Perfect Plan - 'Time for a Miracle'

Have a wee listen to track two. BING! Could it be any more like Foreigner? The influence is very clear from the borrowed first line but fortunately the song is so good that Lou Gramm & Co would have been happy to have it. Interestingly, they did something similar on their debut album where the standout track ‘Bad City Woman’ made an equally explicit and respectful tip of the cap to Skin’s brilliant ‘Look But Don’t Touch’. It’s not too derivative though; these are great songs in their own right and the fact that they also trigger happy memories is a bonus.

The beautiful piano ballad ‘Fighting to Win’ highlights the quality of Kent Hilli’s voice. Seriously, close your eyes and this could be Jimi Jamison singing a Jim Peterik song. That’s also true of ‘What About Love’ which is one of a few on here that are reminiscent of prime-time Survivor.

The rest of the album is of the same standard. It’s polished and tuneful but with a little bit more oomph than standard AOR fare. You’ll immediately be struck by the quality of the playing and production and you’ll be hit right between the eyes by the vocals. Highlights include ‘Heart to Stone’, ‘Living On The Run’ and the classy ‘Every Time We Cry’.

Despite the 80s influences and references, this is a collection of fresh and exceptional rock songs perfectly delivered. The album stands up to historical comparison well and I certainly enjoyed the experience of a contemporary banger that comes with a welcome whiff of rock’s glory days.

Now where’s my leg-warmers? And my hair?