Kelly Hansen has one of the smoothest singing voices in the world of metal. On this re-issue of Hurricane's first disc (with 4 bonus tracks) Hansen demonstrates why so many think that he may be the best singer in the genre of melodic metal, 80's version. Clogged together with bands such as Quiet Riot and Whitesnake, Hurricane showed they could compete on the aforementioned bands level. Sometimes using the heavy metal approach of their big brothers in QR, with massive guitars and thunderous bass lines, Hurricane tries too hard to be something they're not. Hansen's silky vocals are much more suited for the other end of the spectrum when he goes for the anguish filled emotion ala David Coverdale.
While there is nothing overtly terrible about this album, I found it very blah and reminiscent of so many other bands and music of the time. Yes, this re-release does have their hit song "I'm On to You" and it's a prime example of 80's hair metal at it's best but other than brief flashes, most of the disc left me flat. Hansen does his best and listening to him is never an unpleasant thing but you get the feeling that his abilities are wasted on the material he has to work with. The guitar work is good to say the least but there is the same you have heard it all before feeling that keeps this disc from being one of the definitive records of its day. Clearly, the promise is there, it's just a matter of finding the right blend to make it work.
Track listing:
1. Take me In Your Arms
2. The Girls Are Out Tonight
3. Take What You Want
4. Hurricane
5. It's Only Heaven
6. Hot And Heavy
7. I'm On To You
8. Baby Snakes
9. Over The Edge
10. LA. Luna
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