The name Clif Magness won't ring a bell for most, but he had a solo album in 1995 simply called Solo, but it's possible you read his name in the credits of many albums. He wrote songs for Avril Lavigne - and made her big with his songs -, Kelly Clarkson, Quincy Jones and many others. he even got a Grammy for The Places You Find Love which he wrote for Quincy Jones.
Clif Magness kicks his album off with Ain't No Way. A riff-based rocker which combines modern rock sounds with a slight 80's feeling and a dash Westcoast sound.
With Don't Look Back he presents an AOR-ish tune with great melodic guitar parts and a sing along chorus. With Unbroken he goes balladesque, this one is a real treat for fans of Toto. While Like You offers an up-tempo beat, but breaks into a slow, almost acoustic passage, before getting heavy again. At Nobody But You there is a dash of Westcoast sound á la Beach Boys, but it's on top of a singer / songwriter kind of tune putting focus on Clif Magness vocals. One of my favourites is Shout, a catchy rocker. Actually I think the rock tunes are stronger than the slow, more balladesque tunes, but I guess that's a matter of taste... From the balladesque ones Rain is my favourite. So, if you want to check out Lucky Dog, give these two and the opener Ain't No Way a try.
Lucky Dog is the perfect soundtrack for every AOR fan this summer!
