I wasn't waiting for such a sensational album, to be honest. Yes, the name of Terry Brock is close to being sacred in the AOR/melodic Rock genre, STRANGEWAYS is one of the most influential bands in the 80s in the British map, his recent works with GIANT on their "Promise Land" comeback album was fine...then what? Don't know, plus who cares? Nine years after his first solo album, the exceptional singer/guitarist, songwriter, lyricist returns with "Diamond Blue" and I really hope this new effort will not go as unnoticed as his 2001 debut.

The weird thing about Terry Brock is divided in two parts: a) his name is associated with big bands an artists, let's say KANSAS, STRANGEWAYS, GIANT, SEVENTH KEY, Michael Bolton and Mike Slamer but sadly has never been a hot name in the music business while b) his multi-dimensional charisma in vocals, guitars and songwriting did not push him that much to be a wanted name in some hyper-commercial band's roaster all these years (I can recall an "as close to Steve Perry as it can get" comment some years ago). I'm not sure if Terry himself would like such publicity, on the other hand, since finding detailed deeper info 'bout his profile and past works in the Web is quite a mission.

"Diamond Blue" - to cut a long story short - is the perfect companion for your summer time. It has everything the melodic Rock/FM Rock/AOR aficionado shall request for to have a good time. For everyone familiar with Terry Brock's portfolio let's just say that the talented artist portrays his whole personality in fifty minutes of warm music jumping from dynamic American Rock to fully sentimental West Coast music in ease, while his sensational voice has preserved this specific timbre you love to love. Dammit, I was pretty sure the voice at least would have gone a little nit pale...For those acknowledging themselves as fans of the specific style but not aware of Brock's deeds, let's just say "Diamond Blue" is similar to (or even tops) recent - or some older - works of JOURNEY, GIANT, SURVIVOR and DRIVE, SHE SAID.

Terry Brock's name again shines and songs like "Jessie's Gone", "Broken" and "Too Young" really are hit makers...just in the wrong era for the music business. Still, the 'key' point for "Diamond Blue"'s value proves to be the mood of the listener. The album's tight and well-structured in order to give you what you need. The hammer will fall on you.