My first introduction to Fair Warning came via HardRockHouse reviewer Dougie. Many years ago he played me Fair Warnings “Rainmaker” album and from that moment I was hooked. My wallet took a real bashing as the only way I could get their music was by purchasing expensive Japanese imports. Now thanks to Frontiers Records we can all hear the sounds of Fair Warning once more with the re-issue of their 1991 debut “Fair Warning” and the follow-up “Rainmaker”. 

The thing that strikes you about this album is sonically it hasn’t dated one little bit. It still sounds fresh thanks to great production by Rafe McKenna (Giant, Ten, Bad Company).

The opening track “Looking For Love” sets the tone for the rest of the album. If Fair Warning had been able to get the airplay in America on the level that Bon Jovi were used to then this could have been a smash hit. Shut your eyes and replace Tommy Heart’s vocals with Jon Bon Jovi’s and you’ll see what I mean.

Second track “When Love Fails” rocks along and has chorus where you can’t help but sing along and nod your head. Infectious stuff. Next up is “Call Of My Heart” a real classy power ballad with a soaring guitar solo. Nancy Wilson of Heart would have killed for a song like this. Tommy Heart hits notes on this track, which make this reviewers eyes water. He must have been wearing tight trousers the day he recorded this track!

“Crazy” is a feel good rocker, which should be first in the queue for the next Jeremy Clarkson driving rock compilation. You get a glorious key change and a Thin Lizzy style duet guitar solo. For me this track has the same vibe as Y & T’s “Summertime Girls”. “One Step Closer” is driven along by chunky slabs of guitar and features the now trademark soaring chorus. It also has super slide guitar solo which is a mini song in it’s own right.

“Hang On” is musically very much in the vein of Giant. Another mini epic guitar solo with some cool bass underneath. One could almost think Jack Bruce had joined the band. “Out On The Run” would have made a great James Bond movie theme. It rocks along nicely with great rhythm guitars. I bet this was a great song to record.

Up to this point the album has been a melodic rock masterpiece of up-tempo numbers, but this changes with the next track. “Long Gone” takes it’s foot off the gas with the album's second power ballad. This track sounds just massive and has some great Brian May style walls of guitar and yes another glorious melodic guitar solo and key change.

“Eyes Of Rock” is the albums up tempo party rocker. A real upbeat number. “Take A Look At The Future” is the least sing a long song but shows a side to the band which they would pursue on “Rainmaker”. The end of the song shows what a great arranger of harmonies the band had in Tommy Heart.

“Heat Of Emotion” shows the band tipping it’s hat to one of it’s first incarnations that was the band Zeno. This is melodic rock at it’s finest. Awesome guitar solo’s and magnificent arrangement. “Take Me Up” is the albums closer and another great power ballad with a guitar solo that will leave you breathless and smiling at it’s cunning harmonies and arrangement. 

It’s great to get re acquainted with this album. If you’ve never had the opportunity then do so now and better still you won’t have to pay the ridiculous Japanese prices.

Let us know your views on 'Fair Warning'

Track List

Longing For Love
When Love Fails
The Call Of The Heart
Crazy
One Step Closer
Hang On
Out On The Run
Long Gone
The Eyes Of Rock
Take A Look At The Future
The Heat Of Emotion
Take Me Up

Line Up

Tommy Heart - Vocals
Andy Malecek - Guitar
Helge Engelke- Guitar
Ule Winsome-Ritgen - Bass
C.C. Behrens - Drums