Robbie LaBlanc just has one of those voices. He would have been a star had he been part of the era of 80s vocal royalty such as Mike Reno, Lou Gramm, Eric Martin and James Christian.
Robbie has a really likeable voice that hovers between Glass Tiger’s Alan Frew and Mike Reno.
Thankfully we get him all to ourselves now though. With 2 great Blanc Faces albums and now a second Find Me release – the project arranged, mixed, mastered and recorded by the band’s drummer/keyboardist Daniel Flores.
Philip Lindstrand provides some world class guitar parts and Soren Kronqvist provides more keyboards.
And yes, there’s keyboards everywhere on this album, but at the same time, it’s a pretty tough batch of AOR tunes thanks to the guitar’s equally important role.
And Flores’ production gives the whole package a really thumping sound.
Songs come courtesy of Alessandro Del Vecchio (of course!), Niclas Olsson (of Alyson Avenue fame), plus Tom & James Martin.
The intro leaves no doubt that keyboards will play a prominent role on the album. The punch that follows says guitars won’t be left behind!
Nowhere To Hide is an uptempo melodic rocker that has the required urgency that an opener requires and a purposeful chorus that mixed guitars and keyboards perfectly.
Let Love Rule is even better. It’s a beautifully sung AOR anthem with a sentimental twist. Moving fast with a thumping beat and strong guitars, but also layered in keyboards, the chorus is particularly catchy.
Forever is a big piano ballad with a soulful vocal. A big 80s ballad that Loverboy or Glass Tiger could have easily released in their prime and scored a hit from it.
Another Day gets the tempo back to rollicking and turns the keyboards up to 11. I love the verse – the melody is pure ear candy. The chorus of course is just as good.
Dark Angel might sound moody, but it’s anything but. It’s one of the album most upbeat and pompous tracks – a glorious slice of classic AOR with big keyboards and a monster chorus.
Bleed In The Rain is 80s keyboard and guitar heaven without sounding dated thanks to Daniel’s excellent production and mix. A nice moody mid-tempo track with a great chorus.
Face To Face follows suit. More 80s FM radio friendly melodic rock with Robbie’s brilliant vocals and an easy going chorus.
Where Do I Go is the kind of moody track I love. It builds from a slow start to a big 80s chorus. Definitely some more Glass Tiger comparisons here.
Midnight Memories is a relatively restrained track until the chorus comes and Robbie goes into full power and blows up the speakers.
Don't Slip Away From Me could have been straight off the debut Glass Tiger album, both in sound and commercial appeal. The catchy chorus is pure Euro-AOR.
Did You Feel Any Love is another 80s gem – something like Signal could have included on their debut album. It’s a cool free flowing, fast moving AOR anthem with keyboards everywhere.
I'm Free is a terrific faithful rendition of the Kenny Loggins soundtrack classic. Robbie sounds fabulous and the fact this sits very comfortably amongst the rest of the material should give fans an indication of the style used throughout.
It’s gold for AOR/melodic rock fans. Well produced, solid choice of songs that sounds very consistent despite the different writers and brilliant, brilliant vocals from Robbie LaBlanc.
Another winner for all involved.
