Kelly Keagy, the drummer and co-lead vocalist with Night Ranger was, despite the fact that Jack Blades wrote most of the material, responsible for their biggest hit, the seminal Sister Christian, a song which he performed as part of the all star Two Fires band at the Gods in 2000. That line up also included the one and only Jim Peterik, who long term readers of the site will know I’m a bit of a fan of. After that performance Keagy released his debut solo album, 'Time Passes', in 2001 which was a mixture of songs written specifically for that release as well as older material and unused Night Ranger. With 'Time Passes' Keagy released what is, arguably the best solo album by any Night Ranger member, and certainly one of the albums of 2001. SO six years one Keagy returns with his latest solo offering, 'I'm Alive'

Given the fact this new album was co-written, in it’s entity, with Jim Peterik and features the one and only Reb Beach on guitars as well as members of Pride of Lions, it would be safe to assume that I had very high hopes. But, in this instance, the sum of the parts do not quite add up to the level I was expecting. The album follows a similar pattern to 'Time Passes', opening with the up tempo rocker 'I’m Alive' and following  up a couple of songs later with the excellent 'Blink Of An Eye'. 'Life Worth Remembering' is a cool mid tempo number whereas 'Where Are We Now' sees a complete left turn, sounding somewhat akin to the Beach Boys 'Everything I Need in a Woman' is a nice, sentimental ballad with country overtones that could be a big hit in the States and closing number 'Half a World Away' is perhaps the best track on display and as such should not buried at the end of the album.

To be honest I’ve listened to this album one hell of a lot in the four weeks since it arrived and, if this had been recorded by anybody else, then perhaps it could have been vying for better marks as its a good, solid release, no argument. However with the pedigree of those involved in the writing, recording and production of 'I'm Alive', lets face it good isn’t really good enough is it? Given that Keagy's fist solo was stunning I was hoping this album would prove to be as equally as good, quite simply it isn’t. What is particularly annoying is the fact that Keagy had a load of unreleased material on his website, since moved to  myspace, that was the equal of anything on that first album, and none of it has made this release. Luckily both Peterik ad Keagy have a chance to redeem themselves later this year with new releases by both Pride of Lions and Night Ranger , let's hope they do then...

Let us know your views on 'I'm Alive'

Track List

I'm Alive
Stolen
Blink of an Eye
When Nobody's Looking
Back of Your Mind
Life Worth Remembering
Re-Imagine
World Before and After
Where Are We Now
Where the Road Ends
Everything I Need in a Woman
Call In Another Day
Half a World Away 

Line Up

Kelly Keagy - Vocals/Drums/Guitar
Jim Peterik - Guitar/Keyboards
Reb Beach - Guitars
Mike Aquino/Brian Bart/Bruce Gaitsch/Tommy Denander - Guitars
Kent Slucher  - Drums
Michael Lardie/Mike Behymer - Keyboards
George Hawkins - Bass