Ransom was, quite likely, the best of the fully-female fronted Christian bands of the “hair era”. Not only did Lisa Faxon have some incredibly strong vocals, the band, as a whole, was very talented, with guitar player Tony Ortiz being one of the better axe slingers you have probably never heard. The group’s 1991 self-titled debut brings a joining of commercial metal and hard rock that fans of Shout, Stryper, Guardian, Angelica and Holy Soldier will be certain to appreciate. So if second half of the ’80s Lita Ford, Heart, Saraya, etc is your thing, you can’t miss this Ransom’s debut album. You’ll be surprised. And if you already own this record, listen to the crisp remaster and the collectible bonuses.

Watch: https://youtu.be/9943TlFe-vg

In the '70s, Dan Peek had been one third of one of the most successful bands in the USA, America. Unfortunately the success still left Dan Peek empty inside and his spiritual journey led him to salvation in the late '70s. He left the band and embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album in 1978. This is his second album and to indicate the slowness of his work rate, it was released in 1984. One thing is for sure, Peek knows how to pen songs with hooky choruses and gorgeous harmony vocal arrangements. Signed to Chris Christian'as label, who played on the album besides cats like James Harrah or his ex- bandmate Gerry Beckley. A wonderful slice of classic west coast AOR. Digitally remastered re-issue.

Listen: https://youtu.be/DGlU4oAvXuo

A fine double-decker by Southern German hard rockers MALLET. They celebrate their 40th (!) anniversary these days. 26 songs from their previous 12 records, all remastered and hand-picked by fans. There are many rockers (e.g. “Rock’N’Roll Hero“), slightly poppy tunes (“On My Way“) up to beautiful ballads (“Shine On“). So you get a great ride through the genre including lots of melodies and groove. To cut it short: Lots of value for money!

MARTIN STARK

Watch:https://youtu.be/QqRF8Ex21dA

A very surprising comeback from a band which released a Frankie Sullivan produced debut back in 1990 on the defunct Enigma Records label before they felt into obscurity. With 3 of the 4 original members involved (singer Kenny McGee, six stringer Jimmy DeLisi and bass player Ty Westerhoff) the core members were still involved. With the addition of ace drummer Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot) and production help from his band mate Kevin DuBrow “Passion” (2002) is a wonderful trip back to the glorious 80s sound as it can be described as a mix of a more commercial Cinderella with a good dose of Quiet Riot at the rockier tracks. Not a killer, but a very good release overall.

Listen: https://youtu.be/h51KeTCanBA

“Upside Down“, the seventh album of the Swedish band is hard rock with some funk elements, tons of classic rock and lots of passion. Timeless music with quite some uniqueness in its sound. The single “Super God“ is great start and also musically and lyric-wise slightly obscure “Never Again Your Slave“ is a real cracker. One of the few bands out there that really stick out. And you got to have balls to start such an album with an instrumental!

MARTIN STARK

Watch:https://youtu.be/m1BD5gfliJw

For a brief moment in the early ’90s, many rock insiders predicted huge things for Kik Tracee. The Los Angeles based rock group had already conquered their famously competitive local club circuit and signed a record deal with RCA. Their debut album, 1991’s “No Rules” featured hook-laden rockers typical from the era, but Kik Tracee offered many more sonic treats. It’s a killer album packing stupendous songs and a huge production, but as said, they were much more than your typical Hair Metal act. Yes, with Dana Strum at the producer desk there’s some Slaughter mixed with Saigon Kick, Slick Toxik and maybe a dose of heavy Ratt or Guns ‘N Roses. Bad Reputation records re-issue incl. bonus CD.

Watch: https://youtu.be/EhVVu3e4Mss

A collaboration of Tommy Heart (v, FAIR WARNING, ex SOUL DOCTOR) and Kee Marcello (g, ex EUROPE) with their second album although under a new monicker. Majestic AOR / melodic rock with a pretty decent production and a mix by Ron Nevison (e.g. KISS, OZZY). Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE) plays keyboard on four tracks. Ten killers, no fillers. A true contender for every “best of the year“ list. This record is simply “out of this world“ like the song “A Million Years“, for example.

MARTIN STARK

Listen: https://youtu.be/0dcMoQ6iixI

Hunter is a band that hails from  Chile and its style is classic melodic rock/edgy AOR stuff. After the digital release of the band's 10 track debut (which contained five songs in Spanish), the band gained the attention of fans, press and, of course, labels. The Danish Lions Pride label has a weakness for such exotic releases, so it's not a surprise that their new album "Hungry Heart" get released through the Danish label. "Hungry Heart" contains twelve tracks with a classic melodic rock/edgy AOR sound. Well played and properly recorded the album should attract fans of the classic AOR sound with a weakness for exotic bands, cause as with many South American bands  the lead vocals leave some desires.

Watch:https://youtu.be/JSBm5Hb1WNU

Second album of the Australian who - like on “Volume One“ (2017) - was able to gather an illustrious number of musicians around him. The production could have been a bit better but musically and in terms of eighties AOR atmosphere foremost, this record is like a rollercoaster ride back in time. Guests like Rob Wylde (v, MIDNITE CITY), Alexander Strandell (v, ART NATION), Robbie LaBlanc (v, BLANC FACES) or Dennis Ward (v, PINK CREAM 69) are the real deal here. “Best Man For You“, an (officially) unreleased PAUL STANLEY track is the icing on the cake. 

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/B5EBjPn1BvE