This is the second album from these keyboard-led melodic rockers, and it was released back in 1990. The only member that survives today from this line up is vocalist James Christian. Produced by Andy Johns, this album has a killer crisp sound, and your stereo will love you for playing this album.
The album kicks off with Shool and a big keys intro that drops into a great melodic rocker. Chains Of Love has a big hook and chorus with a short snappy solo. The list of guests on this album is huge, and exactly what they do other than bv’s I’m not sure. Steve Winwood’s Can’t Find My Home, the song he wrote for Blind Faith, is next and I think this was released as a single. It’s nearly the same take as the original, at least until the band explodes in. Heart On The Line is up next and is my favourite track on the album. Written by Rick Neilson, it has a huge Cheap Trick vibe and really pounds along. Laydown Staydown closes out Side 1. It’s a classic melodic rock stomper that reminds me a tad of Foreigner.
Pounding drums announce the arrival of Side 2 opener and the title track, Sahara. It has a massive grandiose intro that leads into a classic hair metal anthem. It Ain’t Love is next and it’s super power balladarama, and that is closely followed by soft balladarama Remember My Name, and don’t forget to get those lighters fuelled up. American Babylon is a return to normal service, a kick ass rocker with a big fat riff, just how we like em’. The album closes out with Kiss Of Fire, an over the top rocker, by far the heaviest tune on the album. An improvement on its predecessor but it loses some appreciation for the extra some ballad.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
