Stephen
I have a thing with Canadian's melodic rock scene, because many legendary names such as Bryan Adams, Harem Scarem, Loverboy, or Brighton Rock from that country had successfully pump up countless hits that have become my favourite songs for years, so the obvious excitement sparks on my face when I first 'Spin' this disc. Based only on one listen, I'm pretty sure most of these songs were done in the late 80s, and though this was released in 2009, Stiletto's history was actually started a decade ago when singer David Steele and guitarist Kenny Geatros formed Double Dealer and released their long-vaulted songs in 1999.
"Take This Love" is a promising start, sounded very 80s, the verse is enthralling, wrapped up with good chorus, this is such a great track. "Freedom" is definitely the best track, taken from Double Dealer's album, this midtempo power ballad reminds me of Danger Danger or Strangeways 1989 era. "In My Arms Again" is another ballad but slower in tempo, a very strong track and also my fave. "Rock It In The Pocket" blasted with a fast-paced rhythm, the Hammond key sound added the classic rock touch, a song to bang your head with, and "Surrender" is more like a party anthem, another killer track.
David Steele's voice is like Mike Reno or John Waite, fits for an AOR or melodic rock, but he can also roar wildly like Ted Poley or Danny Bowes. Kenny Geatros' virtuosity in guitar handling is also remarkable. Some fillers such as "Heaven's On Fire", "Thinking Dirty", or "Out of Harm's Way" even has its memorable solo moment. "Show Some Mercy" smartly plays with Eddie Van Halen's strum pattern of Roth's era, a decent track but Geatros is the real show here.
"Spin" is satisfying enough to please the melodic crowd but lack of couple, or maybe three, really killer tracks that can bombard MTV or radios, if only there are several "Freedom"-like tunes in faster tempos to replace those fillers, this can be a sensational melodic rock album of 2009. Great stuff though and worth to buy for "Freedom" and "In My Arms Again" alone.