Grand who come from Sweden, carry on the tradition of exceptional AOR bands from this country. Their debut self-titled album, released in Autumn 2022, made an explosive entrance into the genre's fan base. Comprising three talented members, Grand boasts the exceptional vocal talents of Mattias Olofsson. The trio also includes guitarist Jakob Svensson, formerly of Wigelius, who also handles bass and keyboards, and the versatile Anton Martinez Matz, who takes on both drums and bass duties. Drawing influences from their favourite bands such as Starship, Foreigner, Toto, Mr. Big, and Giant, Grands debut album was warmly welcomed by AOR/Melodic Rock fans all over the world. Starting off 2024 with their sophomore album “Second To None” and their debut festival appearance in July at the Malmo Festival Sweden. Grand are building up for a busy year.

“Crash And Burn” , the first single from the album, is the first track. A great start to the album nice clear vocals pure AOR with a great bridge ,backing vocals and harmonies. Nice arrangement no guitar solo but the song is that good it doesn’t need one. ”When Were Young” has a really cool keyboard intro a song reminiscing on their youth which can be related too as a 48 year old I certainly can! Great lyrics, superb singalong chorus with a great guitar solo. ”Leave No Scar” another great track with a nice cool guitar riffs, some soaring vocals from Mattias Olofsson again, anthemic chorus, harmonies superb. ”Rock Bottom” and “Sweet Talker” are are a bit more rockier Mr Big sounding but keep that Melodic Rock and AOR element both superb tracks with some synths & keys coming to the front of the mix in places. ”Rock Bottom” has a cool saxophone solo which is really cool and unexpected. ”Lily” is a ballad which has that Toto & Foreigner influence, a track that in the 80’s would have been all over MTV and would have been a massive hit. ”Kryptonite” the second single features Nina Soderqvist is one of the best tracks on the album the vocals are incredible, pure AOR brilliance, the arrangement, production is just so perfect. ”Out Of The Blue” has a great chorus that sticks in my head, another great guitar solo fits this song perfectly. ”All Or Nothing” is another rockier which again shows those influences of the band. ”Achilles Heel” the keyboard intro is superb ,which kicks into a nice crunchy guitar riff ,followed by those smooth, clear vocals from Mattias Olofsson, a great track, great chorus ear worm stuff. The album ends with another ballad “Daze Of Yesterday” just vocals and the piano ,simply beautiful, then in come the drums ,bass & guitar to bring the song home amazing solo, harmonies and vocals just has HIT written all over it.

Grand “Second To None” is my favourite album of the year so far, it is 11 tracks of AOR/Melodic Rock gold .Mattias Olofsson has a superb voice ,one of the best I have heard for a very long time ,along with two talented musicians, great songs ,superb production. The debut album was great, but with “Second To None” they have exceeded the debut with a more sophisticated, mature second album. AOR fans this album is a 2024 must have!!!