Best AOR album 2017, #3 : PRIDE OF LIONS – Fearless [Japanese Edition] (2017)

Near the end of the year, it’s time to recap about the best 2017 releases, by category.
PRIDE OF LIONS’ new effort is just another stupendous collection of classy AOR tunes to die for.

Probably ‘the #1 album of the year’ for many, PRIDE OF LIONS‘ “Fearless” appeared in Japan, as usual,  including an exclusive bonus track. It’s record number five for Jim Peterik and Toby Hitchcock and there’s a real “if it ain’t broke” vibe throughout as “Fearless” basically says to people “Hey! You Like Survivor? Cool – buy this!”

Opener and lead single ‘All I See Is You’ sets the tone nicely with a fair burst of rhythm, some soaring vocals and a nifty guitar solo coupled with the instant hum-ability that Peterik writes so well. It really takes the listener back to the days of ‘Vital Signs’ and the like, with Hitchcock really belting out the words with passion and a sweet control of pitch.

Second track ‘The Tell’ features some excellent guitar work, but it’s with third track, ‘Caricature’, that the album really comes alive. This song is pure classic Survivor in every sense, beautifully played and sung. I love the bounce of the keyboards, the range of Hitchcock’s vocals and the sheer joy of the song.
I’m sure that favorite tracks will differ greatly among people who buy this, but it’s great to hear a tune that just burrows into your brain like this one.

As with previous releases, Peterik shows that he’s lost none of his mojo in the songwriting department. The album is predominantly upbeat and rocking but even the slower tracks have a lot to come back to, especially closing track ‘Unmasking The Mystery’ which has a true epic scope to it.
Special mention must go to ‘Freedom Of The Night’, co-written with Jimi Jamison’s keyboard player Hal Butler. Although Hitchcock nails it (of course), you really can imagine Jamison having a ball with this one.

‘Fearless’ is a recording that deserves to be heard by anyone who has ever owned and loved a Survivor album as Pride Of Lions take the legacy and run with it.
Twelve tracks of AOR loveliness; this will be an album that will carry you through the whole of 2017 with a smile on your face. For sure, one of the best albums of the year.
Mandatory Purchase

Victor Entertainment ~ MICP-11331
プライド・オヴ・ライオンズ

01 – All I See Is You!
02 – The Tell
03 – In Caricature
04 – Silent Music
05 – Fearless
06 – Everlasting Love
07 – Freedom of the Night
08 – The Light in Your Eyes
09 – Rising Up
10 – The Silence Says It All
11 – Faster Than a Prayer
12 – Unmasking the Mystery
13 – Everlasting Love (acoustic version) [Japan bonus]

Jim Peterik – vocals, guitar, keyboards
Toby Hitchcock – vocals
Ed Breckenfeld – drums
Klem Hayes – bass
Mike Aquino – guitar
Christian Cullen – keyboards

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-11331
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