By: Lucy Hall
Once again Frédéric Slama is making a lot of noise all around the world and generating lots of excitement for his fans with his most recent and most 80s’ inspired album yet for 2023. Over the decades Frédéric Slama has been putting together the most exciting unions ever conceived in all the leagues of AOR rock. He has once again rejoined with the talents of Paul Sabu and Tommy Denander. These three are the hardest-working, most brilliant, and most driven composers in rock and roll.
This new album is full of layered and powerful tracks consisting of some lean aggressive rockers alongside some sophisticated silky smooth, heartfelt mid-tempo tracks. It is very polished and doesn’t have a weak cut.
All of Frédéric's AOR releases are influential and essential albums but this album has become an instant favorite for me. A lot of the tracks surprised me with the harder-edged, powerful guitar, keyboards, and vocals which effortlessly could fade to a softer focus. The group’s ability to layer guitar and keyboard parts into a seamless whole is totally reminiscent of that classic 80’s rock sound that I love. I felt that some of the cuts are punchy danceable rock and roll which recalls the energy of unforgettable music that was used in epic 80’s movie montages. This is something that comes effortlessly to Paul Sabu who has created songs for movie soundtracks. He has that knack for creating songs that stand the test of time.
The album opens with three consecutive tunes that take you on an emotional journey combining hard pop with melodic refrains. “Behind Closed Doors” is an opener that sets the mood and ambiance for the rest of the album. It is simply mid-tempo magic, it is loaded with rhythmic guitar, I especially enjoyed how the song fades out with dreamlike keyboards. “Dangerously Smart” is my favorite cut, it was one of the harder rock-driven songs with an aggressive chorus. Paul’s vocals soar over an infectious instrumental groove. The daring lyrics hooked me immediately. With a chorus such as this, “She makes loving you an art, she cuts you right through the heart, she is dangerously smart” how could I not be captivated? This was an authentic emotion-woven track that spoke to me.
Frédéric has always had a knack for composing good hooks and “You Don't Have to Tell Me Lies” is a prime example. The guitar chords, Paul’s crescendos, and the keyboards which built up the climax of the song perfectly complement each other and created an atmospheric backdrop of sound. Frédéric lyrics got their point across right from the start of this song. Paul’s crescendos were impressive. He goes from sounding soulful, regretful, and sorrowful to building up to an increase in intensity with his commanding vocal delivery. As a listener, when he belts out “You Don’t Have to Tell Me Lies!” You really believe that the song’s protagonist was disappointed in a deceitful relationship but finally came to terms with it not being worth fighting for after all.
“Stolen Future” features some infectious energy with a driving rhythm, a danceable beat, memorable guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus. The memorable hooks and energetic sound will make this track a fan favorite for decades to come.
“Manifestation Of Human Desires” has a catchy upbeat melody and its lyrics are uplifting and inspiring.
“Frozen Soul” and “Breaking the Rules are both power ballads that feature slow, emotional melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics. They are both relatable and timeless anthems for anyone who ever experienced the ups and downs of relationships.
“Private Number” is an empowering guitar-driven rock anthem that expresses the desire to break free from the constraints of a toxic relationship. Which is a theme we all can relate to. The song’s lyrics are memorable. It features a powerful guitar solo and once again Paul’s commanding vocal delivery blew me away. Especially when he belts out at the end with such intense emotion, “I Got a Private Number!” it gave me goosebumps.
This cut “Never Give Up On Love” is very lyrically touching. It deals with the strength one must have to deal with separation in your life from something you love, and the chorus reassures you, it’s all right because you, “Never Give Up On Love”
The 80s were a definitive decade for rock music. It was a time when rock anthems ruled the airwaves and AOR was one of the most popular defining genres of that decade. Frédéric Slama brings us back to that sound and those themes which never get old. AOR rock like this rarely comes once, let alone a second time, yet Frédéric Slama has written, arranged, and produced twenty-two AOR masterpieces. Add Bewitched In L.A. to your album collection, it is required listening for anyone interested in AOR music or high-quality rock in general.
Frédéric Slama
Paul Sabu
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