After finishing the difficult review that was Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime II it is refreshing to pick up an album that has no pretensions to be anything other than a good rock record. In essence Blue Tear's 'The Innocent Ones' is pretty much a Gregg Fulkerson solo effort given that he is the only member left from the band that put out the much loved 1990 S/T debut and takes on the vocal/guitar/programming duties as well as writing the album.

If the aforementioned debut album was all about Blue Tears does Bon Jovi then, rather like the New Jersey superstars, Blue Tears have traveled further down the Springsteen highway in the intervening years, constructing a set of songs that prove to be blue collar rock anthems of the highest order. Indeed, as with any song that wants to deem itself an anthem, the big choruses are evident throughout but what makes this a truly good album is the grittiness and sense of realism that underlies the music and is especially evident in the stories behind the lyrical content.

Opener 'Drive' really sets the scene with the very Springsteen-esque guitar/keyboard opening and gruff vocal delivery of a lyric that seems all about coming of age and growing up in the USA - sound familiar? Actually having said that this album is all about Springsteen second song in, 'Let It Rain' is probably the least like the man than anything else on the album. It has a slightly downbeat, pessimistic feel about it, with just a touch of gospel influences in the chorus, thanks in the main to the female backing vocals. However the status quo is quickly resumed with 'Run For Your Life' replete with Bon Jovi patented 'Na Na Na Na Na's' and the quite excellent acoustic driven title track.  OK in places however the comparisons to Springsteen really get too close for comfort especially on penultimate song 'Money To Burn' with  a melody that seems somewhat familiar to say the least., not to say that the song isn't good - it is.

 The Innocent Ones is as much as anything a road movie, or a buddy movie on vinyl, well ok whatever CD's are made of, taking the listener on a journey through an American heartland viewed, arguably perhaps, through rose tinted glasses. This is a story of hope,  of innocence, of dreams, of loss and mostly importantly of life, which most listeners will be able to relate to in one sense or another. I defy anyone who listens to this album not to enjoy it!

Let us know your views on 'The Innocent Ones'

Track List

Drive
Let It Rain
Run For Your Life
Innocent Ones
Save Yourself
Fast Times
In Your Dreams
All The Way Home
She Wants To Be a star
Gloryland
Break My Heart
Silent Scream
Money To Burn
Unrequited Love

Line  Up

Gregg Fulkerson - Vocals/Guitars
Bryan Wolski - Bass
Robert Streets - Drums