GRAND ILLUSION — Prince of Paupers (review)

GRAND ILLUSION — Prince of Paupers album cover Album · 2011 · Non-Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Stephen
'Prince of Paupers' marks a quick comeback of Swedish AOR veterans, Grand Illusion, and still under the command of Anders Rydholm, he still trusted the vocal part to two great singers, Peter Sundell and Per Svensson, and also backed by top session musicians such as Gregg Bisonette and Tim Pierce, also this time, Steve Lukather and Jay Graydon fills in the guest role to add value to this new album.

After several spins, this album has been going back and forth between 75%-85%, but the excitement eventually wears a bit thin and finally settles in 80%. So many great and consistent tracks here except maybe 'On And On' and 'Under The Wire' were weaker. 'Gates of Fire' is an explosive opener, but not as good as the melodic heaven, 'Better Believe It'. The ballad with Steve Lukather, 'So Faraway' is wonderful, although 'Believe In MIracles' is definitely the best choice.

Some other goodies here are 'St.Teresa Love', driven by a slick keyboard in the classic 80s AOR fashion, the harmonies are beautiful and the chorus is a bliss. This track alone gets a solid 90% from me, and also 'Through This War', a brilliant uptempo tune and deserved the same score. 'Gone' is played in the similar style, but slightly below those two, still a great tune as well.

After analyzing their previous albums, I found this to be the most consistent and interesting package they have, and simply I can say this is the best achievement of the band. Some crazily good vocals and killer duets, also packed with sensational rhythm, don't forget that the production is awesome. A strong release despite some of the decent / average tunes, recommended for fans of AOR and melodic hard rock.
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