Former Bad Company and Ted Nugent vocalist returns with a new solo album that will please those who enjoyed his time in Bad Company in the late 80's/early 90's. Much of the music on here could easily have been lifted of those albums being strong, AOR based tunes. There are even two Bad Company songs given a reworking, 'Holy Water' and 'How 'Bout That', the latter actually sounds better than the original!

Howe has also resisted making it an all star affair focusing on the songs although Pat Travers pops up on the autobiographical 'My Town', a definate album highlight.

There are some very strong Foreigner/Bad Co type rockers on here. In fact the first three songs, 'I'm Back', 'Life's Mystery', which has a neat modern pop rock feel and 'There's This Girl' (not a million miles away from Harem Scarem at their best), all get the album off to rocking start. There are a couple of good ballads as well including 'Surrounded', allowin Brian Howe to show his softer side.

This album is a must for fans of the Howe era Bad Company and any who enjoy the lighter side of hard rock like Foreigner. The only downside is the scary clown cover...

****

Review by Jason Ritchie