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"With "Heaven Knows", Newman confirms his talent and strong identity within the melodic hard rock landscape by balancing energy and melodies."
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4/5
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After quickly releasing his first three albums between 1997 and 2000, Newman has lifted his foot, even if "Heaven Knows" is still his fifth opus in nine years of existence. While he was already taking care of vocals, guitar and keyboards, in addition to composing and producing, Steve Newman finally decided to take over the bass as well, now accompanied only by Rob McEwen on drums. In other words, this project deserves more and more to be named after its creator.
If there are few surprises on "Heaven Knows", it is nevertheless a new confirmation of its author's talent. The eponymous title and 'Higher' are a highly recommendable basis for all lovers of energetic melodies. The guitar is on fire, the keyboards have enough space to express themselves and the production is clear and balanced. The refrains are unstoppable and the tempo is high. These elements are regularly found on several nuggets with contagious dynamics such as 'Move On', 'The Circle' or the scrappy 'This Time'. 'Wait' is a little more surprising with its pop touches and a slightly syncopated riff on the verses. As for 'Sport Of Kings', composed with Anders Rydholm (Grand Illusion) who also plays the bass lines, it combines a cinematic atmosphere with an almost heavy power. It's a pity that a fade-out finale leaves a frustration that spoils the whole.
Sometimes, Newman offers some beautifully chiseled pieces that take more of the AOR path. The mid-tempo 'Ain't Gonna Cry Forever' is shimmering and classy, always with a catchy chorus, as is its twin 'Never Meant To Fall In Love'. The Way You Love Me' plunges a little more into a form of airy melancholy, while 'Learning To Live' and 'On Any Other Sunday' are the representatives of the must-see ballads. In a more powerful style, the first one relies on a bass line that gives its dynamic while The second closes the whole in an acoustic and soothing atmosphere, confirming the definitive absence of missteps.
Without revolutionizing his style, Newman nonetheless confirms his talent as well as his already strong identity. "Heaven Knows" is a new flawless album now with a level of quality and exigency that seems to distinguish its author within a melodic landscape cluttered with numerous formations that are sometimes difficult to distinguish one from the other. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
 01. Heaven Knows - 4:38
02. Higher - 4:17
03. Ain't Gonna Cry Forever - 5:29
04. Move On - 4:26
05. The Way You Love Me - 4:39
06. Learning To Live - 4:52
07. The Circle - 5:21
08. This Time - 4:02
09. Never Meant To Fall In Love - 4:56
10. Wait - 4:19
11. Sport Of Kings (feat. Anders Rydholm) - 4:28
12. On Any Other Sunday - 4:33
LINEUP:
Rob McEwen : Batterie
Steve Newman: Chant / Guitares / Basse / Claviers
Anders Rydholm: Basse / Invité
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