DAKOTA – Little Victories [2016 reissue]

Most part of American AORsters DAKOTA discography was out of print from some time now, fortunately some of their albums are getting a deserved reissue this year 2016. “Little Victories” is another strong album by Dakota, from the band’s new Millennium incarnation.

Still retaining their classic ’80s AOR sound, “Little Victories” originally released in 2000 showcased a much modern Melodic Rock sound an emphasis on stronger guitar lines, punchy arrangements and multiple vocal harmonies. We have some truly fantastic choruses here.
Fourteen tracks all up, represents good value for money, and though the songs have a similar musical theme throughout there is enough of a difference to make each one unique, and pretty soon you’ll be humming some of those choruses with regularity.

Highlights abound, but my favorite should be ‘Hearts On Fire’, the more mid-Eighties AOR tune on the album with ‘that’ magic. But there’s also to gems in the ballad ‘Go Easy (On My Heart)’ with its awesome melodic arrangement, and the lovely ‘Wish’ bringing to mind the first Nelson album.
More classy stuff arrives with ‘Brother To Brother’ (co-written by Bill Champlin) and another very early Eighties melody in ‘Next In Line’, while for a more rocking stuff ‘The Deep’ tick all the boxes.

Dakota’s “Little Victories” was one of the albums that kicked up the resurgence of the Melodic Rock / AOR scene fifteen years ago, and still sounds relevant today.
A lovey slice of wonderfully crafted melodies.

01 – Don’t Count Me Out
02 – Hearts On Fire
03 – Brother To Brother
04 – I.O.U.
05 – The Deep
06 – Prelude (To Victory)
07 – Little Victories
08 – Let Go
09 – Go Easy (On My Heart)
10 – Rescue Me
11 – Wish
12 – Next In Line
13 – Friday On My Mind
14 – Workin’ Hot

Jerry Hludzik – vocals, bass
Jon Lorance – guitars, vocals
Rick Manwiller – keyboards, vocals
Eli Hludzik – drums

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