Search - Loverboy :: Just Getting Started

Welcome back!

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 12/20/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I understand why so many arena rockers from the 1980's are reluctant to release new material. They're faced with the dilemma of whether to record an album that will please fans of their classic sound, thereby ignoring the last two decades of musical progress, or instead releasing a more modern sounding album and risk alienating the same old school fans who keep coming to their concerts. It's easy to understand why some bands would rather not make that choice at all, opting instead for endless "greatest hits" tours.



Fortunately Loverboy, easily one of the titans of the AOR era, was willing to take that chance by releasing Just Getting Started, their first studio album since 1997's underrated Loverboy VI. Perhaps their recent VH1 exposure nudged them in this direction, but whatever the reason I'm glad they're back.



So what do we end up with, classic Loverboy or modern Loverboy? The answer is both. Just Getting Started builds on the classic Loverboy sound, with plenty of great melodies, catchy songs, and Mike Reno's fantastic vocals. At the same time it is a more mature, more modern sounding album, and I mean that in the best possible sense. At this stage in the band's career I don't think anyone is really looking for Working for the Weekend Part II. This is a smarter, tighter Loverboy album that expertly straddles that fine line between 80's AOR and modern mainstream rock artists like the Goo Goo Dolls or Matchbox Twenty (this decade's Journey).



It's a shame so many people will no doubt dismiss this album as a holdover from the 80's, since it has enough going for it that it should appeal to a much wider audience than those of us who still obsessively follow this kind of music. Is there a radio destination for this kind of music? Adult contemporary perhaps? With the right kind of exposure this could be major comeback album for Loverboy. The Hot Topic crowd will never be convinced, but if the people who were "raised on radio" with bands like Journey and REO Speedwagon heard this, I'm sure they would love it."

WOW!

D. Cracraft | Two Rivers, WI | 11/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the new release from Loverboy. They are back, well actually, they never went away. They have been touring every year the last 8 years giving us fans a good ole dose of the classics like Turn Me Loose, The Kid Is Hot Tonite, and of course Working For The weekend. Now they have released a 10 track CD of brand new studio material and I have to tell you, you will not be disappointed with this. The new cd is the same Loverboy we have grown to love with the exception of Scott Smith..god rest his soul. Ken "spider" Sinneave is now handling the bass duties in the band. If you are expecting to hear the "synth" driven tunes, think again. Oh the synths are in there, but this release is very guitar driven.



The writing and the more heavy sound are sweet music to any rock fans ears. The opening title track will kick you back in your seat and make you realize that these guys can still rock hard with all the energy they had 25 years ago. Mike Reno's voice sounds fantastic. You will be amazed that he can still nail the high stuff. "The One That Got Away" & "As Good As It Gets" will bring back memories of the old Loverboy sound, while "Lost With You" gives us a dose of a heavier more modern band. Simply put, if you liked Loverboy before, you WILL LOVE this new release. Don't hesitate on this one. This cd is a MUST HAVE!!! On one more note, to all of you radio people out there, get these guys back on the radio where they belong. This release is better than the new Bon Jovi material. This band has had several multi platinum releases and hopefully, this cd will rank right up there. To Loverboy...WELL DONE GUYS!! Crank this one up and enjoy the ride."

Loverboy is back with a vengeance!

Greg Gillis | Ontario, CAN | 12/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was a huge Loverboy fan back in the day and after hearing this AWESOME new CD, it brought back memories of my younger days. This is by far the BEST CD that Loverboy has come out with to date! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to rock or to those who are closet rockers who need an escape from the mundane world you live in. Loverboy will rock your world!"