One decade after reuniting for their 1997 album VI, Loverboy
return with Just Getting Started. It would be even longer for those
North American fans that were waiting for the release (unless they went
searching for it as an import) as the last new studio release would have
been 1987's Wildside. So, for some fans, what does Loverboy bring to the table after so long.
To
be truthful, the band has been a touring animal for the last two
decades and if they haven't played within miles of your home, you live
in an igloo and even I wouldn't want to visit. For you, this album
starts off melting a few layers off your domicile with the frenetic
title track. It's probably most applicable as throws out lyrics like
"ain't over yet," "hot gettin'
hotter," "I know you think it's over," "I got more of what it takes,"
"you know you want another taste" and "better go big or go home." From
the get-go, you know that they know how important this album is. "Fade
To Black" is a showcase song and stands out as an example of as how the
band has merged their rock sound with ballads in the past while linking
it to emotional phrasing. The song is possibly the best one on the
album. The mix of tracks is pretty even with ripping guitars opening
songs like "One Of Them Days," "Lost With You" and "As Good As It Gets"
(note that power drum kit). The ballads are also pretty strong including
the first single, "The One That Got Away," "Back For More," "Real
Thing" and "Stranded" (which includes background vocals by Def Leppard's Phil Collen.)
I think when people remember Loverboy
they imagine two different things. Men think "The Kid Is Hot
Tonight"/"Turn Me Loose" and the women think "When It's Over"/"Heaven In
Your Eyes." Essentially, most male fans pine for the band to return to
their rock sounds while their ballads brought that 51% to their shows
(and sold many albums.) I can say here that everyone can be pleased with
Just Getting Started. The rock songs rock, the love songs emote and Loverboy have valiantly returned.
4 out of 5
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