Search - Shooting Star :: Circles

Very strong new offering from this band

M. Schwartz | 07/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, this band from Kansas City, MO has come up with a healthy dose of midwestern style rock. After a 6 year absence of new music, Shooting Star comes roaring back with Circles. New vocalist Kevin Chalfant fits right in, his voice sparkling throughout this disc. For longtime fans of the band, his voice feels like a "mixture" of original Gary West and most recent Keith Mitchell. Original drummer Steve Thomas is back and sounds like he never missed a beat. Shane Michaels' violin is as prominent on this CD as has ever been on a Shooting Star release..in fact, for years this band has been compared to fellow midwestern rockers Kansas because of the violin - and this album may be as close to that comparison as they have ever been. Listen to "We're Not Alone" and you'll see. The songs are extremely strong, although the production at times seems a bit rough. "Everybody's Crazy" kicks off the disc and shows all musicians in great form. For me, Temptation shows some Allman Brothers influence - the "dual leads" of guitar and violin are amazing. The song "Without Love" was actually written in the mid to late 80's, and maybe shows it's age..but it's an immediate Shooting Star classic. "Trouble In Paradise" has some completely over the top violin playing that really make this song work. Keyboardist Dennis Laffoon is ALL over this CD - like never before and helps make this a strong effort. Guitarist Van McLain and bassist Ron Verlin have brought this band together and they are really tight. This is a must have for fans of the band, and an extremely good CD for fans of good, melodic hard rock. Bottom line - strong songs from a tight band."

Shooting Star Rocks!

SS Maniac | Kansas City | 08/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kicking off the CD with "Everybody's Crazy" and ending with "We're Not Alone" - Shooting Star lives up to it's reputation as the absolute best band that never caught a break. Tie in a tribute to George Harrison, some great violin work and outstanding keyboards you will not take this CD out of the car. Buy two so you have one in the house as well - it is that good! Original members Van McLain (awesome guitar work on "Survivor" and "Borrowed Time",) Steve Thomas and Ron Verlin provide the Shooting Star sound; Kevin Chalfant does not dissappoint. Gary West fans and Keith Mitchell fans alike will enjoy Chalfant's outstanding lead vocals. He can tear it up "Trouble in Paradise" or slow it down "What Love Is" - the man can flat out sing. Shane Micheals makes it happen on violin especially on "Temptation" and "Trouble in Paradise." Dennis Laffoon has never been better - check out "Runaway" and "We're Not Alone".



Don't miss them live either. They are even better in the arena!"

No Star Shooting Here

236th | Granville, Ohio United States | 11/12/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I have every album, DVD and have seen them in concert. Buy any other album than this one. There is not one song that could have been placed on any other CD/Album. Someone in the recording studio should have told them to listen to old Shooting Star before trying to fake this one.



I hope this is not their last CD, but it could be."