Recent Reviews

March 2024

February 2024

January 2024

December 2023

November 2023

[ More Music Reviews ]


AOR: L.A. Connection
AOR L.A. Connection CD Album Review

AOR: L.A. Connection

AOR/Melodic Rock
4.5/5.0

Sticking to his 'LA' theme, classic AOR melodic rock music, and his formula of creating it with the best musicians of the genre, Frederic Slama returns with L.A. Connection, the thirteenth in the AOR series. You can check out the vocal line up at the right and be impressed. Tommy Denander also returns to the studio to play and help wiggle the knobs.

Frederic Slama Photo

AOR's Frederic Slama: a bright, sunny day.

My first observation about the album is that I'm surprised how heavy it is, in comparison to some of Slama's previous AOR albums. By heavier and not suggesting something near melodic metal, but more towards melodic hard rock. The riffs seem bigger, the leads more stinging and furious, and the bottom end deeper, heavier. It's not a bad thing by any means, just different. On the Edge of Glory, Closer to Zero, and Once Off Guard are jammin' rock number with some dangerously crisp guitar solos, likely from Tommy Denander I suspect.

When I think of past AOR albums, AOR music in general, I often recall that Westcoast sound which has a lighter, breezy, style with moments of fireworks. Largely, with this album it's the reverse. If there is a 'lighter' side it comes with the two closing songs Circle of Danger and Crystal Heart. Yet, for the former, even with female vocals, there's still a steady and heady rock groove propelling the song. The latter song definitely moves by Bob Harris' (Axe, Warren Zevon, Frank Zappa, et al) immensely passionate, almost bluesy vocals, which in turn are carried along by a smooth groove and light guitar. It's probably one of my favorite songs. With little doubt, L.A. Connection is another strong and entertaining album from Frederic Slama and friends. Quite recommended.


AOR "The Pride Of Strangers" Frédéric Slama - Paul Sabu





CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

In Short

With little doubt, L.A. Connection is another strong and entertaining album of AOR melodic rock from Frederic Slama and friends. Quite recommended.

Songs & Singers

1) On The Edge Of Glory: Bill Champlin
2) The Pride Of Strangers: Paul Sabu
3) Closer To Zero: David Forbes
4) Once Off Guard: Jeff Paris
5) Lost Souls Don't Cry: Philip Bardowell
6) Exiled In Sadness: Sherwood Ball
7) Age Of Desire: Rick Riso
8) Circle Of Danger: Tamara Champlin
9) The Crystal Heart: Bob Harris

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Lords Of Black: Mechanics Of Predacity Album Review

Once more we return to multi-national band Lords Of Black which features Ronnie Romero (v), Dani Criado (b), Jo Nunez (d), and founder, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tony Hernando. After a three year ... [ Read More ]