OMG… what a record Stefano Mainini aka STEVE EMM has recorded! Well, the review might as well end here, because if you are a lover of AOR / Melodic Rock with the sound rooted in the first half of the 80s, you should definitely buy this CD right now.
EMM already suprised us with his first album ‘First Strike’ focused on ’85 to ’89 as sonic references and offered songs that had their strength in the chorus hook. The atmospherics on this second ”Dangerous Goods” are more dedicated to the pre-’85s, with insane attention to recreating the sounds of the era with detail, precision and a 360-degree view.
You breathe the air of American soloists à la Rick Springfield and Eddie Money, but also Benny Mardones, especially on vocals. Musically, expect 1983 Journey, Fortune, Strangeways, Stan Meissner.
From the first tracks the music flows like a river in the sounds of the Eighties and the impression of a record straight out of that era is clear and consistent, also thanks to the timbre Steve managed to give to the sound – listen to the opener ‘In And Out Of Love’ to believe it.
‘Shock My Heart’, with its potential radio hit structure, is more along the lines of the ‘rock&pop anthem’ of those years, ready for a movie soundtrack. ‘Power Switch’ is more laid back and quiet, while ‘Girl Like You’ has a Huey Lewis & The News touch and immediately catapults you into Back To The Future atmospheres with its saxophone interludes.
Other tracks of outstanding calibre are ‘Breakin’ The Ice’ and ‘Junk Love’ with an almost Survivor-like tempo, ‘Lack Of Will’ with a bluesy soul, and the closing ballad ‘Every Little Piece Of My Heart’ where tribute is paid to Rick Springfield both in the vocals and arrangements.
”Dangerous Goods” is an instantly likable album however grows on you with each listen and gives an impression of maturity and confidence that is rare for such young musician.
Any American producer in his prime would have been desperate to get his hands on a batch of songs like this, and if Mecca’s latest album has made use of Stefano’s songwriting skills, it must mean something.
Classic AOR / Melodic Rock anyone? Grab this pronto.
HIGHLY Recommended
01. In And Out Of Love
02. Shock My Heart
03. Power Switch
04. Girl Like You
05. Monkey On Your Back
06. Breakin’ The Ice
07. Dangerous Game
08. Junk Love
09. Lack Of Will
10. Don’t Wanna Be Somebody
11. Every Little Piece Of My Heart
Stefano Mainini - Vocals, All Instruments
Giancarlo Bonfa - Hammond, Piano, Synthesizers on 3, 4, 9 & 11
Manuel Trabucco - Saxophone on 4 & 11
Steve Emm – Dangerous Goods 2023+FLAC
 |
