After the success of Journey and Foreigner with their softened up brand of rock with big hooks and melodies, record companies were lining up to sign bands that remotely resembled them with dollar signs in their eyes. After Carmine Appice’s brief spell with Ozzy, he put together a melodic rock band with relatively unknown musicians. Mark Free on vocals (who would later transition into Marcie Free), Mick Sweda on guitar (who would later be a founding member of the Bulletboys), and Johnny Rod (who would join W.A.S.P, among others).
Song wise, it’s what you would expect from a very American radio friendly record. It takes no risks and it’s melodic rock for dummies. Second Time Around is a decent opening tune with a big chorus and melody. Dream On is a little lighter in approach and the emphasis is on the song, and it was written by Russ Ballard. Feel The Heat would have made a great single if the record company were paying attention. Title track, Thrill Of A Lifetime, follows and is the best track so far. Very Foreigner in style with some nice playing by all concerned, and an earworm of a chorus. Last track on Side 1 is Only The Strong Survive and is the big ballad that was part of the contract for all these bands at the time.
Side 2 opening track is Iron Eagle (Never Say Die) the theme song to the movie Iron Eagle. It was written by outside writers and it sounds like a different band to me. Home Street Home follows and starts with the eighties signature over processed drum intro, and then comes a very average attempt at rapping by Mark Free – the word “cheesy” comes to mind. Overnight Sensation is next, and is the first really up-tempo rocker on the album so far, with a nice solo from Mick Sweda. Raise Your Hands To Rock is next, and I have to ask which one? Granite, Limestone which is the best? Seriously though, it’s probably the best track on the album and rocks quite hard. Album close out track, Party Animal, is again a rocker. The album goes out on a high with the last three tracks. The band would record one major album and then disappear until the early toonies, when one of the small boutique European labels would resurrect the name to record a couple of albums.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
