Jim Peterik (Survivor, Pride of Lions), the legendary musician and songwriter, is back with his World Stage musical project, which brings together some of the finest singers and musicians from different eras and backgrounds to collaborate on original songs written by Peterik, sometimes with their own contributions. Jim is joined by Ed Breckenfeld (Pride of Lions, Dennis DeYoung, Jimi Jamison) on drums and percussion, Mike Aquino (Pride of Lions, Dennis DeYoung, Jimi Jamison) on lead and rhythm guitar, Bob Lizik (Pride of Lions, Dennis DeYoung) on bass, and Christian Cullen (Pride of Lions, Jimi Jamison) on keyboards.
The new album, as the title suggests, is divided into two parts… the “roots” part, where famous musicians of the past are featured, and the “shoots”, where we hear new talents who represent the future of melodic rock and AOR music. The production is crystal clear and polished.
The album opens with “Dangerous Combination”, an energetic melodic rocker that features Kevin Cronin and REO Speedwagon as guest stars. The song is fine in general, but I expected something way stronger from this amazing duo.
“Before Anyone Knows We’re Gone” is a tender acoustic song that features Peterik’s son, Colin, on vocals. It’s not a bad song by any means, but it’s too poppy for my taste. Colin also plays the guitar and keyboards on this track.
With “Last Dream Home”, things get rocking again. The song features Don Barnes of .38 Special on vocals. It’s a nice, uplifting, melodic rock song with AOR elements. The song is about finding your true home and happiness and not giving up on your dreams.
“Forever’s the Last Place You Look” features the not-so-known and new singer & musician Paul Childers, who also contributes on lead guitar and backing vocals. It’s a pop-rocker with various AOR elements. Paul’s performance is fine, and the song is okay in general.
The album takes a shift with “Mend Fences”, a classic rock song with bluesy touches that features the celebrated Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger on vocals. A tasteful rockin’ song, in my opinion.
“As I Am” is a theatrical and dramatic ballad featuring the young and talented singer-songwriter Ashton Brooke Gill on vocals, who won the American Idol in 2023. The song showcases Gill’s remarkable vocal performance as well as Peterik’s ability to create amazing ballads with an 80s vibe. This is a truly amazing ballad.
“Friends Forever” is a duet between Jim and Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad. A retro mid-tempo rock song that talks about friendship. Nice and simple…
“Suddenly” features Leslie Hunt from District 97 on vocals. I’d say that it’s a really good AOR song with melodic rock touches, enhanced by Leslie’s outstanding performance.
“I Found Me” is an AOR / Melodic Rock track that could have been on any Pride of Lions album. It has that POL vibe with a touch of Styx. The song features country singer & songwriter Mark Mackay on vocals and lead guitar. It is, certainly, one of the better songs on the album.
The album closes with “Fire and Water”, a duet between Lisa McClowry and Mike Mikulskis, a newcomer in the AOR scene. It’s wonderful and emotional ballad about the attraction and tension between two contrasting personalities who are drawn to each other despite their differences. What a great way to close the album.
Well, to tell the truth, apart from a few really strong songs, the rest is mostly mediocre, just like the last Pride of Lions album. Surely this is an album that celebrates the past, present, and future of melodic rock and AOR music, but it does not feel that inspired. Let’s hope that “Volume Two” will live up to expectations.
