A couple of brief CD Reviews

[TageRyche]

GARY HUGHES
Veritas
Frontiers Records 2007

"I find it fascinating that an album showcasing the vocal prowess of Gary Hughes would also shine an equal light on rather outstanding guitar work. There are at least 6 songs that feature guitar riffs that simply shred. The title track features a strong musical intro with a high octane tempo. The smooth and dare I say velvety tones of Gary Hughes are in full bloom here and throughout the songs on the disc.

Veritas features a couple of power ballads and “Wide Awake In Dreamland” is pretty good at that. I loved the track “The Emerald Sea”; it’s probably the best song on the album. Other standouts included “Strange” and “All I Want Is You”. My main problem with the disc is “Synchronicity”. It has a 90 second opening that is among the most irritating things that I’ve ever heard in my life.

Worse yet is that it repeats in the background throughout the entire song. I darn near wanted to rip the CD out of my player and break it after listening to the 8 plus minute cut. You get a great melodic rock album featuring one of the best voices of the genre. You won’t be disappointed overall and you’ll find yourself with a touch of musical greatness."

3 out of 5


ACTION
S/T
Frontiers Records 2007

"When I first listened to the CD I thought the first five tracks were awful. In going back to listen again to the album, I found my opinion changed. I still think the first five songs are weaker than the last 6 tracks but the lead track “Without Your Love” is actually quite a decent rocker. The 80’s rock vibe is present throughout the disc and I loved the guitar work on “Don’t Leave Me Lonely”.

The material consists of mostly up tempo rocker tracks and for me the songs “Loveless” and “Cinderella” are the standout cuts. If you grew up in the 1980’s, when you hear this album, I think you will find yourself transported back to that musical era and find that Action is definitely where it’s at!"

3 1/2 out of 5