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Generation Radio: Generation Radio
Generation Radio - 2022 Debut Album Art

Generation Radio: Generation Radio

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 03.08.2022 | Released: 12.08.2022

You're going to want to believe the hype. Generation Radio is pretty fandamntastic. The band is the creation of former Rascal Flatts vocalist, bass player, and Grammy Award winning Jay DeMarcus and ex-Chicago vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jason Scheff. The longtime music veterans are joined by drummer Deen Castronovo (Journey, Revolution Saints), guitarist Chris Rodriguez (Garth Brooks, Kenny Loggins, Kelly Clarkson, and more), and veteran studio and touring musician Tom Yankton (Rascal Flatts, Chicago, Christina Aguilera, et al). Together these fellows are veteran musicians and songwriters that belong in the realm of hitmakers crossing many genres.

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Generation Radio

Speaking to Generation Radio's sound, you can take a cue from their name. This band is about creating creative, enjoyable, and radio-friendly classic AOR melodic hard rock. DeMarcus is a profound and lifetime fan of both Journey and Chicago. A flashback to the Eighties? Perhaps. But this music is called classic for a reason. It's fundamental elements are reliable and constant.

Generation Radio's songs turn upon and abound with strong guitar and vocal harmony, song melody, demonstrative and catchy refrains, monster amounts of rock rhythm and groove, and fiery guitar solos, with all things wrapped up in AOR accessibility. Not only is Generation Radio and their songs radio-ready, they have arena roof-raising potency. Hence, this album is full-bodied and complete; there's no runt among the litter. But, perhaps you're thinking or asking: Rascal Flatts? Is this country rock? Nope. But, what the hey? Add a pedal steel guitar, perhaps a fiddle, and yeah, things could go contemporary melodic country rock. (Which may also disturb some classic rock fans because it may sound too close to country for comfort. Sometimes I feel that way when listening.)

So then, as I usually do, speaking to a few songs. Which is a bit difficult. All the songs are terrific: a proper mix of AOR to bolder rock to only return to AOR ballads. To the first, there's Why Are You Calling Me Now, Lights Go Out In Paradise or Angels. For the second, find the rip-roaring Time To Let It Go and the heavy grooving, bit bluesy, Smoking. And,lastly third listen for emotionally moving I Hope You Find It, Anything But Us, and Finally Got It Right.

All in all, Generation Radio's debut album fires on all cylinders. This is potent, inspired, and amazingly enjoyable classic AOR melodic hard rock driven by strong songwriting, rock rhythm and groove, and profound vocal arrangements. Album of the Year? Yup, it's that good. I'd give it a score of 6 if I could, and then turn the volume to 11. Strongly recommended.




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

The Take Away

Generation Radio's debut album fires on all cylinders. This is potent, inspired, and amazingly enjoyable classic AOR melodic hard rock driven by strong songwriting, rock rhythm and groove, and profound vocal arrangements. Album of the Year? Yup, it's that good. Strongly recommended.

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