From their EPK, SKAGARACK released back in the second half of the 1980's three albums, and did really well in many countries. They toured and played many festivals and venues, and good airplay on radio followed. Fast forward to 2020, they got some gigs offered which went great and the fans loved it. It was just unbelievable how well those old songs still sit deep inside. When the group started rehearsing for the gigs, it didn't take long before it sounded pretty much exactly like it did back then. So this obviously got them inspired, and Torben Schmidt started writing new songs. The album has 12 songs.

"Give It" is first. It has an easy-listening, smooth, bluesy sound. As with a lot of AOR, most of the harmonies and melodies come in the chorus. "A Cool Damn Car" has a steadier Hard Rock sound from the main riff. You have heard these riffs before, but the band performs them honestly, and with confidence. The title track is a slower, blues based number, and the blues definitely plays a roll on the album. "Changing" is another slow groove, and it also has some pensive and introspective qualities, sort of like a "power ballad" if you will, but lacking that big punch.

"Cool to be Old School" is really indicative of some of the issues on the album. Through seven songs, some of the choruses are memorable, but the verses lack originality. The lead guitar work is pretty good, however. "Where Have You Been" is another mid-tempo offering. The pacing on the album is one of its biggest weaknesses. When they all have a similar pace, it can bog the album down. I have said this many times. "Ain't Got Nothing to Lose" is one of the weaker songs on the album. The riff is trite, and the vocal uninspired. I feel like the band is on the tip of something good here, but just can't reach it.

"So Right" has a heavier and somewhat darker sound to it. Again, the chorus is fairly well done with harmonies, but the verses could use some work. "Anymore" closes the album, and it's a downer. The main problem with some of these revival AOR acts is that many, many years have passed since they were in their prime. Some modern AOR bands have figured out a way to bring the genre back to life, but that is much easier said than done. Unfortunately, SKAGARACK did not bring anything new or original to the musical scene of today with "Heart and Soul."