Upon first glance, there isn’t much that Journey, Chicago, and Rascal Flatts have in common. Sure, all 3 are fixtures of your middle aged wine sipping aunt’s go-to iHeartRadio operated adult contemporary station, but musically speaking, there’s little similarity…or so I thought. In today’s latest edition of “Unexpected Supergroups That Could Only Happen Through Frontiers Records” is Generation Radio: A collaboration between Journey drummer/singer Deen Castronovo, Chicago bassist/singer Jason Scheff, and Rascal Flatts frontman Jay DeMarcus. Joining them for this passion project are multi-instrumentalists Chris Rodriguez and Tom Yankton, both of whom have resumes too long to list.
Now if I remember correctly, this band first came together a few years ago to play one of those high roller charity house parties that us peasant folk could only dream of attending. Or I could be completely imagining this and/or confusing them for another classic rock supergroup of the past 5 years? Anyways, specifically how Generation Radio formed is irrelevant to the point being, which is that they’ve just released their self titled debut full length. Considering I’ve long been a fan of Castronovo’s work in Journey, Revolution Saints, and beyond (Wild Dogs anyone?!), this latest creative vehicle was a must-listen affair.
Stylistically speaking, Generation Radio straddles the line between melodic rockers, pop infused fare, and adult contemporary ballads. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, but it certainly doesn’t rock as hard as say Journey. Overall, it’s much more in line with Scheff’s era of Chicago: self-flagellating lyrics, grandiose vocal passages, symphonic David Foster production, and all (i.e. “I Hope You Find It”, “Don’t Go”, “Finally Got It Right”). As someone who prefers the jazzier flavorings of Chicago’s early work, these cuts are hit or miss for me at best, but that isn’t to say the rest of Generation Radio doesn’t drive it on home musically. In fact, many of these songs are deserving of programming on damn near any FM classic rock or adult contemporary station.
The album’s opening cut, “Why Are You Calling Me Now?”, boasts that silky, smooth, west coast AOR sound that I’m an absolute fiend for. The guitars are muscular, but not overbearing, the synths and atmosphere scream 80s, and the massive harmonies are the icing on the cake. “Angels” too boasts tinges of yore that are a force to be reckoned with. However, Generation Radio proves to be at their strongest when they’re rocking at their hardest. Take “Time to Let It Go” for example. This fast, heavy, and unbelievably powerful scorcher packs the intensity of classic 80s metal, showcasing each player’s individual musical abilities. Right alongside it in the headbanger department is “Smoking”: A hedonistic 80s hard rocker with big riffs, rowdy gang vocals, and an absurd chorus that’s bound to get the party started.
For what it’s worth, Generation Radio is much stronger than I expected. Those who prefer their AOR on the lighter side will be head over heels for this release. And those who prefer their AOR on the heavier side will be pleasantly surprised, if only momentarily, but also appreciate the nuances of this unit’s songwriting and musicianship. These dudes work together well, and DeMarcus’s brand of feelgood, “live it up” pop translates as well to rock as it does country. Who would’ve thought?!
7 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: AOR
For fans of: Journey, Chicago, Toto