I’ve said before and I’ll say it again - I consider myself the websites resident AOR expert/geek and, IMHO 2007 was very poor year for AOR as my top ten testifies. Yes there was some great live shows, but as far as new albums go 2007 was the year AOR died. 

Even the main home of all things AOR Frontiers seemed to be abandoning the genre based on their January releases, however February's releases redresses the balance some what. The stunning new album from Steve Lukather and Khymera's under strength new effort and this, the debut Work Of Art album, all try to breath life into the genre. What initially attracted me to this album was the fact that vocalist Lars Safsund performed on two tracks from the excellent Lec Zorn Project release from last ear. With Work Of Art what he has delivered however is an album that is very much in mid 1980’s Toto vein crossed with the excellent Signal album. In fact the guitar work throughout and on the best effort here, Her Only Li, is extremely reminiscent of that CD. Other highlights include Cover Me which is like a slightly heavier Toto, and Maria which is just catchy as hell.

So why only 7/10? Well the 80’s period for the band, which included the likes of Seventh One, Isolation and Fahrenheit was an era in which the band were all too clinical and over produced and none of the albums really grabbed me then or now. The same could very easily be said for Artwork. Fine musicianship and production is no substitute for soul and passion and that is what is missing here at times. However I have friends (Yes I really do have one or two!!) who love those albums and think this Work Of Art album is a masterpiece to rank alongside. Therefore on the basis that if your a fan of mid 80’s Toto then I have no problem recommending this album, otherwise try before you buy is my advice. 

Let us know your views on Artwork

Track Listing

Why Do I?
Maria
Camelia
Her Only Lie
Too Late
Whenever U Sleep
Once In A Lifetime
Peace Of Mind
Lost Without Your Love
Like No Other
Cover Me
One Hour

Line Up

Lars Safsund - Vocals/Keyboards
Robert Sall - Guitars
Herman Furin - Drums
Andreas Olsson - Bass