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Tag: saraya

SARAYA – When The Blackbird Sings

June 23, 2024 /

There seemed to be a whole bunch of female fronted bands at the end of the eighties as record companies tried to cash in. Saraya were in a different class. They had success with their first album and especially the song Love Has Taken It’s Toll, which had huge airplay on radio and MTV. However, this was their second and final album, and it was the cherry on the cake for me. Although Sandi was the face and name of the band, guitar man Tony Bruno was the driving force of the band as he penned all the tunes. Couple that with Sandi’s great voice and I’m sure the record company thought they could match the success of Pat Benatar.

Not a bad tune to be heard on these fine and silky grooves, there are quite a few vying for the spot of favourite track. Opener Queen Of Sheba is just a top top tune. A great ripping guitar riff coupled with a monster hook and groove, just sneaks it for me. However Hitchin’ A Ride with its huge hook and chorus, and the riff monster that is When You See Me Again run it close, as does the Van Halen tinged Lions Den. Tony Bruno is a very tasty player indeed and he adds some flare to nearly all the tunes, but my favourite solo is on the title track.

If you track down a copy of this masterpiece then I urge you to buy as you will not be disappointed. Great record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

SARAYA – s/t

June 1, 2022 /

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.

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