McAuley Schenker Group
Perfect Timing

THE REVIEW

In 1985, German guitarist Michael Schenker disbanded his Michael Schenker Group, which would reform between 1986 and 1987 with a completely different lineup and a new name: McAuley Schenker Group. The lineup includes: singer Robin McAuley, bassist Rocky Newton, drummer Bodo Schopf, and rhythm guitarist, alongside, of course, Michael Schenker.

This lineup will produce after this "Perfect Timing" the excellent "Save Yourself" and "MSG" before disbanding, forming a great series of albums in Michael Schenker's discography.

In this record, there are very evident leanings towards AOR and Hair Metal, also present on the other two aforementioned albums, albeit to a lesser extent.

The result is a truly enjoyable album, with few weak spots and many interesting songs.
Among these are the splendid opener "Gimme Your Love," with a good riff and an equally good guitar solo by Schenker, as well as a great performance by Robin McAuley "Here Today - Gone Tomorrow," a very catchy song with a good chorus, "Don't Stop Me Now" with an inspired Robin McAuley, the ballad "Follow The Night" and "Rock 'Til You're Crazy," the best song on the album, opened by an excellent arpeggio by Schenker and featuring a fantastic and engaging chorus.
Of slightly lower quality are the ballad "Time," perhaps a bit too predictable, yet very catchy, and "No Time For Losers."

A separate discussion should be had for "I Don't Wanna Lose" and "Love Is Not A Game," the two minor tone songs of the album. In fact, these two songs have very well-structured verses but are quite predictable and too easy-listening in the chorus. The two least successful episodes of the album, although still above average songs.

With the remastered edition of the album, radio versions of "Gimme Your Love" and "Follow The Night" can be found as bonus tracks.

In conclusion, this "Perfect Timing" is an excellent "debut" for the McAuley Schenker Group. The change in sound represented a not negative turning point for the group, which, however, will never return to the glory of the first three works, despite finally having a stable lineup for a Michael Schenker band. In any case, a great album, whose value will be worthily matched by the following two works, "Save Yourself" (the best album of the McAuley Schenker Group) and "MSG."