Classic hard rock from 1980, this debut album was originally released on RCA and gets a welcome airing on CD here.

In the face of the NWoBHM, Grand Prix took a more US radio leaning, with a pomp edge to their hard rock, drawing comparisons at the time to bands like Kansas, Saga and Styx.

Highlights here are keyboard player Phil Lanzon and Canadian vocalist Bernie Shaw, both now with Uriah Heep.

Opener 'Waiting For The Night' and 'Day In The Life' both typify the melodic sound, the guitar and keyboard mixing well, with some layered vocals and hard riff moments.

The Lanzon penned 'Which Way Did The Wind Blow' is a slower yet solid number, majestic and glorious. It’s clear that, for large parts of the album, Lanzon is a creative force, in terms of both song writing and playing.

A fantastic and much overlooked set, and well packaged too; 3 bonus tracks, and extensive notes that include a Lanzon interview.

Classic.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com