Band : Williams - Friestedt
Album title : Williams - Friestedt
Label : AOR Heaven
Distributor : Rough Trade Benelux.
Release Date : 27/05/2011
Release : CD

This CD… brings back memories.  It was like listening to vintage Toto or even Chicago.  Which is no wonder, since Joseph Williams used to be the vocalist in Toto for a while in the eighthies, whereas Peter Friestedt has released two albums that got positive reviews (‘LA Project’ in 2002 and ‘LA Project II’ in 2008.

What else can I tell about this album.  Well each and every song is of outstanding quality, catchy, well written and performed.  It’s quite a shame that there are only 9 tracks on the album, cause this calls for more.  This album was aptly released by AOR Heaven, cause AOR Heaven it is.  If, like me, you liked Chicago’s ‘17’ album, which is vintage stuff, since it was released way back in 1984, then you’ll like this album as well. 
So expect no hard rock, but pure AOR or even soft rock.  Like I already mentioned, Toto or Chicago couldn’t have done it better.  It’s true that most, if not all of the songs are midtempo, with the occasional slow song in between, but does that matter?  The vocals are beautiful, and Friestedt’s quitar work is of an outstanding quality as well.

Quite a few guests have been invited to participate on this album.  I’ll name but a few : Bill Champlin (former Chicago singer), Tommy Denander, Bill Cantos, Randy Goodrum, and the list goes on.
So if you’re in a somewhat nostalgic mood, and would like to hear some excellent AOR, do not hesitate and put on this CD.

96/100

Erik Morren.