OVERLAND – Contagious (2016)
Next week will appear “Contagious“, the new album from OVERLAND. Steve Overland is a legend in his own lifetime. Is there anyone out there who is not familiar with his name?
From beginnings with his brother Chris in Wildfire to the legendary AOR band FM, Overland has been one of the premier and consistent voices of the genre.
Gorging ourselves on a plethora of words regarding Mr. Overland and this album simply borders on useless hyperbole. Everything about “Contagious” is as expected. And expectedly good.
The songs are filled with melody, harmony, catchy refrains, and glimmering guitar solos. Overall, some songs may be a tad heavier than his previous album.
Of course, the musicianship and production is superb thanks to the involvement of the quite talented Tommy Denander, Lars Chriss, and Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, The Firm).
Chriss handles the knobs and the music sparkles.
Of course, Overland is in his element, the rich world of AOR melodic rock, and his usual fine form, being smooth, melodic, and soulful.
Among the highlights there’s ‘Intoxicated’, ‘Pocketful Of Dreams’, the racing melodic hard rocker ‘Unforgiving World’ and the killer ‘Back Where I Belong’.
On the more AOR, subtle side, ‘Define Our Love’ is a winner, as well as ‘Wildest Dreams’ with its ’80s feel, but also the groove monster ‘Making Miracles’ where Overland is at his most soulful.
You can’t go wrong here: everything about Steve Overland’s “Contagious” screams fundamental, classic AOR / melodic hard rock.
Highly Recommended
01 – Doctor my Heart
02 – Easy on me
03 – Edge of the universe
04 – Every lonely night
05 – Wildest dreams
06 – Intoxicated
07 – Define our love
08 – Pocketful of dreams
09 – Making miracles
10 – Back where I belong
11 – Unforgiving world
12 – Shame on You (bonus track)
Steve Overland: Vocals
Tommy Denander: Guitars, Keyboards
Lars Chriss: Drums
Tony Franklin: Bass
Mark Stanway: Keyboards on track 1 & 9
Paul Farrington: Keyboards on track 5
Jem Davis: Hammond on track 7
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Contagious-Overland/dp/B01LGAZAWK
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