ISSA: Lights Of Japan (A.O.R.,Melodic Hard Rock): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

It would be dishonest to claim that we have been enthusiastic about Issa's recordings to date. The Norwegian diva seemed locked into a formula that prevented her from considering joining the leading lights of the genre, the fault of compositions systematically coming from the same mould. As for her demonstrative vocals, they left us sceptical in the face of such a profusion of energy designed to conceal her obvious qualities behind an exasperating overabundance of pointless high notes. However, 'Queen Of The Broken Hearts' had managed to keep alive a faint hope that the artist would realise his mistakes and take a step beyond his grasp.

Although still surrounded by a majority of Italian musicians from the Frontiers stable, Issa seems to have severed the link with Alessandro Del Vecchio, whose trademark is all too obvious. And since the best solutions are often the simplest, she has replaced him with her husband, British keyboardist James Martin (ex-Vega). The result is immediate, with production that's still excellent but more Scandinavian than Mediterranean, and compositions that are finally catchy.

"Lights Of Japan' may not revolutionise the world of AOR/Hard melody, but it's clearly Issa's best album yet, and she takes the opportunity to swap her diva garb for that of a real singer whose talent has finally found the right box. The eponymous title track, 'Stop The Rain' and 'It's Over' embed their refrains deep into the neurons and are cut out to take their place at the top of the genre. The rest of the album is equally fine, with a few surprises such as 'Live Again', which opens the proceedings with energy and efficiency, 'Seize The Day', which is fast and sharp, and 'Moon Of Love', with its enchanting saxophone. As for the ballad 'I Give You My Heart', although a classic, it does the job and benefits from a luminous solo by John Mitchell (Arena).

While not yet a must-have, 'Lights Of Japan' is finally the showcase that takes Issa to the next level. By adding a little more variety to her compositions and ironing out the vocal excesses that still litter a few tracks, the Norwegian should be able to establish herself at the top of a well crowded genre. - Official website

ISSA

LIGHTS OF JAPAN

FRONTIERS RECORDS

A.O.R.