Monday, November 26, 2012

AOR / L.A. TEMPTATION (2012)

Frederic Slama started his career in France but lived in L.A. for more than ten years where he became friend with many famous musicians and studio players. After releasing a couple of solo records during the 80's, Slama decided to start his own band! This marked the birth of AOR project, always using the cream of U.S. session musicians.



In 2000, the debut AOR album was a fact and 2001 the second one, "Next Stop L.A.", was released and again featured several top session musicians. 2002 and it was time for another record; "L.A. Reflection" was a great west-coast album and it was a major success. Numerous albums followed from Slama and his project so that to come to nowadays and to the brand new "L.A. Temptation". In my humble opinion, AOR has released some great album, no doubt 'bout this!! The problem for me in the majority of AOR's releases was the bad production. This time the production is solid and the music has a 'heavier' and more up-tempo approach. Once again the guest list is impressive while in "L.A. Temptation" Slama collaborates with James Christian, Goran Edman, Chris Ousey and Paul Sabu among others.

"No Margin For Error" with Philip Bardwell on lead vocals is a great starter and a simple stunning melodic rock tune. "Above Suspicion" is the absolute highlight here!! A song that features Goran Edman on lead vocals and a track that could easily appear in any of Street Talk's earlier releases!! Amazing melody and a melodic guitar line to die for!! James Christian of House Of Lords make his appearance in the brilliant "A Heartbeat Away" while in "Second Chance At Love" (Goran Edman) we have a beautiful ballad with great arrangements and a sensational melody. Another highlight from this album is the track that features Paul Shortino. Yes, "Silent Victory" is a killer tune with a catchy as hell chorus line!!

Bottom line is that this is a damn fine melodic rock/AOR release with some brilliant songs in it that will please every single fan of this scene!!!!!
HeavyParadise's Rating : 8/10

Track List :
01 - No Margin For Error
02 - Above Suspicion
03 - From L.A To Paris
04 - A Heartbeat Away
05 - Silent Victory
06 - No One's Gonna Hurt Me Anymore
07 - Second Chance At Love
08 - Out On The Streets
09 - Hold Back The Dawn
10 - The Price To Pay
11 - Outside Heaven
12 - When Darkness Falls



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