Over the years the name Mecca, aside from being one of the sacred cities to Islam, became somewhat of term, meaning the center of something that is a part of our daily lives. Other than that, MECCA is also a name that was given to an AOR band from the USA. This band with that special name returned with a second album, by the name of "Undeniable", after nearly nine years since a promising self-titled debut.

If you have probably asked yourself what changed since 2002, which is a good question due to MECCA's ongoing musical direction that never ceased or changed, this album may answer that. Here you will find a nice AOR release sounding as if it was a shot right from the 80s alongside Synth modernly produced additions. Just as AOR has been showing for years, there have been always glances both towards Hard Rock and Pop.

MECCA's material is no other than the swarm of bands of the late 70s and throughout the 80s. I can give you AIR SUPPLY as an example for similarities and possible influences. Most of the songs were pretty much simple with a strong sense of catchiness. I can't say that "Undeniable" isn't copycat of an album; however I can't say that it was unique either.

Though I found this album not that as innovative as it was probably meant to be in first place, there is a great talent here that is undeniable. Since the rhythm section played its part like almost any other example of the kind, I focused more on the vocals and lead section.

The vocals, performed by the band's leading man, Joe Vana, were similar to some great AOR voices but it was a sheer pleasure on listening. The softness and the hefty emotional depth bound together are a form of art. Mark Alano, manning the lead guitar, played some classic Rock oriented solos also inspiring dreamy and dramatic states. With the good quality sound, those solos spiked something inside.

"Undeniable" is a part of a selection of AOR albums that has been going since the early 80s. "Did It For Love", "Undeniable" and "Deceptive Decadence" can become hall of famers one day with their excellence. MECCA's newest addition shows that there is no rest for AOR to the side of the other brutal stuff lying around these days.