force trauma. Even if you’re not a Disturbed fan you might be surprised with how well Indestructible is written and structured since here is a shining example of a band that breaks the mold and can change any preconceptions one might have about them.

> Good - After some time off Disturbed return with their fourth studio album and come back in true hard rocking fashion. Indestructible is an album that lives up to the title it’s been given as all the songs are delivered in a way that can evoke so many different emotions. On the whole the musicianship while being very heavy is passionate and the songwriting is well thought out. Credit where credit is due vocalist David Draiman and the rest of the band have reached down and delivered a brand new studio release that is their strongest effort to date. 

> Bad - A few tracks here and there don’t carry over as well as others but even with an album that is structured well it seems that there will be a song here and there that doesn’t fit. Other than that I couldn’t find anything else wrong with Indestructible so if you like true heavy metal that doesn’t make excuses this release is well worth looking into.

> Similar - Metallica, Seether, 10 Years, Theory of a Deadman, Saving Abel

> Label - Warner Bros.
 

Rating: 2.75/5

The arrival of Jewel’s latest album signifies not only a change of direction in her career but also sees a major pop star fully embracing country elements and not trying to stray from the fact that she has gone this route. While it’s not the first time this has been done in the past this trend isn’t going to stop other pop artists from exploring this area. Thanks in part to Bon Jovi it seems that a lot of other artists are now going to journey into country simply because they might have a better chance of scoring a hit on country stations instead of trying to make a dent on standard pop radio. Now I don’t have a problem with the standard sound of what is out there on country radio nowadays except it seems that the pop influences dictate what is hit worthy and sometimes it can get downright tiresome. Then factor in that here is an artist such as Jewel trying to make an impact in the country scene with Perfectly Clear and it’s not that she is being genuine with her approach it just seems that the songwriting on this album sticks to the basic mold that a majority of today’s top country musicians follow thoroughly. Jewel’s attempt to crossover is what can be called a valiant effort and there are several tracks that do have solid songwriting behind them including the lead off song/single entitled Stronger Woman however as the album evolves the rest of the material is real hit and miss. For an album called Perfectly Clear it sees Jewel struggle a little too hard to try to come into her own in this genre but ultimately I don’t think Jewel has a clear vision on where she is going in the future. Obviously Who Will Save Your Soul and Down So Long are long gone and in their place come material that is way too formulaic. In other words Jewel needs to stick to what she has done on her first two or three studio albums and leave the country to artists who have been doing it for their entire career.

> Good - Jewel returns with a bold new album as she fearlessly tries her hand at country. Musicians constantly have to face new challenges and go in some different directions in order to keep things fresh and Jewel is definitely an artist not afraid to cross that boundary yet in the end it might end up costing her. 

> Bad - Another artist abandons their signature sound for trying to make a legitimate effort at country. Unfortunately Jewel wasn’t able to capture a sound all her own as a country musician and a majority of these songs on Perfectly Clear are overly sappy country ballads. On the other hand maybe Jewel would find success as an up and coming karaoke singer at a bar somewhere in Nashville but as for her country career I think it’s over before it began. It’s a safe bet to go back to who you were instead of trying to be something you’re not

> Similar - Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Sarah McLaughlin

> Label - Valory
 

Rating: 4.65/5

A majority of guitar virtuosos will tend to rely too much on flashy guitar playing in order to get by and there certainly isn’t anything wrong with showing off pure talent however there are guitarists out there that actually remain devoted to their technique no matter where they go in their career. For as long as Stef Burns has been making music it doesn’t matter what artist or band he has played with Burns has always been a guitar player who didn’t need to be a show off. 1999 was the year in which Stef launched a solo career of his own with a debut album by the name of Swamp Tea. It would be a good six years later when Burns would go back into the instrumental realm teaming up with his friend Peppino d'Agostino on an interesting release, called Bayshore Road, which combined Peppino’s mellow acoustic guitar with Stef’s unrefined electric sound. Now a few years later Stef Burns is back out on his own with a new solo album that sees him do something that he hasn’t done before and that is step up to the microphone and sing. World, Universe, Infinity mainly draws from a jazz/fusion influence and while Stef has played with heavier rock bands the likes of Alice Cooper and Y&T the man doesn’t forget his roots. It was quite the surprise to hear Stef singing lead vocals but I will say that he has a very natural singing voice which doesn’t overstay its welcome. So many great guitarists have stepped out from behind the instrument and found their voice and hopefully if Stef continues to put out albums of his own he isn’t afraid to write more material with vocals. World, Universe, Infinity delves into some unknown areas but truly shows Stef Burns for the guitarist he is and if you’ve followed his career over the last 20 or so years there should be no problem listening to this release. While this disc fits into several categories including being both a rock album and an instrumental album it shows a guitarist who embraces so many great influences and it’s really easy to get transfixed up in all the emotions, the delivery, and the unrestrained passion that Stef is able to bring into his art form.

> Good - A guitarist who can stand and delivery with guitar playing that sounds amazing. So many guitarists can amaze listeners but sometimes they don’t have enough emotion to convey through the whole album. Stef Burns is a prime example of a guitarist who isn’t only a musician’s musician but more importantly a guitarist’s guitarist. World, Universe, Infinity throws it all out there and thankfully Stef has pieced together a release that works in many different ways. It’s also set up in a way that you don’t know what’s coming with every performance and that perhaps is the sheer beauty of the product as a whole. 

> Bad - Since this is Stef’s first time doing lead vocal work it might surprise some to hear him as a singer. His vocals are a bit rough around the edges but midway through Begin Stef is able to ease into being a vocalist. Other than that World, Universe, Infinity is a welcomed addition to Stef’s solo resume.

> Similar - Huey Lewis and the News, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Janeen Leah

> Label - Ultratempo Records
 

Rating: 4.55/5

When the mighty Trixter announced their return in early 2008 it was even more reassurance that straight forward rock ‘n’ roll is still going strong. As most Trixter fans know the band achieved worldwide acclaim at the tail end of the hair band era. It might be a little odd to see all four of these guys back together after they decided to split but it seems with Trixter their music has managed to hold up well and a lot of fans who were with them from the beginning were wondering if they would ever consider getting back together. The temptation must have really got to them because not only are Pete Loran, Steve Brown, PJ Farley, and Mark “Gus” Scott back for the Givin’ It To You Good tour but they’ve gone and pulled out a live release that has actually been in the works for the last several years. Recorded live in 1993 at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan this release features some of Trixter’s biggest hits as well as some truly underrated gems. Not only do listeners get that but the guys have included a couple new songs including an intense hook-laden rocker called You Got It followed by a ballad that is destined to become an instant classic by the name of When You Close Your Eyes. It might of taken the guys a while to get this album out but now that its here it can be said that this is a live album that takes everyone back to a time where going to a rock concert was the ultimate high. All the emotions that a band goes through in a live performance are captured brilliantly as the final mix has a real raw but crisp sound to it. The addition of two new tracks is well worth checking out and gives everyone hope that if Trixter plans to take this reunion past 2008 maybe just maybe sometime down the line a full Trixter studio album could be possible. No matter what happens it’s great to see one of New Jersey’s finest rock bands putting the fun back into arena rock and with the state of things in the industry that is what’s needed.

> Good - Trixter kick off their reunion with a live album that is chalked full of classic tracks captured in one of the best live performances that I’ve heard from these guys. Even with this material being performed back in ’93 a good 15 years later it still holds up. The inclusion of the 2 brand new songs is what makes Live In Japan worth the purchase considering the guys are giving fans something entirely brand new. Really what else could you ask for? This is the perfect bonus to the guys hitting the road this summer. 

> Bad - Couldn’t find anything to gripe about. The only thing that was a tad bit disappointing is there are a couple signature Trixter songs the likes of Surrender and Bad Girl missing but the two newly written compositions more than make up for that by giving everyone more bang for their buck.

> Similar - FireHouse, Warrant, Danger Danger, Steelheart

> Label - www.trixterrocks.com
 

Rating: 4.85/5

A few short years ago 3 Doors Down released an album called 17 Days and while that release garnered the band platinum success it was a disc bogged down by boring songwriting and cookie cutter ballads. In fact the album title was taken from the amount of days it took 3 Doors Down to write the entire album but with this basic structure the group failed to ignite a spark that could match up to the power of what was featured on their sophomore effort Away From The Sun. Thankfully with the release of their fourth studio disc 3 Doors Down have returned with a release that not only makes up for the travesty that was 17 Days but it seems the songwriting is more thought out. Right off the bat listeners are treated to a heavy rocker by the name of Train that hints back to the band’s earlier sound found on The Better Life. Citizen/Soldier and It’s Not My Time are the first two singles that have been given a fair run on modern rock radio and firmly keep the band grounded. The album itself is a fair balance of heavy songs with mid-tempo rockers and ballads that actually don’t sound too overdone. With the downtime in between albums it seems that 3 Doors Down have rediscovered themselves and while this latest release is more mellow in nature it’s great to hear a good five or six songs that keep a simple yet effective delivery throughout. I guess it could be said that they might be going through the motions however there are some deep underlying hooks featured in the material that makes you want to go back and break the tracks down with further analysis. In the career of a popular rock band you’re not always going to release the perfect follow-up and 17 Days was proof of that but with self-titled 3 Doors Down have regained their footing with their best work since Away From The Sun. Hopefully the guys will be able to enjoy platinum success again as they deserve it with the hard work put into the album but in any case 3DD can be proud of what they’ve done here as this is will go down as one of the year’s finest modern rock albums.

> Good - After a lackluster release in 17 Days 3 Doors Down have managed to turn things around in their favor with meaningful songwriting. It’s a rock album that doesn’t have to try too hard to hook you and it seems that 3 Doors Down’s laid back approach is what was needed. 

> Bad - At first listen it does sound like the band got stuck in a rut but if given time the structures and hooks do their job in magnificent fashion. If there was any album in 2008 that grows on you I would say this is the one that really has everything going for it. There are a couple songs like Runaway and These Days that don’t match up to others yet thanks to an evenly paced track listing it doesn’t take away from the finished product.

> Similar - Tantric, Theory Of A Deadman, 10 Years, Nickelback

> Label - Universal
 

Rating: 3.65/5

Without a doubt 10 Years had a difficult task ahead of them following up their major label debut The Autumn Effect and just like 3 Doors Down it’s been a good three years in between albums so the timing seems to be in 10 Years favor. It’s no secret that the group’s first major hit, Wasteland, dominated modern rock radio and was a great song in its own right yet with this newest effort it seems appropriate that it’s called Division as 10 Years needed to divide themselves from the popularity of The Autumn Effect. The first single from this new disc, Beautiful, has the potential to see the band shoot up the charts again but it also features a darker/foreboding feel wasn’t featured on Wasteland. As far as the post grunge and alternative metal scene go 10 Years excel in their craft and have delivered a more than decent follow-up. If you’re a fan of artists from this particular genre there shouldn’t be any problems getting behind the material featured on this disc. Then again there are songs that hold their own mixed in with others that lack an effective delivery. A perfect example of that is on the song Dying Youth as it has the perfect build up with the band putting forth a great performance and then after that comes Russian Roulette which has nothing to offer listeners in terms of variety. While I wouldn’t call Division a huge disappointment there just seems to a balance that is somewhere in the middle between the good and the bad. There weren’t really any big expectations, on my part, going into this new album and there is some material that does allow 10 Years to expand as a band since that’s really all you can ask for but personally I think 10 Years still have a ways to go before they find their niche in mainstream.

> Good - Some raw emotions that make for a good backdrop with 10 Year’s distinctive sound. This is a band that can fit well into the post grunge scene yet still incorporate a few arena rock elements as well. Vocalist Jesse Hasek sounds just as good as he did on The Autumn Effect while still expanding a little further in his delivery. 

> Bad - It seems that for every first-rate song there is a so/so song and vise versa. The general delivery of the entire album refuses to maintain stability with the material switching back and forth between the ups and downs. As far as a modern rock album goes there are a couple great anthems but nothing that keeps the excitement level on a constant high.

> Similar - 3 Doors Down, Theory Of A Deadman, Tantric, Nickelback, Ashes Divide, Sevendust.

> Label - Universal Republic
 

Rating: 3.37/5

Whether you praise or knock Kip Winger you can’t deny the guy has made his mark in the music industry. Best known as the front man of Winger he tends to catch a lot of flack for that but regardless the guy has worked with some of the biggest names to grace the arena rock era. The last couple years have seen Kip keep busy as Winger reformed and released their highly anticipated comeback album simply called IV. Even though that album was met with mixed reactions it was great to hear and see Kip back in the game once again challenging the very annals of his own artistic diversity. Never one to walk the same path for too long Kip has been crafting a new solo album for the last couple years and the time finally came where he would release From The Moon To The Sun which is his first solo album in eight years. Like many diverse musicians that have come before him Kip knows how to split his talent into something that takes a 180 degree turn from what Winger is. Instead of relying on pure blunt force hard rock Kip goes for a softer side deeply rooted in a more singer/songwriter approach mixed with a wide array of influences from all over the world. While this is the more emotional side of Kip Winger the final product gives listeners a far more complex album than what one would get with a pure melodic rock album. Sure there are an assortment of highly melodic choruses and a bunch of signature Kip Winger vocals but with From The Moon To The Sun it seems he is picking back up where he left off on Songs From The Ocean Floor and that is when it comes to Kip Winger the solo artist you never quite know what to expect. Take for example the instrumental Ghosts, listening to the whole track it’s just a huge mixture of elements such as the piano, violins, and other classical instruments yet throughout it all it remains a very commanding piece of musicianship. A true musician is constantly exploring the limits of his or her own talent and with From The Moon To The Sun it’s a change of pace from Kip yet it also shows that a unique artist will not be pinned down by creativity. It’s certainly not the most consistent solo effort of Kip’s career and truthfully it doesn’t necessarily need to be either. What it has to be is something that shows another side to a man who has devoted a majority of his life to rock and that’s exactly what From The Moon To The Sun does for better or for worse.

> Good - It took quite a while but Kip Winger has dived back into the solo realm with an album that has a certain ambiance behind it. From The Moon To The Sun is an album that you can throw on and if you’re looking to escape for a while exploring various different influences in the world you’ll get a release that goes off in several different directions.  

> Bad - There is no consistent sound so if you are a Winger fan and are expecting this album to rock hard you’ll end up being highly disappointed. Kip Winger the solo musician and Kip Winger the front man of Winger are two completely different beings and this is proof of that. Chances are if you’re a melodic rock purist you will most likely be disappointed with the outcome however if you have an open mind this might end up being a pleasant surprise.

> Similar - Winger, David Coverdale, Don Dokken, Nelson

> Label - Frontiers Records
 

Rating: 4/5

Lead singer Hugo Ferreira and crew release "The End Begins" a rebirth of Tantric, one that showcases amazing vocals, fun guitars and modern rock elements that music fans will enjoy. The addition of violins really puts the material over the top as not many bands use them in today's music, except Dave Matthews Band who showcase them. The album has a great flow, from the open rocker to a few ballads and even a couple mid tempo tracks. The poetic lyrics are what really captured me when listening to the album, full of life & realism. But I'd say the biggest "plus" on "The End Begins" has to be the vocal arrangements. Hugo's vocals cover all spectrums, rockers and ballads. Not to mention that there are many standout tunes but "Lucky One" has to be the most original. At first listen the tune doesn't seem to fit the album at all. But in fact it does as it showcases the modern rock elements Tantric is known for as well as incorporates a few classic rock hooks. As far as guitars on the album, they are pretty good, but nothing that will be remembered by the end. I was hoping for a few mind-blowing riffs, but alas they never came. Overall I find the album to be a mixed bag of tricks. There's some average tunes as well as some great but again I feel it is the lyrical content/vocals that hold this album together making it a must listen to.

> Good - Vocal arrangements are off the "hook" amazing. Guitars never seem to drown out the other instruments such as violins. 

> Bad - Being that the band has a refreshed lineup, some may not take this album seriously. I personally feel that's a big mistake, there's something here for everyone, new and longtime fans. No "remember me" guitar hooks.

> Similar - Ra, Cold, Default

> Label - Silent Majority Group
 

Rating: 4.65/5

Iron Man was the first official blockbuster released for the 2008 summer movie season and since it debut in theaters on May 2nd the film has gone on to become one of the best comic book adaptations ever. Iron Man is proof positive that comic book films can still respect the source material and gives the fans what they want without being too overly cheesy or corny. Behind every great movie lies great music to keep you caught up in the storyline, the action, and the pure entertainment value that a blockbuster should have. Ramin Djawadi is a name that hasn’t really been heard before when it comes to epic movie scores but he has worked as an assistant to Hans Zimmer on several big soundtracks such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl and Batman Begins. This is pretty much his break out performance as a composer and the final product certainly shows that Djawadi is up to the task. The Iron Man soundtrack is a great mesh between emotional orchestrations and intense instrumental rock which is what a movie the likes of this needs in order to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s also worth noting that Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello is prominently featured throughout the soundtrack as his signature style is easy to pick up on but it also comes in at the right moments to add new dimension to the movie score itself. If you do check out this soundtrack make sure to keep your ears open for the original Iron Man theme that is featured on couple times and is a great tip of the hat back to the classic T.V. series. When it comes to movie scores in 2008 there have been very few that have stood out but thankfully Iron Man is one of the best of the year thus far and who knows it might end up being the best soundtrack of the year but then again we’ll just have to wait and see considering that there still a lot of time left in the year. 

> Good - A soundtrack full of energy that mixes powerful string arrangements with pure rock guitar with the final result being a soundtrack that can bridge the gap but still keep you listening until the final track. 

> Bad - A few tracks are a bit shallow and not every song is score in fact there is a Suicidal Tendencies track, called Institutionalized, that is featured at the very end of the album that while it was featured in the movie doesn’t really match up well with the score. Not to mention that the movie also featured the songs Back In Black by AC/DC and Iron Man by Black Sabbath but those two iconic tracks were nowhere to be found on the soundtrack itself and would of made a great addition to the final product.

> Similar - Any big named movie composer the likes of Hans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt, John Ottman, Michael Kamen, Jerry Goldsmith, or John Williams.

> Label - Lion's Gate Records
 

Rating: 4.75/5

With every passing year it seems the resurgence in the classic rock/glam metal scene continues to pick up speed. Gemini Five are a Swedish band that entered the rock scene a little over five years ago with the release of their debut album Babylon Rockets. They would follow that release up with an album (Black:Anthem) that would see the band explore their sound with some influences that were more rooted in the gothic vein but nonetheless there were elements that were pure Gemini Five. The band itself can best be described as a mixture of Motley Crue with some early Alice Cooper as well as all the glam rock hooks that made the genre so popular throughout the 1980s. Now with their third album, appropriately titled Sex Drugs Anarchy, Gemini Five kind of take a step backwards and go for the mentality that they captured on their debut album. The sound of this release is very aggressive and in your face as vocalist Tin Star has an effective voice that while raspy can carry every song on this disc. The new wave of glam metal is in full swing with Scandinavia continuing to be the breeding ground for the movement as Gemini Five remains one of the groups assisting in leading the charge. Sex Drugs Anarchy is an album that doesn’t fool around its just pure glam rock and nothing else. There might be some out there that will be narrow minded and say that this scene is dated but if you get the chance to listen to Gemini Five you might end up being surprised how well they have a bit of a contemporary sound to compliment their heavy guitars and coarse vocals. As far as the glam rock scene goes this could be the contender of the year as it’s a very solid album from beginning to end and even with the innovators of the scene Motley Crue coming out with a new album next month I think that Gemini Five could give them a run for their money in terms of releasing a definitive hard rock album. Lastly I offer a bit of advice to anyone wanting to pick this release up – It’s not going to come cheap unfortunately since it is only for sale in Sweden at the moment so if you live somewhere else in the world picking it up as a import might cost a pretty penny but when it comes to glam rock that makes no excuses you can’t go wrong with Gemini Five.

> Good - Raw, aggressive, glam metal with powerful hooks on every song. If you’re a fan of what made the 80s metal scene this would be an album to definitely to track down and listen to. Gemini Five are keeping this form of music alive and well and hopefully the industry itself will wake up and realize that there is still a following behind bands the likes of this.

> Bad - Nothing that really takes away from the album as a whole. If you’ve never been a glam rock fan I guess you should stay far away from this one as I’m sure it won’t be your cup of tea however glam metal always had the hooks, the delivery, and the songwriting to fall back on. Chances are if you go through the measures to pick Sex Drugs Anarchy up you won’t be disappointed with what the band has done on it.

> Similar - Motley Crue, Alice Cooper, L.A. Guns, Babylon Bombs, The 69 Eyes.

> Label - Wild Kingdom, Spiritual Beast
 

Rating: 4.5/5

When you look at the way metal/rock (Mainstream) albums have been released in the past 10 years one thing always came up, sloppy and unclear direction. But then go underground/internet, check out what bands are doing and it is plain as day that these bands have a direction laid out. With Fosterchild one can clearly hear the direction and influences, raw and in your face! This disc has some amazing metal material, in vain of bands like FireHouse, Motley Crue and GNR! Danny Beissel's vocals are the true heart of this album as he punches the walls down leaving no stone unturned. The flow of the album is perfect, a few rockers, a ballad, few soft rock tunes and ending it all on a soft but sweet note. A couple tunes gave away a southern rock feel which I found to be a nice touch. The opening to Sugar Cookie will have people laughing, for those who have watched SNL and know the Blue Oyster Cult. "Mission" a cool soft track ends this album with a great vocal mix and pounding drums, not to mention a "killing you softly" guitar solo. Overall Fosterchild has a great collection of material in Independence Day as it shares that old school design and sound. I highly recommend checking this band out!

> Good - Classic in style, raw and in your face direction! This is the real deal when it comes to bringing back the classic metal sound we all grew up with! 

> Bad - A couple songs could have been written a little better so that the listener could have sang along to. But considering this is pump your fist material, it still worked out in the end.

> Similar - FireHouse, Motley Crue, GNR.

> Label - Silent Majority Group
 

Rating: 4.85/5

It has been a while since Clay Aiken has graced the music world with a full blown studio album. 5 years after "Measure Of A Man", Clay showcases his growth as a musician as well as a person. From the catchy "Ashes" to the inspiring "As Long As Were Here", Aiken shares his diversity like no current musician. After every Clay release I find myself wondering what could he possibly do next to showcase his talent? Of course only he knows what is to come up next.... But with On My Way Here, he has hit another homerun. There's a great pallet of songs to choose from. There are of course the Clay Aiken pop rock tunes that music fans all know him for, then there are tunes that will shock even the most faithful "CA" fan. If you are only a fan of his pop rock material then chances are you will be giving this disc a lower rating then myself simply because of that reason. But if you like a broad range of material that covers different musical genres then it is a no brainer that you will appreciate this release. The one song that I feel will shock many "Everything I Don't Need", because it is "CA" outside the box. Clearly going the extra mile to try something different and frankly I think it worked out perfectly. Overall Clay has done the impossible again, releasing a disc that has something for everyone. If you liked his previous releases it only makes sense to continue the trend and pick this one up. If you didn't like his past works.... I say give this one a try, listen to some audio clips via iTunes or other legal websites. A fun filled adventure from start to finish in the way only "CA" can do it.

> Good - New material, vocal arrangements and the right direction. Clay Aiken has a viewpoint in today's music world that most artists simply do not.

> Bad - Some music lovers may shy away from this release because it isn't all pop rock material.

> Similar - Steve Perry, Barry Manilow.

> Label - RCA
 

Rating: 1.95/5

It can be interesting to observe what musicians will say leading into a new studio album. Specifically when they talk about what musical direction they’ve decided to go in. For nearly the last year and a half now the build up towards a new studio effort from Def Leppard looked promising as band members hinted at an album that would feature a sound that was deeply rooted in material from the bygone era of Pyromania and Hysteria. It’s the standard example of building hype and leading people down the primrose path by saying one thing and doing something that is the complete opposite. Songs From The Sparkle Lounge is an album that was supposed to be built on Def Leppard’s past as they wanted to go back to a classic rock vibe. The final result feels like Leppard tried too hard to win fans over with heavy guitars and a few signature vocal harmonies and ultimately ends up doing a heavy nose dive into the ground. In fact it almost seems like Def Leppard is trying to rely on their name alone in order to pull a fast one over on everyone. The album itself could best be described as an erratic mess as it takes listeners to one place and then turns around going to a completely different direction without producing a solid song which might make for a formidable hit single in the vintage Def Leppard vein. Considering it’s been six years since the last Leppard studio album to take that long in delivering new material pretty much proves that these guys are reaping all the benefits of being a nostalgia act. Never mind the fact that they wasted even more time putting out a so/so covers disc in 2006, it simply doesn’t take rocket science to see that these guys missed some certain opportunities. Glancing over the songs that make up this album the lead off single Nine Lives (featuring a guest appearance by Tim Mcgraw) is built on being a cheap hit by having a guest assist in opening some new doors that Def Leppard never had the courage to look into. Only The Good Die Young and Bad Actress are simply two of the worst songs written by Def Leppard and when you hear them it’s almost hard to believe that this was the same group who gave the world mega anthems like Rock Of Ages and Pour Some Sugar On Me. I guess the concern was on trying to sound heavy and leave actual structured songwriting out of the equation. The closing track on the standard edition of Sparkle Lounge called Gotta Let It Go is overly generic with a main chorus that sounds like a lighter version of Bon Jovi’s Have A Nice Day. I don’t know what happened between 2002 and now except quite honestly this album is Def Leppard in name only. Even though it’s a gritty rock album it has none of the sleek production values that made Leppard a household name in the first place. Statistics wise Def Leppard have been around for over 30 years and as those years continue to pass on by these guys only have a certain amount of time left to leave a lasting impression with newer material. What it basically boils down to is if Leppard are going to continue a recording career they need to do more than trying to live off nostalgia and focus on keeping their legacy firmly intact. They have the talent to do better but in order to do so they need to stop and take a good look at themselves in the mirror and then break the Def Leppard engine down and rebuild it from the ground up.

> Good - A much heavier Def Leppard album compared to 2002’s X and 1999’s Euphoria. 

> Bad - Disastrous production, bad songwriting, and very little structure makes for something that might leave fans dumbfounded and asking “What happened to Def Leppard?” No hit singles, no anthems, just fluff rock that goes in one ear and out the other.

> Similar - Aerosmith and Bon Jovi in terms of classic rockers who have matured but have gone on to sell themselves short artistically. On the other hand there is a Leppard tribute project by the name of LoudLion who have done a better job sounding like Def Leppard than the actual band that was considered at one time in their career as revolutionary.

> Label - Universal
 

Rating: 5/5

In today’s rock world it’s not entirely rare to see a comeback made especially when there has been resurgence in rock groups from the last 15 to 30 years. The bands of yesteryear once again finding that urge to get back together and to tour. Or getting the itch to perform and record new material to see if they still have it. In 2008 alone bands the likes of Trixter, Extreme, and a reunited Warrant have all announced plans of hitting the road this summer to bring their music to the fans who have always been there for them and thanks to games like Guitar Hero who have introduced an entire younger generation to the melodic rock scene. Now originally Whitesnake returned with a brand new lineup in 2002 for a 25th anniversary tour and have been on and off the road for the last six years. The only thing that was missing for David Coverdale and company to make their return official was a brand new studio album and after several years of anticipation it has finally arrived. The album, aptly titled Good To Be Bad, is the first new Whitesnake album in 11 years and if the first WS studio disc released in North America since 1989’s Slip Of The Tongue. Even with Whitesnake falling into the category of hair band their legacy has carried on for a little over three decades now and just because David Coverdale has reached his mid-50s doesn’t mean that he is over the hill. Quite the contrary as this legendary front man has silenced the harshest naysayer with an album that doesn’t offer any excuses; it just rocks in true Whitesnake fashion. The glory days might be gone and I doubt we’ll see any music videos with sexy brunettes dancing on the hood of a couple Jaguars but who really needs that when quality rock ‘n’ roll is still being made. The first five tracks on this album are some of grittiest rockers and ballads to ever come from Whitesnake and to hear a band of this caliber still retain a razor sharp edge to their sound proves that while older this snake still has an fierce bite. Many out there might be concerned over how this modern lineup of Whitesnake does in the studio. Well Coverdale hasn’t fooled around and has done an amazing job of hand picking the musicians he wanted to be in the 21st century incarnation of Whitesnake. The guys take the sound that they’ve created live in the last six years and transferred it over very well into an album that has a unrefined live feel to it. Although many will remember Whitesnake back in their prime of their career with Adrian Vandenberg and Steve Vai the combination of Doug Aldrich and Reb Beach is just as good and actually I’d say that both of these guitarists do an amazing job of capturing the essential Whitesnake feel in a style all their own. From beginning to end Good To Be Bad gives rock fans a reassurance that there are bands out there willing to make the sacrifices to write and record music that introduces listeners to material that is somewhat dated but still sounds just as good as when Whitesnake first came on to the scene. Who knows if there will be another solid rock album from a true classic rock act in 2008 and if there isn’t any other contenders I’m just glad Whitesnake has made their presence felt once again in all the right ways. Believe me; if you’re thinking that this group is well past their prime look out because David Coverdale has done something here that very few vocalists from his era can do and that is go the distance.

> Good - After many years of silence Whitesnake has slithered their way back into the rock genre. The first new Whitesnake disc in 11 years, David Coverdale has made a comeback for the ages with an album that should be in every rock fan’s collection in ’08.

> Bad - Not one thing! The band has a true gem on their hands from the amazing production to the incredibly rock solid songwriting to the delivery of all the songs this goes down as one of the year’s best rock albums. Some might find it dated but once you hear the raw riffs mixed with Coverdale’s seductive voice you have the best Whitesnake release possibly since their stellar 1987 self-titled LP.

> Similar - Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, David Coverdale, and Coverdale & Page. Or any other act that David is associated with or gets compared to.

> Label - Steamhammer/SPV
 

Rating: 2.95/4

At first glance it looks as if Everclear has jumped on the bandwagon that became so popular last year by releasing a cover/tribute disc paying homage to the bands, artists, and musicians that they grew up on but upon further inspection there is another story behind The Vegas Years. A majority of the covers featured here are actually some older tracks released as B-sides and consist of either studio recordings or live performances (it should be noted though that there are a couple newly recorded covers here as well). The final result is something that has a unique Everclear feel to it but to hear a majority of these popular songs covered in a completely different fashion than the original makes for a very intriguing listen. For example the cover of the Hall and Oates classic Rich Girl when given an alternative edge truly casts that song in an entirely different light. Other notable standouts are The Go’s Go’s Our Lips Are Sealed, Thin Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back In Town, and an absolutely stunning live version of Tommy Tutone’s signature hit 867-5309 (Jenny). Even with the cover album being a tiring fad at least Everclear had the right idea releasing their older B-sides. The album does a more than decent job in running the gauntlet in terms of diversity and doesn’t stick to one particular genre. Whether you’re a rocker or a fan of the pop genre Everclear have done a good job adding their own signature sound to songs that have truly become classics in their own right. If you’re still up for hearing popular artists trying their hand at someone else’s work this makes for an amusing listen and more importantly it seems that throughout Everclear’s career they’ve been a band that enjoyed having fun with whatever they do artistically.

> Good - Everclear go through the vaults and pick out some of their absolute favorite cover tracks. While the guys did record signature songs that listeners should know there are some distinctive choices here including a couple T.V. themes (Speed Racer and Land Of The Lost) so there is still diversity to be found on The Vegas Years.

> Bad - A cover album is still a cover album so if you detest such a release it would be best to check out the samples online to figure out what versions you want to add to your music collection. Nearly every cover featured is a popular hit so it is rather disappointing that Everclear didn’t go for some of the lesser known tracks by all of these artists. If such a method was taken the sound of this release might of been a little more rounded.

> Similar - Foo Fighters, Presidents of The United States of America, Lenny Kravitz.

> Label - Capitol Records
 

Rating: 4.55/5

Seeing a reunion the likes of this doesn’t come along everyday and considering that Asia are pretty much the first supergroup of the 1980s it’s simply amazing to see all the original faces back together again. It’s one of those special moments in the music industry itself and with John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, and Carl Palmer back as the one and only Asia gives fans a sense of wonderment to see if this group could recapture the magic they had in the early 80s. The last time the world got an album of new material from this group with all four original members was back in 1983 with the release of Alpha. With a 25 year gap in place one might be concerned that Asia wouldn’t be able to combine all their efforts and release material that is up to par with what has made them one of the greatest supergroups to ever take form but right from the opening note of Never Again all fear is cast aside as these guys prove that they can still go there and produce musicianship that is quintessential Asia. The album does somewhat get bogged down after several tracks but taking into consideration that this band has always been a progressive rock group at it’s very core there’s a little more substance behind the songwriting and once you give the album a numerous amount of spins it is simply a defining moment for the Asia legacy. The fact that the album is named Phoenix is very fitting as just like a phoenix Asia has risen up out of the ashes to give listeners an album that brings Wetton, Downes, Howe, and Palmer back to the threshold of greatness and beyond. There have been bands from the classic rock era who have tried time and time again to remain relevant in today’s market and thankfully Asia got all the elements right with an album that is a worthy addition to their catalogue. In the end it’s just nice to see another powerful group of artists back together making music that is not only very legitimate but still carries some strong messages behind it. 

> Good - After a 25 year hiatus Asia returns in its original form to write, create, and record an album that was not only well worth the wait but it almost feels like that this form of Asia had never left. Songs like Never Again, Heroine, and I Will Remember You capture that certain magic that only a group like Asia could do.

> Bad - Some tracks tend to drag on a little bit as the prime example is in Sleeping Giant/No Way Back/Reprise. As the title suggest the song is broken into three separate acts and the song begins with an instrumental before listeners get a vocal performance with No Way Back. While the instrumental is a nice build up I tend to think it would of fit better as a track all it’s own but then again that’s why the third act is the Reprise. Progressive Rock isn’t based on adding the pop element to be radio friendly and there are a few other songs that are not as well performed as others but considering this is a group the likes of Asia exceptions can be made.

> Similar - Yes, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake, & Palmer, Uriah Heep

> Label - Frontiers Records/EMI America Records
 

Rating: 4.65/5

Leave it to an artist the like Paul Gilbert to come up with a creative title for his latest solo album the likes of Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar. Once you put the album in the player that’s exactly what happens as the silence before Paul begins shredding makes you wonder what exactly he has in store for listeners. Once the opening notes of the title track hit it’s pretty much a safe bet that Gilbert is going to live up to the potential that has made him such an established guitarist. With this latest album Paul shows exactly why groups like Racer X and Mr. Big were just the tip of the iceberg when it came to this musician/guitarist’s full creativeness. It was a mere two years ago when Paul released Get Out Of My Yard and delivered a truly career defining instrumental album but now in 2008 it seems that he is already pushing the envelope again. Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar comes from a wide array of influences but somehow Paul manages to blend all of them into one sonic performance. In terms of instrumental albums that have been released thus far in ’08 Mr. Gilbert has already trumped the Godfather of instrumental rock himself - Joe Satriani. It’s a pure implosion of rock guitar that doesn’t let up and features sonic anthems with several very clever names behind them like Norwegian Cowbell, Eudaimonia Overture, and Paul Vs. Godzilla. If there was any one instrumental album that is worth checking out this year I would say that Silence Followed By A Deafening Roar is the frontrunner. Paul Gilbert has taken his skills as a traditional rock god and has elevated them to a true guitar virtuoso who knows the instrument both inside and out.

> Good - A technically proficient instrumental album that captures another guitar god still experimenting with several different aspects of his sound. After the disappointment of Satriani’s latest effort it’s nice to hear a guitarist who can still shred with heavy rockers and still find a way to intricately weave musicianship that captures a wide array of emotions into one compelling album. Even with this release being a pure shred fest there is still some moments where Paul gives himself some breathing room and the final result is simply marvelous.

> Bad - A raw rock record that might overload some listener’s senses. If this is your first time checking out what Paul has done in the solo realm you might be in for a shock, especially if you picked up Joe Satriani’s latest album earlier in the month. Considering that both of those guitarists have some contrasting styles it shouldn’t be that much of a modification for guitar enthusiasts. It’s a straight forward rock album so what else could you ask for?

> Similar -  Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Bill Leverty except with a combination of some heavier influences and interesting variety mixed in for good measure.

> Label - Shrapnel Records
 

Rating: 4.45/5

No matter what is going on in the rock genre nowadays there always seem to be those certain artists out there that will always remain underrated. House Of Lords just happens to be one of those bands and for such a group that has built such an reputation in the melodic rock community that the last several House Of Lords albums have had songwriting that proved that James Christian and company could write material that could rival what was featured on their highly praised debut and the 1990 follow up Sahara. After the release of the critically acclaimed World Upside Down in 2006, which featured the return of founding member Gregg Giuffria, it looked as if House Of Lords were getting back on the right track but vocalist James Christian was determined to go beyond what was done two short years ago. With the release of Come To My Kingdom it looks as if that James Christian has been able to keep the songwriting on par with World Upside Down but this time around he gives fans an album that has a much more edgier feel. The fine points of this disc include the title track that is dark, heavy, and has several modern production elements driving it forward. Another Day From Heaven makes use of several amazing structures. But perhaps the key song worth checking out on this latest HOL release is the mid-tempo I Believe. Not only is it definitely a strong contender for song of the year but it’s just one of those performances that you hear and could just envision it being on a movie soundtrack. All in all Come To My Kingdom is a worthy follow-up to World Upside Down and shouldn’t really split fans since it does a good job on building anthem driven melodic rock that utilizes the best elements of emotional songwriting. In other words James Christian has done his homework here folks and delivered a powerful House Of Lords album that is a commendable addition to their discography.

> Good - An established melodic rock act begins a new chapter in their career with an album that features a good balance of driving guitars, strong songwriting, and solid harmonies. The final product is one of the year’s best melodic rock albums thus far and with a year that started pretty erratically this is definitely a breath of fresh air for melodic rock in 2008.

> Bad - Several tracks that unfortunately miss their mark. I guess the fault for this can be directly linked to the runtime of Come To My Kingdom. With 13 songs on the album, not including the European bonus track, it can be somewhat difficult to keep listeners interested for the entire runtime but for the most part James Christian and company do a decent job of keeping the pace of the album on course.

> Similar - Foreigner, Journey, Giuffria or any other big named group from the age of arena rock.

> Label - Frontiers Records
 

Rating: 3.15/5

It could be said that 2008 just might be the year of Don Dokken considering that he has been keeping himself busy within the first four months of the year. Don recently released his second solo album, Solitary, at solo gigs and online through Dokken’s official online store so hot off the heels of that comes the first new Dokken album in four years. There isn’t really a strategy when it comes to releasing two albums with the name Dokken name in the title back to back like this. Unless Don planned to give fans more bang for their buck. Lightning Strikes Again once again features the line-up that was used on Dokken’s 2004 disc Hell To Pay. Guitarist Jon Levin once again tries to step out of the shadows from the legacy that George Lynch forged. For about the last year and a half the anticipation has been building for this disc and considering that it was a four year gap between albums it was going to be interesting to see where this still relatively new incarnation of Dokken would go. The reaction to Hell To Pay was mixed but in terms of taking Dokken to new levels the album did it’s job and now with Lightning Strikes Again it seems the stakes have been set a little higher. The first two songs featured do go back to a heavier edge that is reminiscent of that classic Dokken sound however after that the album tends to go hit a downward spiral. It’s not that the material doesn’t fit this version of Dokken it just seems that compared to what Don and the guys did on Hell To Pay they went for a