STAN MEISSNER – Undertow [YesterRock remaster] 2008, MP3+FLAC

Considered one of the most influential artists from Canada’s ’80s AOR / rock&pop scene, and one of its top songwriters, STAN MEISSNER personifies the sound of that decade like no one else. Exquisite musician, songwriter and producer, Meissner has always put out a quality product in whatever role he performs in. He has written songs for many international acts such as Lee Aaron, Alias, Darby Mills, Eddie Money, Triumph, just to name few.

“Undertow” is, unfortunately, Meissner last solo album as he later concentrated in the industry writing music for other artists and many TV shows and films. While released in 1992, most of the songs into “Undertow” were written in the late ’80s.
Both previous STAN MEISSNER are excellent AOR platters, and “Undertow” is equally good, however it’s the most varied in style: the great opener “It’s No Secret” is very Bryan Adams circa 1984, the elegant “Someone Like You” has a 1986 Chicago imprint, “River of Fire” is smooth AOR ala Tim Feehan, then “The Lucky One” has an American feel like Jude Cole.

Part of this diverse songwriting palette comes from Meissner joining other top cats to co-write: “I Don’t Believe It’s Over” with talented Coney Hatch’s Carl Dixon (who also contribute backing vocals on a couple of tracks), genius Glen Burtnick, Billy Sherwood, and movie soundtracks expert Fred Mollin.
Not all AOR and even STAN MEISSNER fans are aware that “Undertow” has been reissued / remastered by YesterRock specialists (although not credited for contractual reasons), and we’re featuring this version here. The original CD release was sonically too much bright, now corrected by this impeccable remaster.

You can’t find a single weak song on “Undertow” – if polished, perfectly crafted late ’80s AOR / Melodic Rock is up your alley, this is a must have album.
Highly Recommended

01 – It’s No Secret
02 – River Of Fire
03 – No Way Out
04 – Someone Like You
05 – If It Takes All Night
06 – Shelter In The Heart
07 – Day After Day
08 – When I Look In Your Eyes
09 – I Don’t Believe It’s Over
10 – The Lucky One

Stan Meissner: all vocals & instruments, except
Peter Cardinali: bass on 4, 5, 6, 7
Pat Perez: soprano sax on “River Of Fire”
John Panchyshyn: sax solo on “If It Takes All Night”
Carl Dixon: background vocals on “It’s No Secret” & “I Don’t Believe It’s Over”
Terry Crawford: background vocals on “River Of Fire” & “Shelter In The Heart”
Lori Yates: background vocals on “Shelter In The Heart

MP3 FLAC