This is album number two for probably the UK’s finest aor/melodic rock band. The band were put together by ex-Thin Lizzy sidekick Darren Wharton and featured one Vinnie Burns on guitar, who would later join Ten and Brian Cox on keys who would later be known for being a boffin for the BBC in some of there science based programmes.
The album came out in ’91 on A&M just when all things melodic became surplus to requirements. There is a big Celtic vibe to this album and obvious influence picked up from Darren’s time in Lizzy.
Wings Of Fire opens up the album in serious kick ass style. A great track with a huge hook and chorus, and Vinny riffing hard. We Don’t Need A Reason follows and it’s more of the same with added Def Leppard-style gang harmonies. Surrender follows and is my favourite track. Yes, it’s even better than the first two, massively catchy hook and chorus that has you singing along and pumping your fist in the air. Great track! Great country/blues vibe to Chains adding a cool addition to the rockin’ grooves. Side 1 close out with Lies and we are firmly in ballad city, although the switch gets flicked mid way in.
Back to the rock with Side 2 opener Live To Fight Another Day. This song has American radio written all over it and five years earlier this would have been huge. Cry Wolf is up next and another gem of a tune for your delight. It sort of reminds you of everybody as it feels as though you have heard it before, but it’s still a great tune. Breakout is the big anthem tune on the album. Pounding groove with the big ending and that huge sing a long chorus is the perfect recipe. The big hooks keep coming with next track Wild Heart. This one has big Lou Gramm vibes in the main verse, but that chorus is huge. We close out the album with Real Love and a power ballad in the true sense of the word.
Dare are one of rock’s forgotten bands and don’t get enough love. Great record!
9/10 from The Grooveman.
