Based around the vocal talents of vocalist Sandi Saraya, the band released two albums of which this is the first. This album (and its follow up) is held in high regard in the aor/melodic rock community – and rightly so. It’s best known for the opening track, Love Has Taken Its Toll, which was a huge rock radio hit in the US. It’s a monster tune with a big hook and chorus, and a killer short but snappy guitar solo from ex Danger Danger man, Tony Rey. Fun fact – he played most of the guitar on DD’s first album with Andy Timmons adding flourishes.
Every track is as catchy as a super spreader virus, with the emphasis always on the melody and the hook. Plus Sandi has a great voice just tailor made for these type of tunes, she has just the right amount huskiness for those rockier moments, and Runnin’ Out Of Time is definitely one of those. This track just pounds along with a killer Hammond driven riff and groove – it’s one of my favourites on the album. Of course there are a few ballads as you would expect, with Back To The Bullet being the best of these. Close out track, Drop The Bomb, is a superb end to the record with synth driven vibe but with a monster solo.
Female fronted rock bands were not taken as seriously as their male fronted counterparts, so when you hear albums as good as this it proved it was absolute nonsense. A great melodic rock album.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
