Kelly Keeling – Mind Radio (Frontiers)

Genre: Classic Rock/AOR

Imagine classic Journey, Toto, Mr Big, Thunder and Bon Jovi put through the mixer and given a timely 2015 reboot. Kelly Keeling didn’t just imagine it: the former Baton Rouge frontman did it.

A massive step forward from solo debut Giving Sight To The Eye this is one of the classiest records you’ll hear all year. Drawing on three decades of experience collaborating with many or rock’s finest musicians this sounds like it could be Keeling’s triumphant career retrospective – but the music if fresh, forthright and ultimately fulfilling.

Sunshine Over Me fuses AOR with blues rock and if Still Need You In My Arms is one of the weaker songs here it will delight those Toto fans confused by the favourite band’s latest record.

Love Will Tear Us Apart is a ballad that would have broken all chart records given a late 80s/early 90s release. Remember when Jon Bon Jovi used to pen proper rock tunes for fun? If you don’t then this superior track will bring the memories flooding back.

Mind Radio is a melodic rock triumph that might just be our record of the year…so far. Simon Rushworth

RUSHONROCK RATED: 10/10 Feeling Keeling