| Change Of Heart Truth Or Dare | Escape Music ESM122 |
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British AOR group Change Of Heart don't do anything we haven't already heard before, but it has been sometime since I have heard an album of really good British styled AOR such as this and that fact, coupled with some strong songwriting makes this an album well worth owning. This is pure British AOR in the vein of Heartland and FM. It doesn't pretend to be anything other than a slice of old school 80's melodic rock and I think fans of this genre will welcome such a release in a year dominated by metal. Although driven by a retro 80s sound, the production is in keeping with what we expect of today's releases. For me the album really kicks into gear with the third track of the album, which funnily enough, is a super ballad. That's not to take anything away from the heavier than usual sound of the opening rocker Burned, or the urgent tempo of Farlands. I just think that everything – the sound and song quality – falls into place perfectly for the big ballad Desperate Heart. A tighter sound, a huge chorus and an emotional punch that really connects greets the listener and from here on, it only gets better. The uptempo feel good rocker Hold On is one of the band's best tracks to date; Truth Or Dare has a further touch of urgency in its delivery; Taking My Time is reminiscent of Chris Ousey and Keep On Believing is a very pleasant melodic rocker with a prominent piano role. The album closes with an uptempo rock ballad, helped by a passionate delivery and some classy guitar and piano passages. At least, I thought the album closed with that last track! One final unlisted track (Higher Than Love) stands out as an album highlight and will I imagine be a favourite among fans. On occasion a repetitive symbol sound raises its head, but that is only a small complaint. The addition of FM's Pete Jupp on drums and Steve Overland on backing vocals is a winning formula that can only place this release further up the must purchase lists.
The harmonies throughout are superb and the equal mix of keyboards and guitars, coupled with some passionate vocals make this album a winner for lovers of traditional AOR.
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09/07/06: Paul Eales - speales@aol
21/04/06: Zok - micke_016@hotmail.com
19/01/06: daz - dazp777@hotmail.co.ujk
17/12/05: Melodiker - sirratzi@arcor.de
30/11/05: Axe Machine - info@hugomusic.net
30/11/05: freddy de keyzer - freddk100@hotmail.com
Rating: 95
You must check this album out - easily the best of the three and that its is quite a compliment. Also great to see live if you get the chance - I hear the vocalist is also gigging a local north east band (RIOT) doing covers of Thunder, Bon Jovi, Europe - great AOR, if you get the chance - go and see - great stuff
Rating: 89
Change of heart is back, after a long wait. Their last album Continum is very good. I must say that Truth or dare also is a great record. But I think the style is a little different if you compare to Continum. Sure this is a melodic rock without any doubt, and Allan Clark voice is good, but I think the voice is a little thin somtimes. Clarks voice is better on Continum, and its not a monsterballad like "When love gets in the way" on this. But "Desperate heart" and "Never fall" is great ballads and little more great uptempos like "Hold on" and "Burned" is great.
If you like this kind of music its a safe buy, good production and Steve Overland on backvocals,with makes a higher feel.
Rating: 92
a cracking little cd desparate heart blows me away good stuff fellas
Rating: 70
the music souds great,but the voice is a little thin.....
Rating: 80
Sorry Andrew, but when you consider the quality of this years releases, this certainly isn't a 91 to my ears. But that's just one mans opinion. Not to say that this is a bad album, in fact it's a pretty enjoyble listen. Burned, Hold On, and especially the title track are great examples of AOR. My biggest disappointment was the vocals of Alan Clark as they didnt seem quite as strong on this record as they have in the past. Fortunately the ever brilliant vocals of Steve Overland are there to back him up, which certainly gives the album that FM vibe in places. More guitar driven than in the past, but certainly doesn't lack a good measure of glistening keys. Here's to hoping they bac this up with another record within the next 12 months. 80%.
Rating: 87
Great AOR, without any question.
It's less polished than their previous releases, and for me personally that's a minor point.
I prefer the polished AOR sound. But it's only a minor criticism.
A MUST HAVE if you like real AOR !!!
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