Lion’s Pride Music is re-releasing the second album from Greek AOR band WILD ROSE – 2013’s Dangerous, fronted by the late David A. Saylor – in remastered form and including 4 bonus tracks, re-titled “Too Dangerous“. The bonus cuts feature Mark Thompson Smith on vocals and original guitar player John Bitzios.
With this album Wild Rose not only perfected the songwriting, also the inclusion of awesome British singer David A. Saylor (ex Push UK) has given the band a magnificent new dimension. Additionally, the guitars sound sharper than before, the keyboards color the songs in a meaningful way, and the rhythm section drive these catchy tunes with passion and ardor.
The quality of the album is down to principal songwriter Andy Rock (guitars), who has hit the nail on the head when writing songs in this style; fair enough the band has a traditional melodic rock sound steeped in the genre’s Eighties heyday but he does it SO well. Andy has a knack of writing unforgettable guitar riffs and licks that really hit the spot and will have you rewinding tracks to hear it again.
“Too Dangerous” is a very welcomed reissue, as the original release by AOR Heaven is out of print, and the remaster polish the overall output. Plus, we have some really cool bonus tracks.
“If You Still Love Me” is a clear example of the classy AOR style spreaded in this smooth recording. The rhythm guitars build the hooks that capture your attention and the great keyboards are combined with the riffs to maximum effect. “If You Still Love Me” will get stuck in your head for countless days. The charming guitar and keyboard combination is spot on and the huge memorable chorus with its delicious melody made the song an instant Melodic Rock hit. It is also one of Saylor’s standout vocal performances while the keyboards are to die for.
“I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You” has an infectious synth line that hits you from the off and has a warm vocal performance from Saylor. A hook-filled radio friendly track with a sing along chorus. The extremely radio-friendly “Awake” meets Starship with some breezy Chicago sounds, while the rousing sing along mid-tempo ballad “Tonight” features great tinkling keyboards and fantastic melodious guitar licks. Be sure to keep an ear out for the awesome guitar riff on the chorus.
The dreamy, melancholic rocker “Is This Love” is one of the highlights. Full of hooks and cool keyboard flurries, Saylor delivers the heartwarming relationship words with soul and tenderness. I think this song would be immense live. The catchy, golden AOR rock of “Not A Day Goes By” closes the album impressively with its huge chorus, heavenly keyboards and excellent vocal harmonies.
With “Too Dangerous” Wild Rose has ticked all the right AOR / MR boxes. This is a classy recording full of wonderful keyboard fills, infectious guitar riffs and great rhythms that draw you in. A perfect example of radio friendly ’80s AOR.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Tracklist:
01. Alone
02. Hold On
03. I Can’t Stop Loving You
04. If You Still Love Me
05. Dream On
06. Awake
07. Tonight
08. I Won’t Forget You
09. Is This Love
10. Not A Day Goes By
11. I Can't Stop Loving You (Demo)
12. Awake (Demo)
13. Is This The Love (Demo)
14. Not A Day Goes By (Demo)
Wild Rose – Dangerous – 2013 (2025 Remaster Reissue+4 bonus), FLAC +MP3, CD-Rip w/ Scans
 |
