Lately I've been going down memory lane, listening to old albums I was hooked on when I was quite younger. Amongst this jewel rediscovery trip, one album in particular that made a huge impact is the second full length album from Canada's Haywire. Released in 1987, this album contains mostly soft music, I guess it's mild even by AOR standards. But what it lacks in metal factor it more than made up in great songs, hooks and overall catchiness.

The album starts with Dance Desire and immediately it's clear that the vocal melodies and catchiness of the songs is what this band is all about. Using a lot of keyboards, as it was often the case for AOR and Hard-Rock in the 80's, but I must admit that I remember more the keyboard melodies than the guitar riffs themselves. Not to say that riffs and small solos aren't there, they are, but they could be considered minimalistic. But you know what ? sometimes less is more, and that's the case here with Haywire's Don't Just Stand There. There is a feeling of 80's movie sound track to this album and every time I listen to it I'm transported to the memories of this time period. Sure a lot of album have that effect, but this is stronger here. Paul MacAusland vocals are just top notch, his voice really is the center of the sound and the reason the songs ring so balanced in my opinion. The song writing is also to be noted, as there isn't a single track that I don't like on this album, as a matter of fact, if it wasn't for the fact that I believe this band is quite unknown; I would probably have written a classic out of it, that's how strong I feel about this album. It's a collection of hits, Dance Desire, One Heart Affair, Black And Blue, Fire, Hard Reaction, Affection, Angel,.... they are all killer songs !

If like me you are, or were at some point a fan of AOR, Hard-Rock and liked bands like Bon Jovi, Magnum, Shout, Autograph and many others and don't know Haywire, I strongly suggest that you listen to this album ! It's one of those of hidden jewel that I'm so glad to have in my CD collection and a slab of pure nostalgia and awesomeness every time I revisit it. Killer album !

KS : All of them, but favorites mentioned in the review.