US guitarist / singer Stephen Crane played in a band called Baby towards the end of the 70s. A few years later, MCA Records offered him a solo deal and sent him into the studio with producer duo Jai Winding (including LE ROUX "So Fired Up") and TOTO guitarist Steve Lukather. The resulting debut album "Kicks" (1984) is an ultimate classic of 80s melodic rock, featuring illustrious guests such as Jeff, Mike & Steve Porcaro, Tom Kelly, Richard Page as well as many other notable guest musicians. Stylistically settled in the somewhat rockier AOR sound (where sometimes three guitarists let off steam per song) the album is peppered with highlights like the punchy "Headed For A Heartbreak", "Joanne" and "Victims Of Love" paired with TOTO-heavy tracks like "Back On My Feet Again" (incl. a killer solo by Steve Lukather) or the Van Stephenson-reminiscent "I'll Take Care Of You". The album is packed with highlights and it is inexplicable why this classic was denied commercial success. Now finally on CD for the first time incl. liner notes by Dave Reynolds, digitally remastered and limited to 500 copies - a must have!
The Power Of Rock
€ EU