Hess – Living In Yesterday

Label: Frontiers Records

Release Date: August 28, 2012

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

What is it about AOR that drags me in EVERY time?  I guess it is just the listener friendly music, lyrics that mean something, and all around pleasant sound.  Harry Hess’ latest has all of these and more.  Hess throws another disc of radio friendly rock goodness at us in the form of Living In Yesterday.”  It doesn’t hurt that he has worked with my friends in My Darkest Days either!

The playing on this disc is incredibly strong, but is nothing compared to the vocals and lyrics.  Hess has outdone himself with this disc.  The emotion he brings to the table overrides any cheesy lyrics that may be hidden behind the guitar and keyboard driven rock.  Even the drums and bass are given their due here, as the sound mix is even and doesn’t drown out anything.

The vocals soar and take you to another place from song to song.  Opener and title track “Living In Yesterday” kicks the disc off on the right foot and there is no letting up from there.  “Reach For You” keeps the energy up and the foot tapping.  Even the ballads aren’t sappy and keep you listening.  Another rocker, “Nothing Lasts Forever,” comes around and gets you moving again.  Standouts?  Hell, there isn’t a song on this disc that isn’t solid.  If AOR is your thing, pick this one up.  This is one of the better discs released from this genre this year.

http://www.harryhess.net/

https://www.facebook.com/harry.hess3

Tags: Frontiers, Hess

Category: CD Reviews