This is an interesting and entertaining solo album from ex
Vandenberg frontman, Bert Heerink, the vocalist who - by me, at least - will always be fondly remembered for the worldwide rock smash, '
Burning Heart', back in the eighties.
In the intervening period, Heerink has forged a successful music career in his native country, touring musicals with various national orchestras.
AOR Heaven have now lured him back into the melodic rock fold, and into a collaboration with axe slinger / producer / songwriter for hire, Michael Voss, fast becoming the "go to" guy when any of these talents are needed by band or label.
The appropriately titled '
Better Yet . . .' is rich in classy players and songwriters. Steve Vai, Harry Hess, Jeff Silbar, Russ Ballard,
Steve Lukather and more. Illustrious company that would inspire even the most ordinary of vocalists to raise their game.
But Heerink is no ordinary singer. Accomplished and successful, possessor of a respected melodic rock track record with
Vandenberg and Picture, he makes this stuff his own. A cool, relaxed, vocal masterclass. It sounds effortless, with plenty of power held in reserve, as he strolls through a bunch of soft rock &
AOR songs with a pop accent.
The set up is quite conventional, but the results are far from that.
And it's immediately clear that Voss and Heerink have chosen well. '
Better Yet.' is populated with warm songs, swollen with gorgeous melodies. Many melodic rock bands would sacrifice their lead singer for songs like
'All Fired Up' and
'Panic Attack'.
The eighties'
AOR inspired balladry of
'Falling Down' and
'April' seem standard fare at first, but the subtle manner in which they are executed is quite hypnotic. pulling you in, casting their spell.
Lyrically, these songs about crumbling relationships, full of unerring simplicity and uncomplicated sentiment fit well with the album's soft rock ethic - losing the love, the dream, not being able to hold on, and are pitched just right by Heerink.
Closer, '
Significance' is a little sting in the album's tail. A Martin Page-esque ballad with an anti racism message. Arguably out of place perhaps, but a thoughtful end to the album.
What'll be next? A reformed
Vandenberg?
Written by
Brian Saturday, October 3, 2009
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