Can't Slow Down / Foreigner (2009)

1. Can't Slow Down

2. In Pieces

3. When It Comes to Love

4. Living In a Dream

5. I Can't Give Up

6. Ready

7. Give Me a Sign

8. I'll Be Home Tonight

9. Too Late

10. Lonely

11. As Long As I Live

12. Angel Tonight

13. Fool For You Anyway

Many bands from 70's and 80's returned since late 90's, yet most of them failed to created albums and songs that could meet their fans' expectation. They just play greatest hits tour and are being nostalgic. However, Foreigner, the band that had only one original member, added another record in their catalogue that was comparable with their albums in 70's and 80's. To be honest, I did not expect much from this album. Nevertheless, I have to admit that I was so wrong. This is a perfect album to follow "Inside Information".

Kelly Hansen is a great singer, and his voice really matches with this band. He was perfect to reproduce their old songs at concerts. But, I did not realize how compelling his voice is until actually listening him singing new songs. Since Lou Gramm cannot sing like he did before, Kelly Hansen is a perfect fit for the band.

I was really surprised that the band, perhaps I should say Mick Jone, did not lose its sound. Even with modern sound production, each song has "Foreigner" mark on it. Melody, guitar riffs, keyboard, saxophone, everything just reminds me of 70's and 80's. This album will not disappoint both old and new fans. This band has not retired as composers or musicians yet.

☆☆☆☆☆

Endgame / Megadeth (2009)

1. Dialectic Chaos

2. This Day We Fight!

3. 44 Minutes

4. 1,320'

5. Bite The Hand

6. Bodies

7. Endgame

8. The Hardest Part Of Letting Go...Sealed With A Kiss

9. Head Crusher

10. How The Story Ends

11. The Right To Go Insane

Since his return to the scene, Dave Mustaine maintained his high composition skill and released two high quality album. He released once again a great record. "The System Has Failed" was very melodic, and "United Abominations" had universal appeal to heavy metal music. But, as a fan of their early music, those two albums were also little settled. At the beginning of his career, Megadeth had a lot of aggression. Of course, he is no longer a man of anger. He settled everything with Metallica and became a Christian. But, did he really lose the sharp edge he once had? Well, this album was a happy surprise for me. He showed the he still had strong sharp edge, and the album is full of great riffs. I personally felt that this album has the mood of "Rust In Peace" and "Countdown To Extinction". 

From the instrumental number, track 1, the band shows full of aggression and power in track 2. Track 4 is another great song that reminds me of the time this band was called "Intellectual Thrash Metal". Out of many great metal tunes, track 9, which was released as a single, is very outstanding. The song progresses with riff and riff and riff. Megadeth music was very progressive in their early career but not long as many progressive rock/metal bands. Tracks 3. 5, 6, 7, and 10 would nicely fit in "Countdown To Extinction". These songs has not only good riffs but also hook in vocal lines. Track 8 is another excellent piece in this album. It is very dramatic and became one of climax in this album. Track 11 is another typical Megadeth song. You would think this is just a mid-tempo song at the beginning, but at the end, the song actually goes insane as the lyrics sing.

Overall, this album became more exciting than past two records. If you are a fan of early songs of this band. Please go and get this album. It won't disappoint you.

☆☆☆☆☆