ADD LINK! As part of London-based AOR BLVD Records Collectors Series, here’s in exclusive the jujst released self-titled debut album from American melodic rockers RISQUÉ, featuring their 1986-1988 recordings remastered for the first time on CD, a Limited Edition to 500.
Founded in the mid-Eighties, this Arizona based five piece toured the area including the California circuit and recorded three EP’s only sold / distributed locally. Mixing American AOR, melodic hard rock and a pinch of hair metal, “Risqué” packs very good songs rich in melody.
With keys / synths so 1986 Aviator-like, a song such as ‘Knock Me Off My Feet’ should have been a hit. Then the really good melodic rocker ‘Looking for a Reason’ takes the best of Le Mans, and for a pop-metal tune just play ‘Take Away Love’ including cowbell et all. The catchiness of ‘Up Against the Wall’ has some Danger Danger / Beau Coup on it, while the melodic ‘Walk Away’ brings back early Warrant memories.
“Risqué” is pure second half of the ’80s, with strong songwriting, melodic vocals / backing choruses, a really skilled lead guitarist and an overall feel-good vibe. Sound quality is very good.
Highly Recommended
1 Knock Me Off My Feet
2 Looking For A Reason
3 Slip Away
4 Crossfire Kelly
5 Running For Cover
6 Love On The Line
7 Take Away Love
8 School Girl
9 Up Against The Wall
10 Winning Combination
11 Walk Away
12 Lady Midnight (Demo)
13 On My Mind (Demo)
14 Problem Child (Demo)
Limited Edition To 500