Search - New England :: Explorer Suite

Great cd

joint_heir@webtv.net | Tulip City USA... Holland, MI | 02/04/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"New England is hard-driving guitar work, rich in keyboards, with a hint of Brittish-style vocals for a flavor which put them near the top of my fav. list, second only to Boston. So, it is without hesitation that I can wholeheartedly recommend Explorer Suite. Explorer Suite is noticably more mainstream in its sound conpared to the groups' debut effort. However, New England masterfully put together this album retaining the driving sound of great '70's era rock while intertwining some of the early to mid 80ish new-wave type of sound. If you dug The Cars and Loverboy, go ahead, indulge yourself. You'll be glad you did. While you're at it, go ahead and pick up the first album as well. You'll save youself the time and effort for which you could be listening to your new cd's!!!"

EXCELLENT EAR CANDY !

Bill Appel | Virginia USA | 02/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In 1979, I fell in love with New England's self titled debut lead by the great "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya". When I first heard this band, I said they have to be British, however, they were actually from Boston. Heavily influenced by the British invasion, Lead Singer/Guitarist, John Fannon, has a distinct British-styled vocal backed by some catchy "pop" style melodies with heavy Queen-like muscle and ELO influenced harmonies. With eager anticipation, I couldn't wait for the follow up. Well, I can say the wait was worth it...."Explorer Suite" is a defining moment in AOR music. From the power of the first two songs "Honey Money" and "Living In The Eighties" to the smooth ride soon after in the superb, orchestral "Explorer Suite" to two great ballads that end the journey, "Hope" and "You'll Be Born Again", all 11 tracks here have the staying power that any band would kill for. Take it from me, you will enjoy this CD !"

A Gem from 1980

Christopher Fryer | United States | 07/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard anything from New England until around 1997 when I bought a cd in Tokyo called 1978. I don't think they got played much in Colorado. I was not overly impressed by the earlier demo versions of their songs, in fact I really liked only one song called Even When I'm Away. I wrote them off as a sweet pop/rock band. Later when I heard the debut version of the excellent Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya, I decided to get the debut and I've been a fan ever since. I quickly got ES and then their third album Walking Wild which was produced by Todd Rundgren. I think this album is their best overall. Almost every song is good with melodic guitar, tasteful keyboards, and catchy choruses. John Fannon's vocals sound a bit British to me for some reason. He does not have a very strong voice but he is smooth and melodic. As one reviewer said the lyrics often deal with loneliness and isolation. It is a shame this band did not have more success. All of their albums are worth having! I'm glad I discovered this trip back to the late 70s/early 80s. Waldo and Shea would go on to form Alcatrazz with Graham Bonnet and Yngwie Malmsteen. I don't think they ever topped Explorer Suite, 4 1/2 stars!"