A remastered reissue of “22B3“, the only album from short-lived American trio DEVICE was requested at this blog. Truth is that “22B3” never has been officially released on CD, hence, never remastered.
This is the reissue done by American reissue label Renaissance Records, known for resurrect long lost (sometimes obscure) deleted albums mostly from the melodic hard rock, rock-pop genres. The master tapes of these recordings in many cases are lost, and while the reissues are done taking vinyl LP’s as source, at least we have the chance to hear that music again.
In the case of DEVICE’s “22B3” the sound quality is very good, with the release being approved by the band members. Additionally, this CD is the Renaissance re-release, and compared to their previous pressing, there’s a much better source / digital transfer / signal.
Perhaps the name DEVICE doesn’t ring any bell for some, but for sure its talented members: AOR goddess vocalist Holly Knight, ex Spider and who has penned hits for Pat Benatar, Heart, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, great guitarist / songwriter Gene Black (Wild Blue, Tim Feehan, Mark Free) and vocalist Paul Engemann (Moroder, Animotion).
Produced by Mike Chapman (Lita Ford) the album got a Top 40 single in the U.S. with “Hanging on a Heart Attack,” which peaked at #35 on the Hot 100, then “Who Says” peaked at #79. Both of these songs were promoted by music videos which garnered MTV rotation.
Device’s “22B3” is pure ’86 in sound & style, mixing elaborated synth power pop with Lite AOR melodies.
The hi-tech attack is relentless on tracks such as “Who Says” and “Tough And Tender”. Even on midtempo “When Love Is Good”, the choruses are soaring and guitars are absolutely swinging.
Other favorites are the dynamic “Didn’t I Read You Right”, and “Hanging On A Heart Attack” & “I’ve Got No Room For Your Love”, both classic 80s AOR songs, just ‘electro-flavored’ production wise.
I always thought Device’s “22B3” as the perfect soundtrack for any mid-80s movie. It has that magic, that kind of sound and atmosphere you simply can’t recreate anymore.
Simply one of the best Hi-Tech Pop/AOR bands ever.
A true ’80s gem, regarded by many AOR fans as cult classic from one of the best Hi-Tech Pop / AOR bands ever.
HIGHLY Recommended
Tracklist:
01 - Hanging On A Heart Attack.
02 - Who Says.
03 - Pieces On The Ground.
04 - Tough And Tender.
05 - When Love Is Good.
06 - Didn't I Read You Right.
07 - Fall Apart, Golden Heart.
08 - I've Got No Room For You Love.
09 - Who's On The Line.
10 - Sand, Stone, Cobwebs And Dust.
Device – 22B3 (1986) [CD version reissue]
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