Album review: STRANDED – New Dawn

STRANDED - New Dawn

Escape Music [Release date 19.07.19]

Stranded are the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Lewis Nitikman, who was in Stonebolt and on this album he is joined by fellow ex-Stonebolt member guitarist Ray Roper. On vocals is Troy Reid (check out his singing on the Agent albums), a perfect fit for Stranded’s West Coast AOR sound. A passionate and melodic singer are an essential part for any decent AOR album.

Although the recordings are new, the songs were written over a number of years and as Lewis himself commented “These songs were written during a particularly tumultuous time in my life and I’m very pleased that they are getting this opportunity to be heard”

The lead song ‘Not Enough Sorry’ is a superb piece of AOR, from the classy vocals of Troy Reid through to the exquisite musicianship. Fellow fans of lush keys and piano arrangements will love this song. It reminded me a lot of Soliel Moon, both vocally and in the chorus. Different style entirely on ‘More Than Words Can Say’, which has a late night blues/jazz feel to it. Again the production and music are spot on.

‘Take Good Care Of Me’ would appeal to Michael Bolton fans as Reid’s vocal is like Bolton at his peak. Add in some Bruce Hornsby approved piano and you have another winning combination. The sunshine almost pours out of ‘I’ll Be The One’, helped by flamenco guitar and a soothing rhythmic beat.

Top quality music from start to finish, a masterclass in West Coast AOR. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie


Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 25 February
Next session: Sunday 14 April

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio



David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 25 February 2024.


UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 27 February 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com


Power Plays w/c 4 March 2024

COLLATERAL Glass Sky (Big Shot Records)
THE ZUTONS Pauline (ICEPOP)
THE GEORGIA THUNDERBOLTS Rise Above It All (Mascot)
MATT PEARCE & THE MUTINY From Here To The Moon (indie)
THE BLACK VULTURES Never Say (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 4 March 2024

09:00-12:00 LEE AARON Tattoo Me (Metalville)
12:00-13:00 THE END MACHINE The Quantum Phase (Frontiers)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023


To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account



Popular (last 10 days)


This entry was posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply