Some pictures that we took down on the beach
You'd been kissed by the sun
We were looking so young
I could smell your perfume
Like you walked in the room
Tonight I loose myself
Everything will be about you
Why did heaven call your name?"
One Word Review: Welcome
Jimi Jamison of Survivor fame released this album in 2012 (or that is, Frontiers Records did) and I finally got my hands on it. It is perfect timing just as summer is about to take hold, since the music is vibrant with optimism, sing-a-long passages most of the songs simply have a summer feeling about them. The music is reminiscent of Pride of Lions and Survivor but with extra punch. Clearly main songwriter, Erik Martensson is a devotee of melodic rock and has enough skill to make these songs stand out on their own. They are perfectly suited for Jimi Jamison, who sings with an air of surplus and brings in just the right emotion.
The first three songs on the album are melodic pearls and lay the groundwork for the album to unfold. What sets the album apart is the fact that the rest of the songs keep the momentum going all the way through. Erik Martensson on guitar, bass, keyboard and backing vocals is quite brilliant and often slices through the sound with an enjoyable solo.
Is that a nod to Kim Wilde? Was my first thought as Street Survivor began. Could be, but it is quickly gone as one of the toughest songs on the album breaks free. A powerful chorus is a highlight for me, but the whole song has a great intensity.
Not Tonight has a Bon Jovi meets Bryan Adams vibe and at first listen I felt something was missing, but suddenly the song grew and turned out quite excellent. This is actually true for the whole album, as it evolves with several listens gains in strength. Songs like Calling the Game and I Can't Turn Back suddenly grew from ok to excellent around a dozen listens and that is a sign that the album has something extra hidden away.
The ballad, The Air That I Breathe bumps up the sweetness factor to a degree where it is too much, even for me. But that is a minor concern when a song like Bullet in the Gun comes along and blows away any possible misgivings (pun totally intended).
Following that, Heaven Call Your Name brings out true emotion by means of touching lyrics, heartfelt singing and a gut-wrenching guitar solo by Magnus Henriksson. Chilling. Jimi starts out singing solo and in tune with the lyrics, the song turns into a duet with soft female vocals in the second verse and ends with full blown choir harmonies for the chorus. This is very close to perfection.
The production is good, with a well defined sound stage and good distinction between instruments.
Never Too Late is not the most complicated album ever, but it is high on optimism, goodwill and melodic rock. Truly great stuff.
Epilogue
Jimi Jamison passed away on August 31, 2014 after suffering a heart attack. He was one of my favorite singers and I will forever cherish the albums he sang on. I now look at the quote I chose for this review several months ago and feel a slight chill in the air. Rest In Peace Jimi…
Written By Steen
Online: Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2014 - Added Epilogue and a video for Heaven Call Your Name
Video Section
Never Too Late
Heaven Call Your Name
Comments
Legacy Comments
Tuesday, October 14, 2014 - Andre Gautron
For me this album is one of the best Melodic Rock release for 2012. From the first spin I was hooked and I still listen to it with some regularity. However not every album is perfect. Personally I found Street Survivor the weak link here, For what ever the reason it is, the this is one song I feel disconnect from. The Air I Breath on the other hand is a wonderful song. Sweet, yes. But I think that it fits nicely in the album. Its like an apple pie with caramel drizzle on top. The caramel is sweet but it compliments well with the pie. Heaven Call Your Name is that extra special song on the album. The conviction that he sings with is breath taking. R.I.P. Jimi