Confessions

It can be a rocky road, and a long one at that, for a band to get to their first album. Such is the case for Sweden's Angeline. Begun in 1987, Confessions is Angeline's first full length album. From a rough start, losing a lead singer, reverting to a cover band, and then finally disbanding, Angeline bounces back like a true underdog, rises like a real phoenix. Confessions was developed after a one-off 20the anniversary show in 1987, and it's a fine disc of melodic rock. First impressions from a spin or two proves one thing: this band should have had a go very early on. Confessions also shows a band with strong musicianship and songwriting skills. The arrangements are rich and vibrant thanks to two very predominant things, magnificent vocal harmonies and superb choruses. These qualities are absolutely brilliant on Another Night, Someday Somehow, and Good is Getting Better, to pick just a few. Most every song is attractive, and different, hooking you in with charms of their own. Sometimes it's with a heavier and headier rock feel as on Rock of Ages or Blackout. Then there's the funk and rock groove on Fuel to Your Fire which would make Jeff Scott Soto or Glenn Hughes jealous. Only one song stumbled for me, Love & Affection, and Confessions seems to steal from a certain Def Leppard (still a great song), but neither distract from totality of a fine work. Angeline's Confessions is strong, consistent, and thoroughly entertaining platter of melodic rock. I hope we'll hear more from them in the future. Angeline deserves every opportunity for a long run simply because of their fine songwriting, musicianship, and brave perseverance. Very recommended!