DeCarlo - Lightning Strikes Twice (Album Review Redux)

Tommy DeCarlo is the current lead singer of Boston. He was one of the greatest replacement singers in rock history. His vocal similarities with the late Brad Delp are remarkable. DeCarlo reinvigorated the Boston brand about 10 years ago and has toured with the band extensively and even recorded a new album with the group. Tommy ends up being more than just a a good sound-alike. He's studied the Boston way. He'd sung their songs backwards and sideways long before he got the gig. And his ability to let the music do the talking is something you'll hear from start to finish on DeCarlo's debut album Lightning Strikes Twice.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, Tommy and his son Tommy Jr, bring the wheel back! Tommy DeCarlo, Jr.'s guitar work is a masterful tribute to all of the fine players from the Boston tradition, including Tom Scholtz himself. And Tommy D has mastered the Boston keyboard sound and has composed some parts that replicate the past in a fresh way. Songwriting is not an easy task. There are only so many note combinations and unused phrases in the universe. Yet Tommy has managed to find 12 new and interesting combinations that will blow you away.

"A Better Day" opens the album with dueling crisp acoustic guitars as TD glides over a soundscape the builds with harmony vocals. The message in the song is simple and optimistic. The inspiration comes directly from the first two Boston albums. But even more so, there is a direct honesty in the lyrics. There aren't any political messages or difficult to grasp concepts. This is "Dancin' in the streets of Hyannis" on steroids. "You Are The Fire" showcases a potent mix of acoustic and electric guitars as Tommy's voice soars. In the old days, especially in the 1980's, you might refer to this as power pop. The guitar tone pays homage to Boston, and the guitar solo is sugary sweet. Not sure why radio here in the states would shun something that would light up their phone lines again, that is if they have a studio line.

"Give Love A Try" has a bass line that reminds me of Foreigner's Juke Box Hero, at least at the outset, but then moves toward more ethereal textures. Again Tommy Jr lays down a masterful solo that parodies David Gilmour a little bit. "Into The Storm" (instrumental) leads into the ginormous hook of "Lightning Strikes Twice". In the old format, you'd play these two tracks together for maximum FM radio joy. This is one of those hooks that is going to stay in your brain long after the song is over. "Still In Love" is a beautiful melodic power ballad that begins with just piano which then progresses into a band effort with electric and acoustic guitars and lush harmonies. "Rock N'Soul" takes a page out of the Foreigner handbook, but in a brand new way. Tommy Jr.'s crisp guitar work is juxtaposed with some terrific saxophone.

"There She Goes" is the should-be #1 rock radio single. A perfect melody, with all of the Boston essentials. If this was released in 1989 it would have done well on both rock and top 40 formats. And the guitar and keyboard solos are both phenomenal. "Stand Up (Play Ball)" sounds like a great Boston B-side, or something that was left off of "Don't Look Back". Tommy and crew have a formula and they stick to it with great discipline. "The One" is another exquisite power ballad that showcases Tommy DeCarlo's smooth vocals. Chicago the band called and said they want their 1984 melody back. "Gotta Go" sounds a bit like Hagar-era Van Halen mixed with Boston and Journey. More thoughtful and interesting keyboards and guitars from both Tommys. "I Think I Fell In Love With You" is another great hybrid song, with quiet and upbeat parts. And great voice blending toward the end of the song.

All of these songs possess radio potential. This would be a multi-platinum album if it were released in 1987. In 2020 it streams for free and radio is mostly silent because as I've said a thousand times on here, there is no support system for excellent music like this anymore. Tommy DeCarlo has harnessed the Boston legacy and moves it forward dramatically. And he did this without even a tiny acknowledgment from the music industry. It goes without saying that if you like Boston or Foreigner or even Journey, this album is for you. In fact, at this point it's the best melodic rock release of 2020.

Album Rating 10.0