Band : John Waite
Album title : Rough & Tumble
Label : Frontiers Records
Distributor : Rough Trade Benelux.
Release Date :  21/01/2011
Release : CD

I do not have to explain to fans of our beloved genre who John Waite is, the England born vocalist, with his o so distinctive sound, who moved to London to  pursue his musical dreams.  Becoming famous as vocalist for The Babys, had a n° 1 hit in the USA in 1984 with ‘Missing You, but also became vocalist in Bad English, a band which also scored a few hits, but was disbanded way to soon.

After the break up of Bad English John has released couple of solo-albums, of which this, ‘Rough & Tumble’ is the latest, his previous solo-album dating from 2007. Songs were written by John, but also by Matchbox 20 lead guitarist/songwriter Kyle Cook over the last year and a half.  And once again John shows us that he’s not only able to write some very good material, but that he also has the skills to perform that material in a very agreeable way. I find it very hard to pick out a favorite track, but ‘Skyward’ would definitely be one of my favorites.

A must buy if you’re into easy-listening AOR music.

90/100

Erik Morren.