Search - Nightwing :: Stand Up & Be Counted

Max Bacon's Debut

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 09/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I hate to see a good album marred by a 1-star review, so I'll have to add my 2 cents worth regarding Nightwing's 1983 album Stand Up and Be Counted. I suppose hard rock/metal purists could knock the band for taking a somewhat more radio-friendly approach on this album, but knocking a vocalist like Max Bacon is just ridiculous. If this is the only Max Bacon album you've heard, I can see not being overly impressed. Taken in context with his later work on Bronz and GTR, and even on later Nightwing albums, you see the beginning efforts of a future star.



Overall this is a very enjoyable rock album. On its own merits I'd call it a 3/3.5-star album, but I gave it a 4 to offset Mister 1-star below. The AOR elements (keyboards, greater use of melodies, etc.) give the band's sound a bit of polish, and make it that much more fun to listen to. This album is not likely to please metalheads, but fans of bands like April Wine, Axe, Rail, Coney Hatch, and even early Styx and REO Speedwagon should find Stand Up and Be Counted right up their alley.



Kudos go to Zoom Club for not only reissuing this album, but for digitally remastering it as well."