'Risk Everything' is everything I love about AOR.
What is it about the music of the "legend" known as Jim Peterik that makes you smile, makes you feel happy and makes you feel joy as you listen to his songs? I'm not sure, but whatever it is, if Peterik could bottle it and the human race (which at this moment in time needs it) could take a full dose, then maybe a lot of our problems would go away. For want of a better word he's a genius when it comes to writing hook-filled, emotional and heartfelt songs, of this there can be no argument... it's just a fact.
His songs have touched many hearts across the years and everyone who reads this magazine could, and should, be able to name at least a couple of them with no difficulty at all. Now he is back to entertain and enthrall us all once again with a set of eleven new songs that I (personally) think are some of the best he has written in quite a few years. The album is part Survivor, part Pride Of Lions, part AOR and part Melodic Rock; in summary, it's bloody catchy as hell.
Peterik also has a new partner in crime in the shape of Marc Scherer. Before this album, Scherer was a much in demand backing singer and had worked with Peterik on the POL albums and this is, surprisingly, his first time singing lead vocals on an album. He's a man blessed with a voice slightly reminiscent of Toby Hitchcock mixed with a little Fergie Frederiksen but with his own strong personal identity stamped on each and every line he sings. He really is a find and hopefully we'll be hearing a lot more from him from now on.
Simply hit the play button and let that warmth, emotion and passion that Peterik put into every one of these songs wash over you. As soon as the title track begins, you'll immediately feel that smile I spoke of spreading across your face. Then for the next forty minutes or so, as 'Chance Of A Lifetime', the pure Survivorness of 'Desperate In Love', 'How Long Is A Moment', the wonderful Rocking 'Brand New Heart' (with its superb Mike Aquino solo), 'Milestones' and 'Your Independence Day' play, you will find that, for a while at least, your cares and worries have been forgotten.
'Risk Everything' is everything I love about AOR; passionate songs written, sung and played by a group of musicians who really know and love what they are doing. If you're a lover of the genre or just of great music, then you must, by hook or crook, get yourself a copy of this fabulous album.
Ian Johnson
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