Blue Tears: The Innocent Ones

Remember Blue Tears? They were a great band. They started out way back in 1983 playing Van Halen, Queen and Def Leppard covers, but quickly developed their own sound, and were eventually signed, releasing their self-titled debut to glowing reviews. They toured behind the album and made a name for themselves. But when the time for a second album came, with the arrival of the grunge boom, they were dropped and disbanded a couple of years later (with members Michael Spears and Bryan Hall forming a new project called Mayday Ground). Too bad their second album would be released years later in demo form on a compilation disc in 2005.

Here is a comeback album, thanks to the efforts of the only original member Gregg Fulkerson. He is joined by Bryan Wolski and Robert Streets on bass and drums respectively. The Innocent Ones is actually one of the most 80's sounding discs I've heard in a long time. Even the biggest 80's fans prefer to use some studio trickery, adding in sound effects and modern elements. This is not the case with Blue Tears' new album. This is purely 80's, with direct Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen references all over the place. Considering Bon Jovi post-These Days was one of the biggest musical disappointments for me, I am very pleased to hear so many songs full of New Jersey-era hooks and melodies. As a matter of fact, even vocalist Gregg Fulkerson sounds like Jon Bon Jovi on this disc. "Run for Your Life", with its cool na-na-na chorus, blues-infused guitar work; "Money to Burn" for its Bon Jovi-evoking lyrics and passionate singing; or the moving ballad "Save Yourself" are all stamped with the classic Bon Jovi sound. The guitars, both acoustic and electric, the instantly memorable choruses, and well-thoughout lyrics make for a great listen. There are also some songs utilising piano, such as "In Your Dreams", perhaps the best piece; and "Unrequited Love".

Fulkerson's lyrics, unlike many other hard rock bands, are actually worth reading and thinking on. He likes to tell little stories without losing his melodic and emotional focus, rendering the first song "Drive" engaging and heartfelt. This piece is sort of like the amazing opening song on Mike Tramp's More to Life Than This. Honest rock music that has something to say. "She Wants to Be a Star" follows a similar approach, except that this is a more straightforward song with a bigger chorus.

Although there's nothing groundbreaking on this album, I feel it is much better than most of the stuff that is labeled "hard rock" these days.

Track Listing

1. Drive
2. Let It Rain
3. Run for Your Life
4. The Innocent Ones
5. Save Yourself
6. Fast Times
7. In Your Dreams
8. All the Way Home
9. She Wants to Be a Star
10. Gloryland
11. Break My Heart
12. Silent Scream
13. Money to Burn
14. Unrequited Love

Added: July 20th 2006
Reviewer: Murat Batmaz
Score:
Related Link: Blue Tears website
Hits: 3086
Language: english

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