Frontiers [Release date 05.08.22]
Generation Radio may have a name that suggests AOR and melodic rock, however, another key ingrediant in their sound is country rock provided by Jay DeMarcus, formerly of Rascal Flatts. Rascal Flatts had numerous number one albums in their native US, as well as massive touring success.
The AOR/melodic rock side of Generation Radio comes from former Chicago vocalist Jason Scheff, along with current Journey drummer Deen Castronovo. This trio are joined by guitarists Chris Rodriguez and Tom Yankton, both of whom are highly regarded session players, to complete the band’s line-up.
Opening with the AOR beast that is ‘Why Are You Calling Me Now?’, a song that is awash with keys, vocal harmonies and a nice, tight guitar solo. Good music never really goes out of fashion as this song ably demonstrates.
The album maybe ballad heavy for some but when you have a song like ‘Angels’ (not the Robbie Williams one!), how can you not like a superb ballad that this is?
Vocals nicely placed in the mix, this recalls the glory days of the likes of Journey, Chicago and REO Speedwagon. Speaking of Journey their drummer Deen Castronovo takes the mic on ‘Lights Go Out In Paradise’. This is how you do modern day AOR/melodic rock, not like the Poundland versions we sadly get from most melodic rock bands nowadays.
Generation Radio show their country side, albeit of the radio/pop friendly variety, on ‘All Night To Get There’. ‘Time To Let Go’ and ‘Smoking’ kick the tempo up a few notches, with ‘Smoking’ a hark back to the 80′s songs beloved of the likes of Loverboy and .38 Special.
What an album. Not one filler, production is top notch and the album was recorded by a band, not a studio project. AOR with a country edge, easily one of the albums of a year by a country mile. ****1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
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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 1 December 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 3 December 2024.
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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)
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