SARAYA – Saraya [Bad Reputation Records remaster +4]

French reissue label Bad Reputation has been doing a great job releasing ‘Collector Series / Remastered with Bonus‘, with the main attraction being the addition of a bonus tracks or bonus disc, making these reissues the ‘definitive expanded versions’. In a Rock Candy Records fashion, these are official remasters in arrangement with the original recording companies.
SARAYA‘s self-titled album – one of the finest female fronted Melodic Hard Rock / AOR albums from the ’80s – was reissued by the label with 4 bonus tracks.

Founded in 1987 by by raven vocalist Sandi Saraya and keyboardist Gregg Munier (who passed away in 2006), and originally known as Alsace Lorraine (the title of a short instrumental on the album), the line-up expanded to include guitarist Tony Rey aka Teddy Bruno (the original axeman in Danger Danger), bassist Gary Taylor and drummer Chuck Bonfante.
All 3 had been playing with ex Foreigner contributor and Spys Al Greenwood in diverse projects, while previously Rey and Bonfante were members of the Joe Lynn Turner Band.

SARAYA released this self titled album in 1989, a melodic and highly polished collection of AOR numbers characterized by Sandi’s infectious vocal style.
The swaggering opener “Love Has Taken It’s Toll” starts with a bluesy acoustic guitar giving way to a huge riff from Rey, the driving rhythm propelling the song along, and topped with Sandi’s husky vocal delivery.
“Healing Touch” has mesmerizing vocals and a very well-developed melody progression, as does “Runnin’ Out Of Time” with that conquering main riff.

There isn’t a bad track on the album, from the commercial “Back To The Bullet” through the hard rock of “One Night Away” and the pulsating “Get U Ready”
“Gypsy Child” and “St. Christopher’s Medal” shows the band’s moody side, while “Fire To Burn” has maybe the most erupting scream from Sandi, it’s pure amazement with that metallic riff.

After so many years, finally this long time out of print gem gets the deserved reissue, with an amazing remastering job.
As for bonus tracks, two songs from the slightly heavier sophomore release “When The Blackbird Sings” are included, and the track that originally only appeared on the “Seducer” single, the fiery “Chainsmokin”.

Also present is the power ballad “Timeless Love” which originally appeared on the soundtrack of the ‘Shocker’ movie, featuring a great guitar solo by Toto’s Steve Lukather.
This is a great opportunity to get hold of a rockin’ AOR classic. Every home should have one.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Love Has Taken Its Toll
02 – Healing Touch
03 – Get U Ready
04 – Gypsy Child
05 – One Night Away
06 – Alsace Lorraine
07 – Runnin’ Out Of Time
08 – Back To The Bullet
09 – Fire To Burn
10 – St Christopher’s Medal
11 – Drop The Bomb
BONUS TRACKS:
12 – Seducer
13 – In The Shade Of The Sun
14 – Chainsmokin’
15 – Timeless Love

Sandi Saraya : Lead Vocals
Gregg Munier : Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Tony Rey / Bruno : Guitars, Backing Vocals
Gary ‘Skid’ Taylor : Bass, Backing Vocals
Chuck Bonfante : Drums

BUY IT !
badreputation.fr/ARTISTS/SARAYA
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