FORTUNE (MA) – Fortune [Japan edition +2] [Rare albums]

Another ‘rare albums’ request is this Massachusetts’ based melodic rockers FORTUNE self-titled debut CD “Fortune” (not to be confused with the Larry Greene fronted AOR act) released by themselves and now out of print. The album appeared in Japan as well a year after (1994), and well worth this version because includes 2 bonus tracks.
Formed in the second half of the ’80s, for over two decades Fortune regularly packed a multitude of venues throughout New England. Hailing from Peabody, MA, this 6-piece band has long maintained a reputation for smooth three and four part vocal harmonies, dynamic and melodic textures of multiple guitars and keyboards, and tight rhythm section.
Over the years, Fortune has been privileged to open for bands such as Cheap Trick, Robin Trower, Bad Company, Jefferson Starship, Kansas and more.

This self-titled debut was produced by themselves (co-produced by the sound engineer), recorded in MA and released by the band.
As the opposite with many Melodic Rock / AOR bands from those years (1993), Fortune was not desperate to get a record deal. They known the grunge was coming, and since their origins they managed every aspect of their art by themselves – so it came naturally: they released this self-titled via their own ‘Fortune Music’ label.

Being many of the songs here composed in the ’80s, isn’t surprising to hear lovely melodious numbers with synth / keyboard slashes all over, even some Pomp.
The musicianship of these guys is second to none, and as said, they worked very well the multi-part harmonies for superb choruses and arrangements.

Just check the catchy opener ‘Straight Ahead’, follower ‘When The Time Is Right’ or ‘On My Way’ for radio-ready choruses. Looking for smooth AOR? Mid-paced ‘Never Felt So In Love’ is one of ‘those tunes so ’80s’, while ‘See I’m Not The Same’ soars.
If you want something more ‘melodic hard’, then press play on ‘Don’t Waste My Time’ or ‘A Tiger Of Stone’, but even here all is very melodic.
A Melodic Rock album needs a ballad, and ‘Lives Can Change Direction’ is a really good one. Starting with acoustic guitars & vocals, midway all instruments come in (including piano) for some kind of a pompous

Japanese bonuses are great: ‘Don’t Lose Faith’ starts with layered vocal harmonies akin Boston, and then build up to a midtempo melodic rocker with some Journey on it as well.
The ‘The Wolf Will Survive’ rocks harder, with some early Stryper on it, but much more melodious including synths and lots of Pomp harmonies, some kind of New England re-born 1990.

Honestly, the two bonuses are among the best on the album, and if you ask me twice, both are the best on this CD already plenty of good songs.
Rare and a collector’s item, “Fortune” is a really, really good one.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Straight Ahead
02 – When The Time Is Right
03 – Only You
04 – Don’t Waste My Time
05 – Never Felt So In Love
06 – See I’m Not The Same
07 – A Tiger Of Stone
08 – On My Way
09 – Two Halves Of A Heart
10 – Lives Can Change Direction
JAPAN BONUS TRACKS:
11 – Don’t Lose Faith
12 – The Wolf Will Survive

Bob Vose – lead vocals
Bill Plourde – guitars, vocals
Pete DiStefano – guitars, vocals
Kevin Brooks – bass, vocals
Dickie Paris – drums, percussion
Jeremy Heussi – synthesizer, organ, piano
with
Bill Ferraro – drums on 1 & 8
George Rolke – bass on 1 & 8

Out Of Print
.