These guys are a bit of an oddity. They were signed by Arista under their original name of Native, but soon after signing they changed their name to Witness. Damon Johnson of Black Star Riders was the guitar player in the band, he doesn’t play a note on the album neither does his guitar partner Eddie Usher. In fact, a lot of the US melodic rock royalty played and wrote a lot of the album. Neal Schon, Brad Gillis to name but two. Obviously the label loved the voice of vocalist Debbie Davis and wanted to launch the band big time. Unfortunately, the band split after the release of the album but they left behind one of the great unheard melodic rock releases of the period.
Rammed full of radio friendly tunes I would recommend this banger to any lovers of melodic rock/AOR. Many great tunes to choose from here but my two favourites are firstly opener Show Me What You Got which is one hell of a way to open an album, it has a big riff, killer groove, and a hook and chorus to die for. Second, Am I Wrong with another great riff and superb melody.
It’s fun to play spot the guitarist and who plays on what. Back To You could have been on any Journey album and Neal Schon’s guitar style is unmistakable. Great album. Go check it out.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
