Veteran Canadian rockers Honeymoon Suite return with their latest album for Frontiers Records, titled Wake Me Up With the Sun Goes Down. Many of the trademark characteristics that we've come to love from the band for all these years remain, and though the line-up might be a little different, this latest release still sounds like Honeymoon Suite. The band today is comprised of:
Johnnie Dee-lead vocals
Derry Greham-guitars / keyboards / backing vocals
Dave Betts-drums
Gary Lalonde-bass
Peter Nunn-keyboards
The album kicks off with "I Fly", a solid, punchy rocker with a memorable chorus, and a great way to start things off.
It's followed by "Way of the World", a fairly heavy song, complete with a fine Johnnie Dee vocal, and Derry Grehan is delivering some big riffs and tasty solos. In addition, there is a catchy chorus here as well, and truth be told, this might be my favorite song on the album.
"Every Minute" is a quirky pop/rock song, love the vocal, the chorus sticks in your head, and again, it rocks, giving the album three strong rockers to get you into the groove.
The first ballad comes in the form of "Way Too Fast"...it's well done and catchy, but I don't know how often I'd go back to this one. It could have been a hit in the '80s with that chorus, though.
Next up is "Stay This Time", which has big, bright, and crunchy guitars, a chorus and pre-chorus that are really well done, thumping drums, and overall just a memorable upbeat song that will take you back to the '80s.
"Crazy Life" is a chunky hard rocker, another gem here, with big grooves and fat guitars, totally digging the memorable chorus, and the song reminds me of Tesla a little. Another favorite here.
Unfortunately, the second ballad on the album, "Live On", is a snoozer for me.
Things get a little better for "Keep This Love Alive", which is a mid-tempo pop/rock ballad...decent enough song, great guitar soloing, and the chorus is nicely done
"Unpredictable" reminds me so much of modern Night Ranger, complete with a bluesy, quirky, Nashville vibe to it. It's quite catchy, and a song that gets under your skin. Didn't like it on first listen, but it grew on me pretty fast.
"Ever Leave You Lonely" closes the album, a solid uptempo rocker with more catchy hooks and gritty guitars, Johnnie again delivering a memorable chorus, and nice use of keys supporting the crunchy guitars.
In summary, a very solid album from Honeymoon Suite, 10 songs, each one 3-3 1/2 minutes long, 33 minutes in total, doesn't overstay its welcome, and other than a couple tracks that don't push the needle for me, the rest is very good. A fun album from them!
Track Listing
1. I Fly
2. Way of the World
3. Every Minute
4. Way Too Fast
5. Stay This Time
6. Crazy Life
7. Live On
8. Keep Our Love Alive
9. Unpredictable
10. Ever Leave You Lonely
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