MelodicRock.com Reviews


GIANT
DON'T LEAVE ME IN LOVE
Frontiers / Now & Then FRCD096
Produced by: Giant
Released: OUT
Closest Relative: Def Leppard
GENRE: AOR
OVERALL: 90%

  1. Don't Leave Me In Love
  2. Chained (Live)
  3. I'm A Believer (Live)
  4. Stay (Unplugged)
  5. The Big Pitch (Live)

It's pretty hard to make an EP an essential purchase, but the inclusion of some cool extra tracks on this one does the job with ease.
Don't Leave Me In Love is the lead track for the much welcomed and anticipated comeback of melodic rock Gods Giant.
Their III opus culls a collection of tracks that were recorded, but not used for either of the band's 2 previous studio albums.
But better than that, the tracks have all been re-mastered and re-mixed and have even been subjected to some studio overdubs this year, just to perfect their release.
That's probably why the title track sounds so damn good. Don't Leave Me In Love is a huge rock ballad.
As far back as 1998, Dann Huff spoke favourably of that track in an interview with me. Cool to see that it finally has seen the light of day.
The song is a big typical Giant power ballad with a strong rock edge and a powerful set of hooks and harmonies that would leave Def Leppard proud.
To make this an essential release, the band and Frontiers Records have coupled it with 3 unreleased live tracks recorded for a live radio broadcast from the Time To Burn tour. These tracks are 100% live and see the band in fine form, even without the benefit of studio overdubs and effects.
Just check out the smoking 7 minute plus version of Chained and a 6 minute plus version of I'm A Believer.
The other track is the very popular unplugged version of the band's classic rock ballad Stay. I have featured the track here for download previously and it still ranks as the most popular track I have featured. Classic!
BOTTOM LINE: A simple release is transformed into an essential release for two reasons. Firstly, it gives fans a taste of the band's anticipated return and it offers 3 unreleased and 1 rare track as bonuses. Couldn't ask for more!
Add to that some excellent packaging and a full jewel case presentation. This needs to be purchased!
PRODUCTION: 90% SONGS: 90% VIBE: 90%ATTITUDE: 90%
ESSENTIAL FOR: All Gant fans, all fans of classic American stadium AOR & melodic rock.
DISCOGRAPHY: Last Of The Runaway's . Time To Burn . Don't Leave Me In Love EP . III (Due November 28)



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