Here we have more from the just released second batch of DeGARMO & KEY albums digitally remastered, ’80s LP’s you need to check out if fan of that decade.
Musically, previous DeGARMO & KEY albums fluctuated between melodic rock and keyboard-driven light AOR / pop-rock. It was 1987 when the band released their 8th album simply titled ”D&K”: melodic hard rock was ‘in the air’ in America – hence, they took a turn towards a heavier rock direction on this CD.
As the Eighties transitioned to the Nineties, DeGarmo & Key would have their moments on albums such as The Pledge (1989), Heat It Up (1993) and To Extremes (1994) but none would match the consistency and continuity of what I felt where their two finest releases: ‘Straight On’ and this ”D&K”.
”D&K” certainly rocks hard – at times crossing the threshold of hard rock – in creating a work characterized by catchy choruses and notable melodies (the songwriting here is fantastic), polished production and the strong musicianship that Eddie and Dana bring to the table.
If you are looking for DeGarmo & Key to “rock out” then give “Out Of The Danger Zone” (a real barn burner), “War With The World” (by far the albums heaviest) and “Radical” (catchy disposition) several listens. Some of the progressiveness can be found in “Rock Solid” (heavier rock direction) and “Strength Of Love” (more melodic feel), two of the finest songs in the group’s three decade repertoire.
Of course, you will also find a couple of ballads, “Teenage Suicide” and “Stand”, but both are tastefully done in standing out with fine choruses and fitting touches of guitar, along with two pieces taking a tempered heavy rock approach, “Under The Son” and “Brother Against Brother”.
Dana Key proves the driving force behind the band with his soulful vocal presence, blending equal parts grit and heart. From a guitar standpoint, he decorates the album with his bluesy soloing, shining on “Rock Solid” (this one finds him really cutting loose) and “Stand” (more poignant feel to his abilities).
Yes, Eddie DeGarmo’s keyboards play a role but it is a tasteful and complementary one. In other words, there is none of the overriding keyboard work that characterized many of DeGarmo & Key’s other previous Eighties releases. Keyboards on “Brother Against Brother”, for example, play a highlighting role while “Strength Of Love” and “War With The World” feature some cool Hammond B.
The album closes to “When The Son Begins To Reign”, a slower keyboard driven piece. While bringing a bit too much of a CCM-ish feel for my taste, the song is well crafted in highlighting a very fine melody you will be singing along to in no time.
For years hard to find and pricey collectible, now this 2022 remastered reissue (impeccable sound quality) gives you a chance to listen for the first time or re-discover ”D&K”, a rocking, very good album from 1987.
Highly Recommended
01 – Out of the Danger Zone
02 – Under the Son
03 – Rock Solid
04 – Teenage Suicide
05 – Strength of Love
06 – Brother Against Brother (It’s Not Right)
07 – War with the World
08 – Stand
09 – Radical
10 – When the Son Begins to Reign
Dana Key: Lead vocals, guitars
Eddie DeGarmo: Keyboards, 2nd lead vocal on “Rock Solid”
Greg Morrow: Drums, Percussion
Tommy Cathey: Bass, vocals
Steve Taylor: Lead Guitar on 4
DeGARMO & KEY – D&K [Gilder Records Digitally Remastered] (2022), MP3+FLAC
 |
