Album review: NEWMAN – Siren

AOR Heaven

Amazingly this is the tenth studio album by Newman, which is basically Steve Newman plus long time drummer Rob McEwen. However this album features some guests in the shape of guitarists Shaun Bessant on ‘When It Comes To Love and Robert Säll (W.E.T.) on ‘Feel Her Again’. Songwriting wise Pete Newdeck (Eden’s Curse/Tainted Nation) and Nick Workman (Vega) lend a hand on a few songs, as well as adding backing vocals.

I am always surprised Newman hasn’t become a bigger name yet and hopefully this album can change that. It is certainly a heavier album, with more emphasis on the guitars and big drum sound – check out ‘Had Enough’ for proof. Opener ‘Scar Of Love’ rocks big time and is a classic Newman tune with its big riff and massive hook filled chorus.

For the quieter moments, the piano led ‘The Foolish One’ hits the spot nicely and ‘Arcadia’ which reminded me of John Payne-era Asia. The chorus again is immense, layered vocals and tinkly keys, perfect for that melodic rock musical fix. The title track has a hint of Def Leppard about it, mainly in the intro and the vocal arrangements, a great headphone listen.

Steve Newman has never done a duff album and this is easily amongst his best. Buy your copy and crank it up in the summer sun!

****1/2

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

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