ROBBY VALENTINE – Robby Valentine [Expanded Edition] (2020)

Universal Music Catalogue label division has started a reissue of ROBBY VALENTINE early works, Expanded Editions of these albums including as bonus tracks songs never officially released outside Japan.
The Dutch genius first album “Robby Valentine” is a must have for any AOR / Melodic Rock fan, and at this point, a classic.

Having left awesome AOR / melodic hard rock outfit Zinatra, Robby put forward his solo career in 1991. This “Robby Valentine” debut would effectively establish Robby’s unique brand of adult oriented rock which is often characterized as technical melodic rock or progressive AOR.
In fact, most songs on this 1992 debut could be regarded both as songs and musical pieces.

Valentine opens on the ambitious “The magic breeze”, a landmark in orchestral adult oriented rock, totally indicative of the songwriter’s musical ability and artistic orientation.
“One day” is a melodic rock classic tune in book, and there’s of course the Queen-esque “The Gift of life”, a trademark in this Dutch musician.

Form there onwards you get the dramatic “Heaven is calling”, the potential mega-hit uber catchy “Broken Dreams”, and the stimulating “Heaven is calling”, another melodic rock / AOR gem.
And yes, we have here the superb ballad “Over and over again”, Robby’s hit with its classy Scandinavian feel.

A great part of the album’s appeal is to be attributed to the fact that all instruments shine on each and every arrangement, with guitars, bass and drums being crucial elements to the end result – even though the overall songwriting is based on keyboards.

“Robby Valentine” never has been remastered, but this Expanded reissue sounds fantastic.
It’s officially released by Universal Music, so the master source is the real one. Additionally, you have the original album singles B-sides as bonus tracks.
“Robby Valentine” is a melodic rock / AOR diamond, the Dutch’s masterpiece and a must have in your collection.

01 – The Magic Breeze
02 – Broken Dreams
03 – Live Your Life
04 – One Day
05 – The Gift Of Life
06 – Over And Over Again
07 – Heaven Is Callin’
08 – I’m Searchin’
09 – Here There And Everywhere
10 – Angel
11 – Love Is Alive
12 – I Believe In You
13 – Love Takes Me Higher
BONUS TRACKS:
14 – A World Of You And Me (Love Takes Me Higher B-side)
15 – Don’t Make Me Wait For Ever (Love Takes Me Higher B-side)
16 – I Can’t Stand Another Day Without You (I Believe In You B-side)
17 – I Believe In You [Classical Version] (I Believe In You B-side)

Robby Valentine – Lead vocals, grand-piano, synths, guitar
Arthur Polini – bass, background vocals
Rob Winter – lead guitar
Hans Eijkenaar – drums
John Ewbank – add. keyboards

BUY IT
www.amazon.co.uk/Robby-Valentine-Expanded/dp/B087461D8N