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 "Mary Boschi's almost operatic style gives Storm their main peculiarity, creating a vibrant and convincing lyrical AOR."

 "'Believe in Yourself' would be the perfect single, with its irresistible melody and rich harmonies, deserving wider recognition."

Storm, an 80s Bolognese quintet, finally releases their rare demos as a 2024 album, showcasing their melodic hard rock sound inspired by AOR giants like Heart. The album features powerful, operatic vocals by Mary Boschi, strong guitar work, and emotive ballads. Differences between the two demos highlight the band's growth and arrangement skills. Despite minor mastering flaws, the release is a valuable homage to a classic rock era. Listen to Storm’s timeless 80s AOR demos and experience the passionate melodic rock that fans of classic Adult Oriented Rock will love!

 Even if it were just for the splendid cover, this album is well worth being placed in any rock discoteca.

 Nothing groundbreaking from Badger, but good early seventies rock, fluid and pleasant.

Badger's 'One Live Badger' is a solid 1973 live album featuring a blend of progressive rock, blues, and soul. The album stands out for its professional playing and engaging interplay, especially on the track 'River.' While not groundbreaking, it offers a pleasurable listening experience with a notable cover by Roger Dean. Tony Kaye's keyboard work and Brian Parrish's vocals add charm to this underrated classic. Discover the soulful blend of progressive rock and blues by Badger—listen to One Live Badger now!

 The organ rendition of the marvelous intro of The Thieving Magpie clearly stands out, not for nothing placed in pole position on the tracklist.

 This Overture almost seems conceived for the organ, this version excites me more than the rendition by the great orchestra.

This review explores a 2019 album featuring two renowned organists performing Rossini’s famous opera overtures on a beautifully restored 1897 Vegezzi-Bossi organ. The reviewer highlights the unique resonance of the neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart in Cuneo and appreciates the expressive interplay between organists Giuliana Maccaroni and Martino Pòrcile. The Thieving Magpie's overture stands out as a particular highlight, admired for its powerful and dynamic organ adaptation. Overall, the album offers an excellent blend of Italian classical music with superb sound capture. Discover the grandeur of Rossini’s overtures on this exceptional organ recording—listen now and feel the timeless power of Italian classical music!

 "The album really takes off with the very choral and strong Southern rock number 'Don’t Mind If I Do'."

 "Charlie Starr sings with a captivating and passionate voice, delivering a beautiful and inspired melody embellished with mandolin and organ embellishments."

Blackberry Smoke's eighth album 'Be Right Here' solidifies their status as Southern rock masters. Featuring a mix of hard rock, blues, and acoustic ballads, the album delivers passionate vocals and skilled guitar work. Highlights include standout tracks like 'Azalea' and 'Barefoot Angel' that balance classic rock influences with fresh melodies. The album is praised for its strong musicality and engaging songwriting throughout. Listen to 'Be Right Here' by Blackberry Smoke and experience the finest Southern rock blend of passion and skill.

 The renewed ardor of the band in presenting their work makes it undoubtedly enjoyable.

 Rest in peace Manny, you weren’t a champion, but a small paragraph in the long history of rock guitar is yours.

Nazareth's seventeenth album 'Snakes 'n' Ladders' revives 70s rock blues with dated 80s production but energetic delivery. The album features solid originals and intriguing covers, showcasing McCafferty's gritty vocals and Charlton's guitar artistry. Although not groundbreaking, it's an enjoyable farewell to founding member Manuel Charlton. The closing cover proves less successful, but the album stands as a respectable effort. Listen to Nazareth's 'Snakes 'n' Ladders' and explore the gritty 80s rock blues revival today!

 Without soul & passion, even instrumental rock ‘n’ roll never provokes the right enjoyment.

 The guitar of founding member Manny Charlton is rendered unrecognizable by the production and lack of inspiration.

Nazareth's 1986 album 'Cinema' marks a clear turn towards generic 80s commercial hard rock, resulting in a production that is loud but lacks soul and dynamic variation. The guitars, drums, and bass feel anonymous and uninspired, overshadowing the band’s capabilities. Vocalist Dan McCafferty's delivery is strong but insufficient to rescue the album from its blandness. Only the ballad 'A Veteran’s Song' offers a glimpse of genuine emotion. Overall, 'Cinema' reflects a low point before the band eventually recovers. Discover why Nazareth’s 'Cinema' struggled in the 80s hard rock scene – listen and judge for yourself!

 The familiar rough, proletarian voice of McCafferty makes its way, a true alien body compared to the plastic and dance-like trends surrounding it.

 The mature Nazareth stagger but don’t give up, in this instance aspiring to be cool but not too soft.

Nazareth's fifteenth album, The Catch (1984), struggles to balance their rock roots with 80s disco influences. While McCafferty's distinctive voice remains strong, many tracks fall into uninspired disco rock rhythms. Standout songs like 'Moondance' and 'Love of Freedom' show warmth and originality, but rushed covers like 'Ruby Tuesday' disappoint. Overall, the album chases trends without fully capturing them, representing a challenging period before the band returned to harder rock. Discover the clash of rock and disco in Nazareth’s The Catch – listen and judge this pivotal 80s album yourself!

 The album appropriately opens with the super orthodox (for the times) 'All Nite Radio': horrible drums, almost solely martial snare drum except for sporadic tom rolls spoiled by the infamous noise gate à la Phil Collins.

 'Local Still' is a true homage to the Status Quo style, who however lack Dan McCafferty’s raspy bray, and it is a fact that those with this singer stamped in their minds appreciate tracks like these.

Nazareth's 1983 album Sound Elixir struggles under dated 80s production clichés like overused snare drums and synthetic effects. While some tracks like 'Rain on the Window' and 'Local Still' redeem the album with folk and classic rock tones, much of it feels insincere and forgettable. The band’s performance shines more in live settings than on this record. Overall, it reflects its era but lacks lasting impact. Discover Nazareth's Sound Elixir and explore the highs and lows of 80s hard rock evolution!

 This doesn’t hold for the concluding “Mexico” which, in honor of the title, features a display of double flamenco guitar.

 Ultimately better is the following “Lonely in the Night,” endowed with a certain lyricism even if adorned with synthesizer strokes, a somber tribute to the current synth-pop decade.

Nazareth's 1982 album 2XS represents the band's waning international success, balancing authentic hard rock elements with less successful 80s experimentation. While some tracks showcase the band's signature sound and cohesion, others feel dated or generic. The album blends melodic rock with occasional synth and reggae-inspired attempts, resulting in a mixed but still engaging listen for fans and rock enthusiasts alike. Dive into Nazareth's 2XS to explore classic hard rock blended with 80s flair—listen now and discover if this cult album hits your favorite notes!

 The band’s hard rock has really gone to hell.

 The uncompromising rockers can only completely renounce this Nazareth release, which is nonetheless more than decent for everyone else.

Nazareth's twelfth album, The Fool Circle, marks a clear shift from their original hard rock style towards a softer, more accessible 1980s sound. The review highlights varied styles, including reggae and pop-rock influences, and notes both standout and weaker tracks. Though some rock purists may reject it, the album remains decent and reflects its era well. Key moments include the authentic rock feel of 'Pop the Silo' and a unique Beach Boys snippet in the closer 'Victoria'. Explore Nazareth's The Fool Circle and discover its blend of classic rock roots with 80s pop and reggae influences today!