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September 2023

• Rockett Love: Galactic Circus
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August 2023

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July 2023

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June 2023

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• The Defiants: Drive
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Issa: Crossfire

AOR/Melodic Rock

4.0/5.0

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Frontiers Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 29.01.2015

Issa Oversveen had a string of solo albums, three between 2010 and 2012, then nothing until now. Crossfire finds the Norwegian singer in fine form and still steering her voice and music towards AOR melodic rock. As usual she's surrounded by fine European talent, notably the songwriting partnership with Tom and James Martin. A personal favorite of hers, Steve Overland (FM, Overland) joins Issa in duet on Raintown.

Issa

After these things, there's not much to declare about Crossfire. All the songs are top notch, catchy and melodic. Issa's voice is always smooth and strong, staying above the music, and never out of control. Most songs feature a steady rock groove, generous keyboards, and sizzling solos. It's all the basic AOR melodic combination we expect from Issa. I guess we could argue as to whether this approach and output is redundant or merely consistent. But the point is moot, since the same could be applied to a great many artists and bands. Issa is in her element and, as always, she sounds pretty darn terrific.

Highlighting some songs then. The duet with Overland is quite the large ballad, nearly melodramatic in it's presentation. Issa kicks out the jams with more than a few rockers including Crossfire, the heavier Long Time Coming, and Red Lights. Then, for some reason I can't put my finger on, a song like Heartbeat has a more American pop rock flavor to it. Another ballad of sorts, probably best considered an anthem, comes with Ghost Inside My Heart, and the inspirational We Rise. Again, this is familiar territory, AOR melodic rock, and Issa handles it with her usual impressive talent. If you liked everything else she's done, you'll dig this. Recommended.

Issa - Crossfire (Official / New Studio Album / 2015)

Crossfire is familiar territory, AOR melodic rock, and Issa handles it with her usual impressive talent. If liked everything else she's done, you'll dig this. Recommended.

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Formed in 1999 by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erik Martensson, Sweden's Eclipse is well into their third decade of making music. In the recent past, their recordings and reputation have ... [ Read More ]