"Stray from the Flock"is MIKE TRAMP's eleventh solo release. This Danish singer and songwriter is best known for his time as the vocalist and rhythm guitarist in the popular band, WHITE LION. TRAMP's voice is as beautiful as it was in the early 90's and with seven releases in ten years, there is no disputing he is a fantastic songwriter. Hard Rock is as high as I can turn the dial in intensity. There are glimmers of heavier guitar riffs, but it feels a best suited for a soft rock demographic. If you love 80's rock ballads and lyric-friendly music without all the frills, this release should resonate with you.

"Stray from the Flock"did have me feeling nostalgic and it all begins with "No End to War". Lyrically alluring and a little dark, I do dig it. An acoustic guitar is a nice companion to the electric guitar and in true spirit of the rock ballad, a weeping guitar solo is included on this beautiful track."Homesick"is the next ballad with the addition of Morten Buchholz on keyboard. "No Closure"is a heart-broken track complete with lyrics to tug at your heart strings. "Messiah", has an angelic feel with Emily Garriockon backing vocals. She joins Mike Trampagain on the closing track, "Die with a Smile on Your Face". The mix of lyrics, vocals and keyboard on this track is very melodic and honest; Mike Trampuses his lyrics to teach us a great life lesson. The church bell escorting this release to its final moment added to the emotional impact of this track.

"You Ain't Free" and "Live It Out", both included a nice guitar solo and I really enjoyed the opening keyboards of "One Last Mission", another catchy rock song. "Best Days of My Life"and "Dead End Ride"are the heaviest songs of the bunch that will have you rocking harder than the rest.

I find the album cover very fitting of this latest release by MIKE TRAMP. This is where I wanted to be while listening to "Stray from the Flock". I don't know if it will blow anyone away, especially die-hard metal fans, but I think in the right forum, this release will be well perceived. MIKE TRAMPis a gifted lyricist and I am happy he is still creating music and sharing it with his fans.<