Critiquing Melodic Rock

[kgdjpubs]

One of the best songs of all time in Melodic Rock/AOR

Stranded - Mitch Malloy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftH8oP9q8Pc

my favorite Pau Laine sung song...

I Do - Danger Danger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlLZ0M_Qi28

Awesome Giant song:

Hold Back the Night - Giant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajFItOic1Ko

Best version of this killer Giant tune....

Stay(acoustic) - Giant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8smf2ZEwBA

ok, this is more of what I'll listen to and enjoy than the 1st list. Never much of a D2 fan, but that song might change my mind (other than the cheesy preacher segment that is thankfully very short).

The Mitch Malloy song is solid, even though I think I've only heard one full album he did.

Giant rules...at least the first two albums. III sounded a lot like what it was for the most part--leftovers, and I'm not even going to start on the new one except for saying it's Giant only in name only, and songwise very disappointing to the point I might rank III over it. Time to Burn is the best of all of them for me....and yes, the acoustic version is better.

[S2M]

Shadow King - Once upon a Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uj0SZQvi7Y&playnext=1&list=PLD0701D46349E367A

Heaven & Earth - World's Apart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsL9JzU_NVI

Does it Feel Like Love? - Signal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuoJJjNIhPA

When Love is Gone - Unruly Child
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-gc_fGQpPg

Do you Ever Think of Me? - Stuart Smith/Heaven & Earth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAoUa6D4ShU

^^^^sorry but this version smokes the Unruly Child version....

[kgdjpubs]

in case anyone was actually interested in checking out the list posted previously....
comments, criticism and outright insults more or less welcomed in descending order


Survivor – Didn’t Know It Was Love (Jimi Jamison-era)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOT4OlnCvJw

Magnum – Wild Angels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYmLQlz_jXM

John Farnham – That’s Freedom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVzDIpG2XPo

Ian Moss – Telephone Booth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42_cIT6RnBo

Cold Chisel – Bow River (with both Ian Moss and Jimmy Barnes on dual lead-vox…gets heavier and more rocking the longer it goes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFY9TY1Y-0k

Dare – Return the Heart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IE0hGkt-2k
(original not on youtube, so this is the slightly slower remake from the most recent album)

Stuart Smith – Heaven & Earth (with Joe Lynn Turner on vox)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e4FWiudw-o

Crown of Thorns – Live and Die
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gEV_NbIalM

Fair Warning – Save Me (live, slightly faster version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKYjy9zJvXw

Tyketto – End of the Summer Days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELlXA9O9x6I

Strangeways – Only a Fool (Terry Brock on vocals)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3pOOdIFIUw

Noiseworks – Take Me Back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRq_EVA9kYk

The Storm – Don’t Give Up (Kevin Chalfant with Gregg Rolie and Ross Valory in their bid to outdo Journey at their own game…and coming darn close also!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36ZxH-bx0lA

Thunder – Loser (live from the supposed farewell gig with the incomparable Danny Bowes on vox)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YOhXUCCP8M

Gotthard – I Wonder (not sure why they have the wrong cd cover, but the song is correct)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-sw4gnrBRU

Ten – The Loneliest Place in the World (maybe their best moment)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjXbkenSXMo

Oliver Hartmann – What If I?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxtYhp7S3NE

Talisman – Shed a Tear Goodbye (JSS in soul-influenced melodic rock mode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqwi33Jno-Q

[kgdjpubs]

Shadow King - Once upon a Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uj0SZQvi7Y&playnext=1&list=PLD0701D46349E367A

never heard this before. Lou Gramm's going insane on this one. Very cool.

Heaven & Earth - World's Apart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsL9JzU_NVI

great song...awful singer. Stuart Smith would have been much better just keeping Kelly Hansen, which was the original plan for the cd. Kelly Keeling is a considerable downgrade in talent level.

Does it Feel Like Love? - Signal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuoJJjNIhPA

When Love is Gone - Unruly Child
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-gc_fGQpPg

ahh yes, Mark Free at his best.

Do you Ever Think of Me? - Stuart Smith/Heaven & Earth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAoUa6D4ShU

^^^^sorry but this version smokes the Unruly Child version....

yes, it does. No comparison whatsoever.

[Rocker Chic]

On the song S&S on Riverside, the keys remind me of Bruce Hornsby....

The keys... Those bloody keys are so damned distracting!!!

When I saw them for their 1st time back to L'Amour for this CD, I wasn't prepared to see a keyboardist there. He (I don't even remember his name) didn't do anything for me (he did less for me another night years later in NJ) and the keys were really annoying me, after hearing all of those Tyketto songs for years without any.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some beautiful keyboard work (Eric Ragno's style on David Readman's solo, for example), but I despise that 80s synth sound (i.e., Brother Firetribe's stuff). I kept telling myself that they needed the keyboard player to compensate for Brooke's absence.

BTW, saw Vito Bratta there that night, too. I don't think anyone realized who he was.

Debbie

[Rocker Chic]

Matt - you picked a great PC69 song. Thank the lord you didn't pick an Andi Deris song....lol

God, I *adore* David Readman's voice! He could sing my mortgage/bills to me and I'd still have a huge smile on my face.

Debbie

[conversationpc]

Shadow King - Once upon a Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uj0SZQvi7Y&playnext=1&list=PLD0701D46349E367A

Great song...I like just about every song on that Shadow King album and I especially love the haunting, acoustic ballad "Russia".

[Deb]

Talisman – Shed a Tear Goodbye (JSS in soul-influenced melodic rock mode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqwi33Jno-Q

Good choice, easily my fave off of 7. Along with Rhyme or Reason, love the 'Crazy' vibe of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lfgo4Rknps

[S2M]

Talisman – Shed a Tear Goodbye (JSS in soul-influenced melodic rock mode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqwi33Jno-Q

Good choice, easily my fave off of 7. Along with Rhyme or Reason, love the 'Crazy' vibe of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lfgo4Rknps

No offense, but I find Talisman extremely boring....the music itself is semi-interesting, if not all over the place....and not a big fan of Jeff in this band/style. Jeff's voice is more suited for stuff like Eyes, and W.E.T.

[kgdjpubs]

Talisman – Shed a Tear Goodbye (JSS in soul-influenced melodic rock mode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqwi33Jno-Q

Good choice, easily my fave off of 7. Along with Rhyme or Reason, love the 'Crazy' vibe of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lfgo4Rknps

No offense, but I find Talisman extremely boring....the music itself is semi-interesting, if not all over the place....and not a big fan of Jeff in this band/style. Jeff's voice is more suited for stuff like Eyes, and W.E.T.

ironic that you would make that comment on this particular song, which is exactly down those lines you described. Talisman is kinda hit or miss for me. There is some good stuff here and there, and a bunch that is neither here nor there--rather like the rest of his back catalog if truth be told.

[SF-Dano]

Not familiar with a lot of Talisman. Recently checked out their DVD. The only song to grab me and stick in my head was Mysterious - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZoz1maatJQ

Their most mainstream sounding tune that I have heard. But like I said I have only probably touched on 10-15% of their catalog.

[Rocker Chic]

Talisman – Shed a Tear Goodbye (JSS in soul-influenced melodic rock mode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqwi33Jno-Q

Good choice, easily my fave off of 7. Along with Rhyme or Reason, love the 'Crazy' vibe of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lfgo4Rknps

No offense, but I find Talisman extremely boring....the music itself is semi-interesting, if not all over the place....and not a big fan of Jeff in this band/style. Jeff's voice is more suited for stuff like Eyes, and W.E.T.

Talisman are one of my absolute favorites, while it's Eyes (and Takara, FTR) that bores me. :::shrug::: I enjoy W.E.T., but I'm not crazy about it. Perhaps I haven't given it enough time. I'm finding less and less time to devote to music these days, so I may not be playing fair with W.E.T.

Debbie

[kgdjpubs]

Talisman – Shed a Tear Goodbye (JSS in soul-influenced melodic rock mode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqwi33Jno-Q

Good choice, easily my fave off of 7. Along with Rhyme or Reason, love the 'Crazy' vibe of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Lfgo4Rknps

No offense, but I find Talisman extremely boring....the music itself is semi-interesting, if not all over the place....and not a big fan of Jeff in this band/style. Jeff's voice is more suited for stuff like Eyes, and W.E.T.

Talisman are one of my absolute favorites, while it's Eyes (and Takara, FTR) that bores me. :::shrug::: I enjoy W.E.T., but I'm not crazy about it. Perhaps I haven't given it enough time. I'm finding less and less time to devote to music these days, so I may not be playing fair with W.E.T.

Debbie

Eyes is pretty much late 80s/early 90s hair band....and my feelings on that are pretty much explained elsewhere in this thread
I've never really found anything mentionable at all about Takara. Not enough to say I dislike it, but nothing that makes me want to listen to it again either. Maybe "bland" is the right word.
FTR ?????

WET is one of those bands that I should like more than I do. Everything is in the right place, but the majority of it leaves me cold. I think the problem is very bland lyrics on most of it. The melodies are good, but the lyrics seem to be something of an afterthought rather than the emotional core that drives the song. Take the Brothers in Arms chorus for a great example of very pedestrian lyrics. There is some promise, and a few standout tracks, but the lyrical issues downgrade it from very good to something less.

[Rocker Chic]

FTR ?????

For the record... I guess I could have spelled it out, but I was being lazy.

[kgdjpubs]

FTR ?????

For the record... I guess I could have spelled it out, but I was being lazy.

ahh...the way it was written, just sounded like one of the umpteen million bands that JSS has been involved in, so I figured I'd just missed one. Give it time, that will probably be the name of the next Frontiers project band/album once "along the road" is taken.

[Deb]

I always went for good singers (big factor!) and good lyrics. I think the lyrics part is what soured me on a lot of the hair bands. Always wanted some depth to the songs and not just the very superficial party-like-a-rockstar lyrics that were commonplace at that time. Really, I didn't even care for the bands that were popular at the time (Winger, Poison, GnR, etc).

Huge factor here too, lead vocal makes or breaks it for me. As far as the lyrics, usually not going to find too deep of lyrics on much commercially popular music. I get razzed all the time about MB don't know how to right a song, blah blah, they have some killer songs but usually on deeper cuts that aren't part of the dirty dozen, save for a few gems that are part of the DD. Like the EM penned 'Promise Her The Moon' and 'The Chain' love this one lyrically..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjRpgU_jdHM

Vocal pipes are easily my fave instrument. Especially if they have great tone/timbre and R&B influenced delivery. Hell, look at Henry Lee Summer, lol goofy bugger, but loooove his pipes.

[kgdjpubs]

I always went for good singers (big factor!) and good lyrics. I think the lyrics part is what soured me on a lot of the hair bands. Always wanted some depth to the songs and not just the very superficial party-like-a-rockstar lyrics that were commonplace at that time. Really, I didn't even care for the bands that were popular at the time (Winger, Poison, GnR, etc).

Huge factor here too, lead vocal makes or breaks it for me. As far as the lyrics, usually not going to find too deep of lyrics on much commercially popular music. I get razzed all the time about MB don't know how to right a song, blah blah, they have some killer songs but usually on deeper cuts that aren't part of the dirty dozen, save for a few gems that are part of the DD. Like the EM penned 'Promise Her The Moon' and 'The Chain' love this one lyrically..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjRpgU_jdHM

Vocal pipes are easily my fave instrument. Especially if they have great tone/timbre and R&B influenced delivery. Hell, look at Henry Lee Summer, lol goofy bugger, but loooove his pipes.

now how in the world did I know that was probably a Mr. Big link without even reading the message???

[Deb]

I always went for good singers (big factor!) and good lyrics. I think the lyrics part is what soured me on a lot of the hair bands. Always wanted some depth to the songs and not just the very superficial party-like-a-rockstar lyrics that were commonplace at that time. Really, I didn't even care for the bands that were popular at the time (Winger, Poison, GnR, etc).

Huge factor here too, lead vocal makes or breaks it for me. As far as the lyrics, usually not going to find too deep of lyrics on much commercially popular music. I get razzed all the time about MB don't know how to right a song, blah blah, they have some killer songs but usually on deeper cuts that aren't part of the dirty dozen, save for a few gems that are part of the DD. Like the EM penned 'Promise Her The Moon' and 'The Chain' love this one lyrically..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjRpgU_jdHM

Vocal pipes are easily my fave instrument. Especially if they have great tone/timbre and R&B influenced delivery. Hell, look at Henry Lee Summer, lol goofy bugger, but loooove his pipes.

now how in the world did I know that was probably a Mr. Big link without even reading the message???

LMAO, I was going to post a Henry Lee Summer song too, but I figured it would just confuse people.

[kgdjpubs]

I always went for good singers (big factor!) and good lyrics. I think the lyrics part is what soured me on a lot of the hair bands. Always wanted some depth to the songs and not just the very superficial party-like-a-rockstar lyrics that were commonplace at that time. Really, I didn't even care for the bands that were popular at the time (Winger, Poison, GnR, etc).

Huge factor here too, lead vocal makes or breaks it for me. As far as the lyrics, usually not going to find too deep of lyrics on much commercially popular music. I get razzed all the time about MB don't know how to right a song, blah blah, they have some killer songs but usually on deeper cuts that aren't part of the dirty dozen, save for a few gems that are part of the DD. Like the EM penned 'Promise Her The Moon' and 'The Chain' love this one lyrically..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjRpgU_jdHM

Vocal pipes are easily my fave instrument. Especially if they have great tone/timbre and R&B influenced delivery. Hell, look at Henry Lee Summer, lol goofy bugger, but loooove his pipes.

now how in the world did I know that was probably a Mr. Big link without even reading the message???

LMAO, I was going to post a Henry Lee Summer song too, but I figured it would just confuse people.

yes....the Eric Martian....oops, Martin fanclub would disown you if you did!

[Deb]

I always went for good singers (big factor!) and good lyrics. I think the lyrics part is what soured me on a lot of the hair bands. Always wanted some depth to the songs and not just the very superficial party-like-a-rockstar lyrics that were commonplace at that time. Really, I didn't even care for the bands that were popular at the time (Winger, Poison, GnR, etc).

Huge factor here too, lead vocal makes or breaks it for me. As far as the lyrics, usually not going to find too deep of lyrics on much commercially popular music. I get razzed all the time about MB don't know how to right a song, blah blah, they have some killer songs but usually on deeper cuts that aren't part of the dirty dozen, save for a few gems that are part of the DD. Like the EM penned 'Promise Her The Moon' and 'The Chain' love this one lyrically..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjRpgU_jdHM

Vocal pipes are easily my fave instrument. Especially if they have great tone/timbre and R&B influenced delivery. Hell, look at Henry Lee Summer, lol goofy bugger, but loooove his pipes.

now how in the world did I know that was probably a Mr. Big link without even reading the message???

LMAO, I was going to post a Henry Lee Summer song too, but I figured it would just confuse people.

yes....the Eric Martian....oops, Martin fanclub would disown you if you did!

LOL, actually if looking at Behshad's sig, it's quite appropriate.

[S2M]

I'm going to say this because it is the 'critique' thread, and I started it.... I'll explain myself further, IMHO - Mr. Big can not write a good song if their collective heads depended on it. Now people may like them, even worship them... But that doesn't change the fact that they are kinda boring. Sure, the music is great. Vocally, and lyrically, and overall structure of the songs leaves MUCH to be desired.

I actually thought this would be the ONE thread that didn't get a Mr. Big reference....I was wrong.

I think Deb needs to expand her horizons...I really do.

Stop being a Sotorian, a Martinizer, and a Mr. Bigot!!!!!!! There are other acts out there that need tender loving care....discover them.

[Jana]

I'm going to say this because it is the 'critique' thread, and I started it.... I'll explain myself further, IMHO - Mr. Big can not write a good song if their collective heads depended on it. Now people may like them, even worship them... But that doesn't change the fact that they are kinda boring. Sure, the music is great. Vocally, and lyrically, and overall structure of the songs leaves MUCH to be desired.

I actually thought this would be the ONE thread that didn't get a Mr. Big reference....I was wrong.

I think Deb needs to expand her horizons...I really do.

Stop being a Sotorian, a Martinizer, and a Mr. Bigot!!!!!!! There are other acts out there that need tender loving care....discover them.

I can name two great acts for her.

[S2M]

I'm going to say this because it is the 'critique' thread, and I started it.... I'll explain myself further, IMHO - Mr. Big can not write a good song if their collective heads depended on it. Now people may like them, even worship them... But that doesn't change the fact that they are kinda boring. Sure, the music is great. Vocally, and lyrically, and overall structure of the songs leaves MUCH to be desired.

I actually thought this would be the ONE thread that didn't get a Mr. Big reference....I was wrong.

I think Deb needs to expand her horizons...I really do.

Stop being a Sotorian, a Martinizer, and a Mr. Bigot!!!!!!! There are other acts out there that need tender loving care....discover them.

I can name two great acts for her.

I was refering to good acts.....I know where you were going. you U2pian....you.

[Deb]

I'm going to say this because it is the 'critique' thread, and I started it.... I'll explain myself further, IMHO - Mr. Big can not write a good song if their collective heads depended on it. Now people may like them, even worship them... But that doesn't change the fact that they are kinda boring. Sure, the music is great. Vocally, and lyrically, and overall structure of the songs leaves MUCH to be desired.

Love a good debate. I disagree, but then you haven't heard their whole catalogue so I expect it..........although I will admit IMO could be better if Eric and Paul did most of the writing. Nothing against Billy and Pat, I just think E and P have good writing chops. But I think there is some pretty strong personalities in that band.

I think Deb needs to expand her horizons...I really do.

Stop being a Sotorian, a Martinizer, and a Mr. Bigot!!!!!!! There are other acts out there that need tender loving care....discover them.

You would be surprised, I have tons of cds in my collection, alot you would probably like, quite varied too (ok maybe only 2 or 3 country cds ) that I listen to. But invariably I resort back to great vocals and listen to them the most. I love me some great R&B influenced vocal ear-candy and Perry/Martin/Soto happen to get under my skin the most in that regard. Doesn't matter what genre they're singing, that influence/delivery is there. And of course regarding MB, just like original Journey, I NEVER thought they would reunite. Let alone get a new album out of them and see them LIVE. So, of course, I'm all over that! Now, if I could only get Triumph to reunite too.

Now leave me alone Sean-boy, I have packing to do.

[Deb]

I'm going to say this because it is the 'critique' thread, and I started it.... I'll explain myself further, IMHO - Mr. Big can not write a good song if their collective heads depended on it. Now people may like them, even worship them... But that doesn't change the fact that they are kinda boring. Sure, the music is great. Vocally, and lyrically, and overall structure of the songs leaves MUCH to be desired.

I actually thought this would be the ONE thread that didn't get a Mr. Big reference....I was wrong.

I think Deb needs to expand her horizons...I really do.

Stop being a Sotorian, a Martinizer, and a Mr. Bigot!!!!!!! There are other acts out there that need tender loving care....discover them.

I can name two great acts for her.

Which ones? Tears For Fears - maybe. Would need to listen to them a little more to judge. U2 - not. I find them as overrated as MB is underrated. And sorry, but Bono's vocals do absolutely nadda for me.

[S2M]

I'm going to say this because it is the 'critique' thread, and I started it.... I'll explain myself further, IMHO - Mr. Big can not write a good song if their collective heads depended on it. Now people may like them, even worship them... But that doesn't change the fact that they are kinda boring. Sure, the music is great. Vocally, and lyrically, and overall structure of the songs leaves MUCH to be desired.

Love a good debate. I disagree, but then you haven't heard their whole catalogue so I expect it..........although I will admit IMO could be better if Eric and Paul did most of the writing. Nothing against Billy and Pat, I just think E and P have good writing chops. But I think there is some pretty strong personalities in that band.

I think Deb needs to expand her horizons...I really do.

Stop being a Sotorian, a Martinizer, and a Mr. Bigot!!!!!!! There are other acts out there that need tender loving care....discover them.

You would be surprised, I have tons of cds in my collection, alot you would probably like, quite varied too (ok maybe only 2 or 3 country cds ) that I listen to. But invariably I resort back to great vocals and listen to them the most. I love me some great R&B influenced vocal ear-candy and Perry/Martin/Soto happen to get under my skin the most in that regard. Doesn't matter what genre they're singing, that influence/delivery is there. And of course regarding MB, just like original Journey, I NEVER thought they would reunite. Let alone get a new album out of them and see them LIVE. So, of course, I'm all over that! Now, if I could only get Triumph to reunite too.

Now leave me alone Sean-boy, I have packing to do.

Hmmm....how do you know what I've listened to? I'm so deep into music it's not even funny. Have YOU heard Racer X?

[Jana]

I'm going to say this because it is the 'critique' thread, and I started it.... I'll explain myself further, IMHO - Mr. Big can not write a good song if their collective heads depended on it. Now people may like them, even worship them... But that doesn't change the fact that they are kinda boring. Sure, the music is great. Vocally, and lyrically, and overall structure of the songs leaves MUCH to be desired.

I actually thought this would be the ONE thread that didn't get a Mr. Big reference....I was wrong.

I think Deb needs to expand her horizons...I really do.

Stop being a Sotorian, a Martinizer, and a Mr. Bigot!!!!!!! There are other acts out there that need tender loving care....discover them.

I can name two great acts for her.

Which ones? Tears For Fears - maybe. Would need to listen to them a little more to judge. U2 - not. I find them as overrated as MB is underrated. And sorry, but Bono's vocals do absolutely nadda for me.

I get that. Bono's voice is weaker this past decade, but he is a tremendous lyricist and the Edge writes beautiful melodies.

Original of the Species - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq9wxCgNjL8

I know JSS is a strong singer and delivers songs beautifully, but I just can't get into his vocal tone. no matter how much I try. I like some of Beautiful Mess and I love some of the WET songs where his vocals are layered and think he shines in TSO. But other than that, not really for me. I like Eric's vocals, but a lot of his songs are kind of bland.

[rsimpson]

Shadow King - Once upon a Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uj0SZQvi7Y&playnext=1&list=PLD0701D46349E367A

Great song...I like just about every song on that Shadow King album and I especially love the haunting, acoustic ballad "Russia".

Very underrated album. Love every song.