On disc: Stan Bush

 
 Shine
 
- Sandra Bucher -
 
 


 
 In This Life
 
- Sandra Bucher -
 
 


 
 Dream The Dream
 
- Claudia Ehrhardt -
 
 

Dream The Dream

(Frontiers Records - 2010)



 
 

 

Stan Bush is around since the early 80's and frequently released albums. House Of Lords fans will know his song Love Don't Lie which was covered by James Christian and his mates. Movie fans will know some of his songs from movies like Transformers: The Movie (1986), Kickboxer and Bloodsport. The Emmy Award winning artist - 1997 for Til I Was Loved By You was featured on Guiding Light, a popular American soap opera - was honored when his song Capture The Dream was used for the Olympic Summer Games in 1996.

He opens up with the catchy rocker Never Hold Back which should please every fan of AOR and hard rock. I'm Still Here gets special through the expressive vocals and great guitar lead. Stan Bush's vocals show similarities to Lou Gramm (ex-Foreigner), but his sound should hook up everybody who listens to bands like Bad English, Journey, Shadowking, Giant and Foreigner. The up-tempo rocker Two Hearts will win you over immediately. Okay, somehow the songs sounds familiar, but hell, it's fun to listen to. The heavy rocker Love Is The Road is another highlight, actually I think he's best at the guitar-driven rockers. But he's also good with ballads. The closer Sam's Theme (The Touch) is a great track and the right one to close the chapter, coz it will make you spin the album again. And it combines the two sides of Mr. Bush, it has rocking parts and balladesque passages.

Stan Bush would deserve to be acknowledged by more rock fans, but as most media is following the latest trend his songs won't get aired frequently. Luckily Stan Bush is keep up the good work and keep releasing albums. Thanks!
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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In This Life

(Frontiers - 2007)



 
 

 

Every lover of melodic rock and hard rock should know Stan Bush. Its been 25 years since he released his first album and even when he wasn't always in the spotlight he was working. He wrote the song for the 1996 Olympic games and contributed music for several movies like Transformers – The Movie, Kickboxer and The Wraith. This is his 10th album of Stan Bush who should be as known as Foreigner, Survivor and Richard Marx... On this latest work In This Life he presents 11 songs which are a real treat for melodic rockers. Okay, there is no smash hit, but I Can't Cry would have been, if it still would be the 80's! With piano parts surprises Waiting For You while This Moment is a bit bombastic. A song like Southern Rain might be a hit in America, but others might find this one too flat... Or too cheesy....  A bit more rock you get with Long Long Way and Take It All The Way - a bit like Tesla.... My personal highlight is Over You. But you can also check out In This Life and I Can't Cry.
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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Shine

(Frontiers - 2004)



 
 

 

The Canadian guitarist Stan Bush is presenting his solo album Shine. Mr. Bush hired band members for the recordings. He is known as a songwriter and for his early work as Stan Bush & Barrage. This time he wrote songs together with Curt Cuomo - a good decision. The last 2 albums have been decent ones, but nothing special. With the help of Cuomo he created new hits. Less bombastic, more basics and the dry production fits good to the AOR songs. A highlight is Falling. A mid-tempo song with a catchy chorus. Heavy guitar riffing one moment, then Curt Cuomo's keyboards adding melody. Remind me a little bit of Giant... Or early Bon Jovi... Aldo Nova... And that can be said about all the tracks. AOR / hard rock is what Stan Bush lives for decades. With musicians like Kenny Aronoff (drums), Matt Bissonette (drums) and Tim Pierce (guitar) you can't do wrong. Another great track is The Chance You Take. Or the relaxed I Turn To You.

Musical food for fans of the above named bands as well as of REO Speedwagon, Hardline, Harem Scarem. Fans of Tyketto / Vaughn should check this out, too! Mr. Bush is back!
 
 










Claudia Ehrhardt


  
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