Lou Gramm is a name that will need no introduction to anyone with the slightest passing interest in AOR/Melodic Rock. For those that may not be so familiar Lou was the original vocalist in Foreigner from 1976 until 2002.  Unfortunately Lou was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1997. Although the tumour was benign, the resulting surgery damaged his pituitary gland. In addition, the recovery program caused Gramm to gain weight, and likewise affected his stamina and voice which was noticeable on live dates from Foreigner gigs from this era.  In 2003, Gramm once again split from Foreigner to rejuvenate his solo career with a band that initially included Bruce Turgon on bass, Rocket Richotte on guitar, Kevin Neal on drums, John Purdell on keyboards (who suddenly passed away very early during their first tour), and Gary Corbett on keyboards. Following the death of both his father and mother, Gramm and the initial lineup decided it best to take different paths. Fulfilling a lifelong wish of his parents that their three musical sons might someday make their music together, Gramm and his brothers, Ben (drums) and Richard (bass), formed the current line-up of the Lou Gramm Band completed by Don Mancuso (guitar) and Andy Knoll (keyboards).  Gradually, Gramm's health and energy rebounded. The band has been touring the U.S., Canada, and Mexico steadily since January 2004, as well as occasional dates off the North American continent. Now the new incarnation make this recorded self titled debut released on the undisputed home of melodic rock – Frontiers. 

Vocally Gramm may not have the top end range of his Foreigner heyday, but he is wise enough to work songs around his new range, which it has to be said, although lower than the “classic days” is still a mighty fine voice with not one ounce of the soul and emotion that has been his trademark lacking one iota.  Lyrically the album is strong, looking at religious faith, taking stock of what you have and appreciating that fact.  Clearly the brain tumour has had a big influence on Lou’s outlook on life (quite understandable) and that is reflected here making this a very personal album.

Musically we have a nice mix of everything any melodic rock fan would want to hear.  Opener “Baptized By Fire” is BIG, great hooks, emotional chord progression and Lou’s vocals are superb, the mid-tempo of the verse of delivered like only Gramm can and to be honest this delivery alone brought a warm glow inside, the emotion in Lou’s voice is undeniable.  The pre-chorus and chorus are once again grade A material being melodically strong and with a killer hook.  The lush mix of guitar and piano makes the track strong musically as well.  “Made To Be Broken” is again of the mid tempo variety built around a simple guitar hook with great gritty vocals once again.  Fans of classic Magnum along with Foreigner fans will instantly be able to grasp to this track. “Willing To Forget” is acoustic based but picks up for the chorus, and there is a strong laidback vibe here that grows with each listen.  “That’s The Way God Planned It” is a monster ballad, based around a chord progression not a million miles away from the Procol Harum classic “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” for the verse, the mix of piano and semi-distorted guitar brings a nice warmth to the recording and the vocal performance is once again superb.  “(I Wanna) Testify” see Lou return to a late 60’s blues/soul sound with a nice mid tempo groove complete with wah guitar, and another strong chorus.  “So Great” is back to the heavier sound, that wouldn’t feel out of place on the Foreigner album ‘Agent Provocateur’, with its heavy synth, lyrically the track is a testament to God and the Christian spirit, and whilst this may not be to everyone’s taste, its done tastefully and once again sounds very authentic in the vocally delivery department.  “Redeemer” is based around a simple guitar motif yet does lack some of the staying power of its predecessors, and it would probably benefit from a slightly faster tempo in truth.  “Single Vision” is not as I anticipated a stab at recreating the Foreigner classic “Double Vision”, but is instead another mid-tempo rocker with a strong commercial slant in the chorus, no doubt Lou and his band can pen a hook when they want to, and whilst this could sounds quite faceless in other bands hands, with the Gramm vocal it becomes a strong track, due to the fact Lou knows how to work a melody line.  “Rattle Yer Bones” is a slice of rock that classic rock radio stations would play 24/7 given half the chance.  A classic good time vibe on the verses and a strong chorus make this another winner.  Closing ballad “You Saved Me” is a nice closer, again strong in religious theme lyrically and home to nice orchestration in addition to the piano based outlook, Andy Mancuso delivers a simple yet soulful guitar solo and it sees the album out on a nice reflective note.

Overall Lou Gramm has delivered a fine album, as mentioned his voice is good, and given his health problems and subsequent rebirth inspiration to the lyrics this is an emotionally charged album.  Whilst it may not be good as the classic Foreigner albums, its not far off and a very strong starting point for a musician who has been there and done it all (in terms of success and album sales) and now making honest music for himself, and this is one fan who is thankful for that.  Welcome back Lou.