SPV (Release date: 24.09.12]

Magnum celebrate their 40^th anniversary this year and return with a new album, their sixth since reforming back in 2002. Quick mention to the limited edition digi pack as this adds bonus live songs and alternate versions of songs on the album. I have not heard this but looking at the track listing and the album artwork this is the one diehard fans will be after I am sure.

The album starts quietly with ‘All The Dreamers’, Bob Catley’s vocals usher in one of the album’s big pomp rock numbers. Like the ‘The Visitation’ album Mark Stanway’s keyboards make a significant contribution and on this song he plays some dance styled keys, backed by Tony Clarkin’s guitar riffing – an AOR Pendulum if you will. This is an album highlight for me along with the single ‘So Let It Rain’. This is one of the most radio friendly and instant sings the band have done since the days of the ‘Goodnight L.A.’ album. If Radio 2 can give this a few plays they could have a hit on their hands as the strings and chorus make this an instant hit on the listener.

‘Shadow Town’ is a classic Magnum tune, strong lyrically (about the decline of town centres) and both Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin in fine form musically. ‘Didn’t Like You Anyway’ is another possible single and one for the live arena, whilst ‘See How They Fall’ again highlights that Tony Clarkin has brought back the pomp and splendor to the band, much to the delight of this fan and I am sure many others. ‘Dance Of The Black Tattoo’ is an interesting one with heavy guitar riffs and something a little different from the band. The only song that hasn’t really struck a chord yet is the title track which seems to lack something.

It’s been a good year for classic band’s rediscovering their mojo as Saga and Asia have both released fine albums this year and now Magnum join the list. They have upped the pomp of old and this album is their strongest since they reformed.

****1/2

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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

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 2 March 2025.

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 on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

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

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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025

HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.