GRAND DESIGN – Rawk [Japan Edition +2] (2023)

Swedish AOR/MR purists GRAND DESIGN are back with the long- awaited new album “Rawk“, produced by Pelle Saether and recorded at Studio Underground Sweden. This album is the perfect follow-up to the band’s last album ‘V’, even more ’80s sounding than never before.
This Japanese Edition on digipak features a different cover art and includes 2 exclusive bonus tracks.
“Rawk” has that signature Grand Design sound that made them one of the top acts in the Swedish melodic rock scene. The new songs are packed with unforgettable choruses, shredding guitar work and a superb pristine production. Erik Grawsiö from Swedish act Månegarm, and Veith Offenbächer from German act Dawn Of Destiny appear as guests on one of the albums highlights, “Carry On My Wind”.
GRAND DESIGN always hit home, with multiple albums being crowned Melodic Rock Album Of The Year, and “Rawk” will be into many lists for sure.

So many great tracks are on display here, with opener ‘Tuff It Out’ having an anthemic song structure reminiscent of Def Lepp’s ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’. ‘Dangerous Attraction’ is everything I want in a midtempo power chord earworm. A slow build verse that builds into a harmonized blazer of a chorus. By the second go around of the chorus, you are compelled to sing along. If Grand Design were to ever release a compilation Best of…, this track would certainly make the cut.
Other fabulous songs include the high-energy juggernaut ‘We Were Born to Rawk ‘n’ Roll’ (the heaviest hitting track on the album), the midtempo rocker ‘Love or a Fantasy’, and ballad ‘Give It All Up for Luv’. Grand Design does not do a lot of ballads and I was always hoping for something from them that was as good as 2011 track ‘Your Love’s A Runaway’. I’m happy to report that this new one is as sonically satisfying as that prior release.

‘In the H.E.A.T of the Nite’ is a winner. Guitarists Dennis Vestman and Dan Svanbom play different melodies that complement each other very well. The band were wise to let this song go past the five-minute mark and let the melody breathe with selective use of the whammy bar, arpeggios, and power chords all aided by powerful drumming from Joakim Jonsson. I can’t for the life of me figure out why the title references the band H.E.A.T.. I do not believe any of that band’s members play on this song and it certainly does not sound like a track you would hear from that band.
Nonetheless, it’s still a powerful, bombastic number.

The album’s initial single ‘Get Out’ was released a year and a half ago and it’s a catchy cut with an almost poppy feel, then two vocalists Erik Grawsiö and Veith Offenbächer guest on ‘Carry On My Wind’, with a swinging sing-songy style of a chorus.

Grand Design never fails in delivering classy Melodic Rock / AOR with a modern sound. “Rawk” is as impressive as their last few releases. Long time fans will need to add this to their collection. As for newer, this is certainly a good starting place for the band.
Highly Recommended

01 – Tuff It Out
02 – God Bless Rawk N Roll
03 – Love Or A Fantasy
04 – Your Luv Is Drivin’ Me Crazy
05 – Desperate Hearts
06 – Dangerous Attraction
07 – We Were Born To Rawk N Roll
08 – Carry On My Wind (feat. Erik Grawsio, Veith Offenbächer)
09 – Give It All Up For Luv
10 – Get Out
11 – In The H.E.A.T. Of The Nite
JAPAN BONUS TRACKS:
12 – Carry On My Wind (Alternate Version)
13 – Your Luv Is Drivin’ Me Crazy (Extended Version)

Pelle Saether (lead and backing vocals)
Dennis Vestman (guitar, backing vocals)
Dan Svanbom (guitar, backing vocals)
Stefan Westerlund (bass)
Joakim Jonsson (drums)

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www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/DAKBKMY-1128