NELSON – Lightning Strikes Twice (2010)
On September 29, 1991, NELSON reached the height of the U.S. single chart with their evergreen hit “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love And Affection”, from their multi-platinum debut album “After the Rain”.
This single made history when it landed America’s iconic Nelson family (bandleader Ozzie Nelson, rock legend Rick Nelson, and twins Matthew and Gunnar) into the Guinness Book of World Records as the ONLY family in entertainment with three successive generations of #1 hitmakers.
Their music has stood the test of time and now 20 years later Matthew and Gunnar Nelson explore fresh creative territory in the present with their new album “Lightning Strikes Twice”.
“Our new disc has allowed us creatively, artistically and musically to resolve some unfinished business” Gunnar says.
“We’ve had a blast going into the studio writing and performing some of our best songs. New fans are discovering our music and original fans have shown incredible support all over the world. It ROCKS!”
Matthew adds; “Who could believe we would be doing a NELSON sequel to ‘After the Rain’ twenty years later?
Gunnar and I feel it’s our best work to date and should live up to its name ‘Lightning Strikes Twice’.
We believe NELSON fans will agree with that forecast and hope they feel it’s been worth the long wait.”
Despite a series of perfectly solid albums, the first question that comes to mind when spinning “Lightning Strikes Twice” is how well it stacks up against Nelson’s classic debut After the Rain.
Obviously the Nelson twins are older and wiser, and this album reflects that maturity, though there’s still a fair amount of energy and spirit to be found.
Album opener “Call Me” is a terrific single, and brings to mind the band’s underrated ‘Because They Can’ album.
“Day By Day” sounds like it came off the latest Bon Jovi disc, and the wickedly melodic “How Can I Miss You” could have been a 7800 Fahrenheit b-side as well.
There are moments, particularly on songs like “You’re All I Need Tonight” where you hear the brothers’ famous vocal harmonies, and the tranquil ballad “To Get Back to You” (which features a guest appearance by Toto’s Steve Lukather) where you know you’re hearing vintage Nelson, and their signature style remains intact.
“Lightning Strikes Twice” is a very strong melodic rock album that should satisfy most Nelson fans, as well as fans of classic ‘80s style melodic rock in general.
It’s a very polished, very melodic and extremely well written album that showcases two of the best performers in the genre.
Here’s hoping it’s the first of many albums to come.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
01. Call Me
02. Day By Day
03. Ready, Willing and Able
04. How Can I Miss You?
05. You’re All I Need Tonight
06. To Get Back To You
07. When You’re Gone
08. Take Me There
09. Come
10. In It For The Money
11. Change A Thing
12. Kickin’ My Heart Around
Gunnar Nelson: Lead Vocals, Guitars
Matthew Nelson: Lead Vocals, Bass
With special guest appearances by:
Gary Corbett – Piano, Keyboards
Brian Burwell – Drums
David Morgan – Piano, Background Vocals
Steve Lukather – Guest Guitar on “To Get Back To You”
IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!
