Mecca - '20 Years'

(Frontiers Records)

Mecca, I believe have a new album in the works, although Joe Vana is not the most prolific of song writers (Three albums in twenty years) Mecca and his song writing are highly regarded amongst hardcore genre fans, so regardless I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to it!

’20 Years’ is basically all three Mecca albums reissued together in one collection, It’s definitely a value for money purchase for AOR fans. I remember getting the debut album way back when and been absolutely mesmerised by it and I played it constantly and did so regularly for years although I haven’t revisited it for a while. When the follow up came ‘Undeniable’ I wasn’t as struck and I think my high expectations dampened my thoughts on the album. ‘III’ I never really got into and felt it wasn’t a patch on the stellar debut. I’m curious if my thoughts will change when I revisit these albums.

Well, I still think the debut album is a bonafide modern AOR classic and every AOR fan in the world needs it in their collection. Pure AOR at its finest featuring the awesome vocals of Fergie Frederiksen and the album is back in heavy rotation with all the songs I used to sing late into the night in my youth still feeling fresh and ready to enjoy a new lease of life! I instantly feel in love with all my old favourites ‘Silence Of The Heart’, ‘Velocitized’, ‘Falling Down’, ‘Without Love’, ‘Can’t Stop Love’ and all the rest. Love this album, pure AOR joy!

‘Undeniable’ sees a slight change in sound, with Tommy Denander’s hand been noticeable in the mix which sees Mecca take on a slicker West Coast style. It’s not as bad as I remember, far better than my memory gives it credit so I think at the time my expectations casted shade upon it. That said its nowhere near as impressive and more importantly memorable as the debut with only ‘I Know’ leaving a lasting impression. AOR fans still need to hear it though!

‘III’ is certainly the weakest of all the Mecca albums and again I struggled to connect with the album. I do feel the production hampers the impact of the songs, a little bit muddy and definitely lacks the slickness of the previous album. Overall, I think it’s probably too laid back and timid to make a lasting impression.

10/10

Essential Track - 'Silence Of The Heart'

Review by Woody