The second and final album from this short lived partnership. This is a much more melodic album, as their first had a jazz/fusion vibe, albeit with some killer playing. This album is a lot more melodic, with Steve Perry even making an appearance.
Opening track No More Lies feels a bit like an uptempo Journey tune with Neal on vocals, who also plays a very tasty solo. The Journey vibe continues with the slowed down west coast groove of Don’t Stay Away. Next up is You Think You’re So Hot, and this is the sort of tune that I expect that they would come up with. A weird groove funk with a killer instrumental section! Next track Turnaround is old school heavy blues, and Schon gives it the beans . Last track on this side is Self Defence, where Steve Perry makes an appearance and is one of the strongest tracks on the album. A killer heavy melodic groove with a great riff, and Perry is on the bv’s on this one. This song would appear again on Journey’s Generations album, re-titled In Self Defence.
Long Time is a quirky pop/rock tune with a cool hook and melody. Time Again is a slow brooding track, and the solo is killer. Sticks And Stones is next and is my favourite tune. Love that choppy riff and roiling short solo. Piece Of Mind follows and is what I would call a filler track. It doesn’t do much or go anywhere. Covered By Night closes out the album, and it builds to a dramatic centre piece solo then just fades away.
Overall, this is not as strong as their first album. It just feels like a bits and pieces record, but it has its moments. If you’re a guitar nut like me then it’s worth getting just to hear Neal lay it down.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
