Honeymoon Suite was formed in 1981 by Johnnie Dee from Niagara Falls Ontario Canada. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1984 ,after winning a radio contest in 1983 after entering the demo “New Girl Now”   in a homegrown contest which was hosted by Toronto rock station Q107 which led to a multi album deal with WEA Canada signed by industry legend Bob Roper. Since that time they have released 7 studio albums with several line up changes in the 90’s , Honeymoon Suite have produced some classic hits such as “New Girl Now”,”Burning In Love”  selling over a million albums and sharing a stage with the likes of Journey,ZZ Top & Bryan Adams.This current line up has been together since the early 2000’s 4 original members plus Peter Nunn.2023 saw the release of studio album 8 “Alive” which was produced by Mike Krompass after 2020 renewed spark and a catalog of new songs.”Wake Me Up When The Sun Goes Down” sees Mike Krompass (Theory Of A Deadman,Steven Tyler) take production duties once more to give the band  that fresh modern edge melodic sound from the last album.

The opening track “I Fly” is a pretty decent opening slice of modern Canadian rock with some chugging guitar riffs and some 80’s touches in the melodies,however the chorus lacks that spark for me.But as the album plays tracks like “Way Of The World” which has a more energetic tempo with a deep bass line with  heavier guitar riffs is more rocking track.The feel good factor shines through in the infectious “Every Minute” with “Way Too Fast” a great power ballad which builds momentum with a powerful vocal from Johnnie Dee who still has a strong voice after over 40 years.”Stay This Time” is a slice of more modern melodic rock,which has some great guitar work,another strong track is “Crazy Life” with some catchy guitar riffs,strong hard hitting drums.”Live On” is another ballad which is a tear jerker builds power and energy as the track progresses.”Unpredictable” which is acoustic in parts is a southern rock number with some addictive & catchy rhythm.Closing the album with “Ever Leave You Lonely” which is a snappy effective number but it's just a mediocre track.

In reflection it’s great that bands of Honeymoon Suite’s pedigree are still around over 40 years later,and to their credit they do sound great both musically and vocally.There is some great tracks on “Wake Me Up When The Sun Goes Down”, but some are just standard tracks,plus there's nothing new here that we haven't heard before.But on the whole a good listen even though its a short one.