REVIEW : ISSA, Lights Of Japan (Frontiers Music s.r.l. Release: 20 January 2023)

Norwegian rock queen Issa is back in business with her brand new opus, her eleventh full-length, entitled "Lights Of Japan". The new effort will be released this January through Frontiers Music.

For "Lights Of Japan", Issa worked with producer Michele Guaitoli, who has produced albums of Visions Of Atlantis, Kalidia, SheWolf and many more, and he is also the vocalist for Visions Of Atlantis, Temperance, and ERA. Guaitoli has played, also, guitars and bass on the new album and he has contributed to the songwriting on two tracks. For the bulk of the album's songwriting, Issa's husband James Martin and his brother Tom, both former members of UK melodic rockers VEGA, contributed their immense talents.

In "Lights Of Japan" Issa continues to deliver 'clever', up-beat and solid melodic rock/AOR stuff filled in with beautiful melodies, harmonic lines, tons of hooks and, of course, Issa's strong vocals. 

Some strong moments out of "Lights Of Japan" included the self-titled track, the edgier "Live Again", the moodier "Moon Of Love" (which features Giovanni Barbetta on saxophone) , "Chains", "It's Over" and the melodic rock gem of "I'll Be Waiting"!!! 

Overall, Issa's brand new "Lights Of Japan" is a strong and highly entertaining melodic rock album that can't be missed by any fan of this scene!! 

Songwritting : 8

Production : 8

Songs : 7

Musicianship : 8

Overall Rating : 7,75 / 10 

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