Hold Me Down--RealAudio

Seeing as the band's 1992 debut is one of AOR/light metal's crown jewels, a possible followup album has been looked forward to and highly anticipated for years by fans of the genre. While this is a steady and admirable release, it's not quite as gripping or majestic as its predecessor. There aren't the same number of bone-grooving rockers, and not quite the same quality, either. However, the benchmark this album was reaching for was rather high, which makes a drop easier to swallow. More tracks are on the "lighter" side this go-round, but Johnny Gioeli's excellent, smooth and biting vocals help to make even those a treat. A very telling difference may be the omission of Neal Schon from the bulk of the recording, as he only shows up to contribute to the toned-down album closer. Had he been present for the entire project, the result may have been different...
The steady and rhythmic "Hold Me Down" is a excellent opener, and "Paralyzed" is a bristling reminder of 1992's masterpiece.
"Y" is a mid-paced tune with a heavier chorus, and other good cuts include "Do or Die," "Your Eyes," "Weight," and the chunky "Way it Is, Way it Goes". The vocal, mood-setting "This Gift" is a nice piece at album's end.

TRACK LIST: Hold Me Down/Y/Paralyzed/Face the Night/Do or Die/Hey Girl/Only a Night/Your Eyes/Weight/Way it Is, Way it Goes/This Gift