It’s great to see Aldo Nova back, but this career reboot and the material onboard didn’t quite do it for me.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Aldo Nova
ALBUM: Aldo Nova 2.0
LABEL: Megaforce
YEAR: 2018
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Aldo Nova – all vocals, all instruments
TRACK LISTING: 01 Fantasy 2.0 * 02 Ball And Chain 2.0 * 03 Heart To Heart 2.0 * 04 It’s Too Late 2.0 * 05 Can’t Stop Lovin’ You 2.0 * 06 Foolin’ Yourself 2.0 * 07 I’m A Survivor
RATING: 60/100
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
The return of Aldo Nova has made the headlines of hard rock centric media outlets the past month or so. The new album is a rehash of his best stuff, plus there’s one new track tacked on at the end. Not seen in an official capacity since 1995’s ‘Novas Dream’, Aldo follows in the footsteps of Steve Perry and Clif Magness, both given some attention here at Glory Daze in the last few weeks celebrating their comeback.
The Songs
It’s great to see Aldo back, but this career reboot and the material onboard didn’t quite do it for me. All six rebooted songs are taken from the 1982 debut; one of the great AOR records of all time in my book. These new versions have been given a modern treatment which sound at odds with the classic rock pigeon-hole that they live in.
There are sound effects which are given liberty by the producer, but the vocals sorry to say aren’t there. The arrangements have been tipped on its head, and it was a very strange listening experience hearing these with a new perspective, having been brought up on the original; a soundtrack to the story of my AOR life.
I could understand if these tracks were being covered by someone other than Aldo, and their interpretations notwithstanding. In saying that, I enjoyed ‘Heart To Heart’, the ballad ‘I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You’; both are true examples of their origins. The track ‘I’m A Survivor’ is the odd-man out, being a newish track originally written for Lou Gramm says Aldo.
In Summary
We all appreciate the return of the Canadian classic rock legend. Some of you might enjoy this, others less so. The proof in the pudding will be when Aldo releases a set of brand new material. Until then, the jury is out.
Videos
Aldo Nova talks 2.0
