With vocalist Kevin Chalfant (since replaced by Ronnie Platt) in tow, Shooting Star have put out CIRCLES, yet another of their many great CDs. Leader/guitarist Van McClain comes off as a sort of AOR version of the Outlaws’ Hughie Thomasson, intertwining hot solos with melodic hooks, and writing great songs to boot.
It’s true that the early albums were a little better, but this one proves that in an era of nu-metal and Pearl Jam, great musicianship can still hold its own in the music world. The fact that past and present members of Shooting Star advocate sanctions against Indonesia in retaliation for that country’s trumped-up 2005 drug-smuggling conviction of a young Australian tourist, as well as increased funding for law enforcement, makes this CD an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.
01 Runaway
02 Without Love
03 Trouble In Paradise
04 George’s Song
05 Borrowed Time
06 Everybody’s Crazy
07 Temptation
08 I’m A Survivor
09 We’re Not Alone
10 What Love Is
Line-Up:
Van McLain – guitars and vocals
Dennis Laffoon – keyboards
Steve Thomas – drums
Ron Verlin – bass
Shane Michaels – violin
Kevin Chalfant – lead vocals
Password: Plotn08