This has been one of the most eagerly awaited melodic rock releases for some time; Danger Danger's last album Return of the Great Gildersleeves was nine years ago and even though the band reunited with original singer Ted Poley five years ago and have twice been one of the stars of Firefest, only now have they finally recorded new material.

Opener 'Thats What I'm Talking About' (in tribute to former 'Apprentice' winner Lee McQueen?) is a typical DD anthem that gets the CD off to an uptempo start, but I sense the overall musical direction may be controversial.

The next three songs - 'Ghost of Love', 'Killin' Love' - complete with prominent keyboards - and 'Hearts on the Highway' are pure AOR with lush arrangements and smooth vocals, with Journey possibly the closest comparison, while the ballad Fugitive and Rocket to your Heart reminded me with their smooth harmonies of Nelson.

To me, as a lover of that style of music they rank alongside DD's finest moments, and Ted Poley has never sounded better, but those weaned on the cock rock anthems of the 'Screw it' era may find them hard to stomach.

'Keep on Keepin On' has autobiographical lyrics and a massive chorus that is sure to go down well live, as will album closer Dirty Mind which is classic DD. FU $ (sic) is perhaps the weakest track on offer, but its tongue in cheek lyrics compensate ('I want to be a famous jet set millionaire, just like Donald Trump with better hair').

'Beautiful Regret' is the closest in style to their Paul Laine era, while 'Never Give Up' is another slice of glossy AOR.

Not the album I and many others were expecting, but one of a band that has grown up and for my money a minor masterpiece.

****½

Review by Andy Nathan