After the initial success of their first self-titled EP, Brighton Rock were signed by Warners. This is their first full length album, released back in ’86. Melodic rock/ aor was huge around this period, mainly thanks to Journey, Foreigner, and Toto, and the huge money they were generating with the softer sound.
Brighton Rock have a very commercial, radio-friendly sound and it’s easy to see why they were snapped up. There were four singles released out of the ten tracks on the album, including all of the ballads apart from the double A-side blast of Young Wild And Free, and We Came To Rock.
This is the band at their best. A kick-ass rock band and as expected, my favourite track is the close out tune Rock N’ Roll Kid where they finally put the pedal to the metal. A great track that doesn’t forsake the melody for the crunch, as the hook and chorus are huge. The production is huge thanks to Michael Wagener and it sounds loud.
Not a bad album with some excellent high points, but just a bit too many softer tunes.
7/10 from The Grooveman.
