Here we go with the first solo release by one of the greatest voices of AOR, Toby Hitchcock. When i listened the first single from this album i must confess that I felt so disappointed, and even now, i must say that i don't like This Is The Moment, but obviously, i decided to give the album a chance. When i first play the album and listened to the opener Strong Enough some kind of the same sansation came to me, i felt this song has an exacerbated energy like trying to prove something, but this time i found some nice backing vocals and catchy choruses, but when the cd played the third track How To Stop, suddenly everything changed, this song is awesome from the beggining to the end, starts in a smooth way built on guitars and keys that suddenly explode into a shot of energy with Toby's vocals leading the way. Chorus is magnificent, backing vocals are precious while an emotional backing guitar leads to a break that turns into another blast of music where Mr. Hitchcock reaches tones that most of singers don't know exist. As a reference this song reminds to If I Fall by W.E.T. as you soon realise listening to chorus and, specially, in backing vocals very similar to those in W.E.T. song. How To Stop has some kind of melancholic touch all through the song that gives me goosebumps. This song is perfect.
Let Go is not exactly a mid-tempo but is slower than all previous tracks. Once again Toby's strong vocals shines surrounded by beautiful backing vocals. The last part of the track is an exhibition of how to achieve highest tones at the end of every sustained note... amazing.
One Day I'll Stop Loving You is an elegant and strong ballad with some female backing voices and some in-crescendo backing vocals that in the chorus has a little taste of QUEEN, but not in excess... one of a kind.
Now we jump to Summer Nights In Cabo wich starts with some guitars ala-U2 melting with piano in an intelligent wink of production that takes the melodic way acompained by electric guitar with catchy beautiful chorus and an energetic guitar solo, another great track. Tear Down The Barricades is straight Hard Rock with guitar work ala-WHITESNAKE, even with some double guitars, but always with melodic personality.
The rest of the album keeps the same vibe with songs full of energy with special atention to Just Say Goodbye that soon will catch you because of its chorus and guitar work while A Different Drum shines too, if you listen carefully you'll notice that guitar marks a rythm very similar to MOTLEY CRUE's Dr. Feelgood and introduce some magnificent background vocals, great track though this time chorus is the weakest part.
By the way... really nice art work.
In summary, a fantastic album with brilliant production by a privileged voice though i believe the first single has been a wrong choice. A must have album.
Best tracks (in order of preference):
How To Stop
Let Go
One Day I'll Stop Loving You
Summer Nights In Cabo
I Should Have Said
This album is worth of 4.6 out of 5 ROCKS!!!
This Is The Moment (official video):
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