Joey Summer declares he's a lover of the AOR music and his first release with English lyrics confirms it. Lately, there are numerous fresh releases having guest musicians, and at this point I find that such acts scare me at the end. Just because, even against my good will, the notion that blooms nowadays of having a "known name" as guest may give a boost in ones career grinds my gears. Fair enough, but I though for a change that it would be nice for someone to be absolutely sure of what he wants. I am sure there are lots of talented people in Brazil.

Anyway, the case of Joey Summer is the same. Probably bands there perceive Europe as European bands perceive USA. "Written On The Horizon", is an album with potential. "Rise Up" kicks in leaving no doubt of what this release is about. The first four songs are pure melodic AOR with high references to the German school of the genre. "Anymore" which follows and is written by Michael Bormann (JADED HEART, BONFIRE) establishes the fact that this album relies, in a way, on central Europe. There are tunes that revive memories of BAD COMPANY, DOKKEN and, for the most recent ones, FINAL FRONTIER. "It's Only Your Love" and "I'll Never Be Alone Again" are sweet ballads while "Rough Ride To Paradise" is flirting dangerously with the mainstream.

Joey Summer brings on sweet melodies, he should spend more time though improving the production, which could be clearer, and the vocal lines in some parts could be better attended. There are songs that are really good and some playing the part of the fill out track. Hard to tell, so I will tip the scale in favour of those songs that took me back in the 80s for a while. So...