DESTINATION UNKNOWN – S/T [AOR Blvd Records] (2023) *HQ*

DESTINATION UNKNOWN is the solo vehicle for the wonderful talents of American singer, Brad Henshaw. Released by AOR Boulevard Records, the self-titled CD “Destination Unknown” sees Henshaw as the possessor of a stunning AOR voice, which he uses to great effect throughout this fabulous album.
It’ll rank as one of the finest pure AOR albums you’ll hear this year. And get it faster, it’s a Limited Edition 500 only CD.
Some of you will remember the golden days of yore, days when not a week went by without a singer songwriter like Keven Jordan, Jude Cole, Eddie Money or Benny Mardones, etc, releasing a classy album of smooth radio friendly AOR. Well, if like me you still hanker for those days, those artists and their music, please let me introduce you to Mr. Brad Henshaw and his compatriot Jon Drewsbury or Destination Unknown; two gentlemen who have an obvious love for all things AOR and doesn’t this album prove it.

From the opening track ‘Rivals’ to the closing ‘I’m Not Crying Over You’, Destination Unknown are on the ball when it comes to smooth, late-night AOR. In Henshaw they have an old school singer, with a wonderful warm tone that’s well suited to these songs, and Drewsbury is no slouch in the multi- instrumentalist category either.
‘One Heart’ and ‘Even Angels Fall’ are an AOR fans’ wet dream, full as they are of lush keyboard refrains, strong melodies and memorable hooks. ‘Holding On’ comes next and it’s a favourite of mine, cool vocals and a strong chorus burrow their way into your head letting go slowly, whilst the eighties cinematic ‘Love Used To Be A Friend Of Mine’ is an emotion filled wonderful ballad.

‘Secretly Loving You’ and ‘Where Do We Go’ keeps the fluffy AOR coming, and look out for the killer saxophone solo on ‘Secretly… finally, let me tell you about ‘Anywhere You Go’, a track that reminded me of a weird mix of Go West and Rick Astley, yes really, strange pairing I know, but it works, and what a hook.

Brad Henshaw and Jon Drewsbury (helped by fine musicians) have recorded what is an unashamedly old-school AOR album, and we love it. They just don’t make albums like this anymore, more’s the pity. Think the AOR Mafia are going to get a big kick out of this one.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Rivals
02 – One Heart
03 – Even Angels Fall
04 – Holding On
05 – Love Used To Be A Friend Of Mine
06 – Secretly Loving You
07 – Where Do We Go
08 – Taken My Heart Away
09 – Anywhere You Go
10 – I’m Not Crying Over You

Brad Henshaw – lead and backing vocals
Jon Dewsbury – keys, guitar, programming
Andy Saphyr – guitar
Rick Main – sax

Try here
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