CHINA SKY – China Sky II (2015)

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It’s incredible, 27 years have passed since CHINA SKY released their one and only album in 1988. It still is regarded as one of the finest US AOR records from the ’80s, and a cult classic.
By the interest of many fans of the band and classic rock in general, the songs from that mighty album began to resurface on the Internet. Original members vocalist Ron Perry and bassist Richard Smith were mystified by this, and decided to resurrect China Sky.
Just released by Escape Music, “China Sky II” is the result of 2 years of writing, polishing and recording this new effort.

The album opens with the band’s single release “One Life”. This is a very good song boasting a rather catchy chorus and announcing, rather ironically, that you perhaps get two lives, as China Sky know all too well. It’s a highly melodic AOR tune with lots of keys and an ’80s feel.
However, China Sky 2015 is classic rock too, as heard on follower “The Road Not Taken”, a slow tune that in many ways reminds me 2000’s Styx.
It’s good stuff with classy guitars and confident vocals as on songs to come like the classy “I Believe In You” (catchy chorus), “I Wish I Could Fly” or the ballad “The Richest Man In The World” with some Jim Peterik on it.

The album’s third track, “You Are Not Alone”, is undoubtedly a highlight. The guitar work from Steve Wheeler is seductively fierce, the pre-chorus and chorus combo are a treat and the finished product is an undeniable success. I can really see why this band had a few serious hits in ’88. Fine instrumental balance and a dose of well-worked vocal harmonising are there to be heard.

“Enemy” and “I’m A Survivor” are soaring melodic rockers with a strong vintage feel, “You’ll Get Yours” mixes early ’80 Journey with Foreigner, while the solid “The Darkness” turn things a little more harder (with some nice synth fills).
The album concludes with the aggressive electrics and that infectious rumbling bass of “Dreams I Will Never See”, another highlight with some real throwbacks to the classy ’80s licks and hooks that we’d all welcome back with open arms.

China Sky II is not the classic US AOR of the debut album, although there’s various songs in this vein.
It’s not that the band decided to update their style or sound, not at all, the production on this record is quite vintage, or with an ‘analogic’ feel if you prefer. Just Perry and Smith wanted to add a classic rock punch to the new China Sky, and it really works.
Perhaps the old fans wished another polished, pompous, catching AOR record, but I think China Sky did a right move on their return; there’s a more wide appeal on this record to please a wider audience.
They may preach “One Life” on the opening cut, but these guys will be all too aware of this second chance. And this album is a solid display of talent and bubbling potential for the future.
Highly Recommended.

01 – One Life
02 – The Road Not Taken
03 – You’re Not Alone
04 – I Believe In You
05 – I Wish I Could Fly
06 – Enemy
07 – I’m A Survivor
08 – The Richest Man In The World
09 – You’ll Get Yours
10 – The Darkness
11 – Give It Up
12 – Dreams I’ll Never See

Ron Perry – vocals
Steve Wheeler – guitars
Tim McGowan – keyboards
Richard Smith – bass
Bruce Crump – drums

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/China-Sky-II/dp/B00R5CYBUG
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