2002 debut album for melodic rock act inspired by Toto, Survivor & Foreigner. Ten tracks written by the band & Survivor singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist Jim Peterik who also produced.
2002 debut album for melodic rock act inspired by Toto, Survivor & Foreigner. Ten tracks written by the band & Survivor singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist Jim Peterik who also produced.
CD Reviews
Can't go along with the rest of you....
campboy83 | Virginia Beach, VA United States | 08/14/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
"As an 80's rock collector (melodic, hard, idiotic, and otherwise), I have to say I was disapponted upon receiving this cd. I gave it a few months before my review, but I can't say it's anything special. Any comparison to Kansas or especially House of Shakira is unwarranted. Quite simply, this cd is lacking in memorable riffs or choruses. Much of it sounds esentially the same, and there's not much variance in the vocals. My review leans towards 2 1/2 stars, but I can't do any better. I know most of you won't agree with me, but that's ok. That's why we all have different ears. This just didn't do it for me."
Outstanding new release!
vandelay5150 | Morley, Western Australia | 05/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Looking for a quality AOR fix? Wishing Fergie still sang with Toto? Wanting new Survivor music? Look no further!Mecca is the brainchild of newcomer and co-lead vocalist Joe Vana. He is supported in the songwriting process by AOR Legend Jim Peterik, formerly of Survivor and currently doing his World Stage thing. JP also produces the album with Ides of March bandmate Larry Millas.Joe then went searching for the best players around. Mike Aquino came on board to supply his brand of guitar playing. Fergie Frederiksen then was asked on board to sing the harder edged songs, whilst Joe handled the ballads. David Hungate, bass player from Toto, was next on board, followed by legendary session drummer Shannon Forrest, and keyboardist Jimmy Nichols.The track listing is as follows :
1. Velocitized
2. Without You
3. Can't Stop Love
4. Silence of the Heart
5. You Still Shock Me
6. Mecca
7. Wishing Well
8. Close That Gap
9. Blinded by Emotion
10. Falling DownThe best thing about this album - there is not a "filler" track in sight...time was taken to craft every song into a masterpiece. From the rocket fuel that is Velocitized (written by the Survivor writing team of Peterik and Sullivan), to the dual vocals on Can't Stop Love, this album is just outstanding.Think I'm raving, or biased? Well, check out some of the reviews online - melodicrock.com (the respected online music site) gave this album 100%....only 1 of 3 in it's long history!...What else can I say - if you are a fan of Survivor, Toto, Mr.Mister, or just a fan of quality music, you will not be disappointed by this release!"
Melodic rock at it's best, finally back on the lips again!!!
Klaus Jakobsen | Slattum, Akershus Norway | 05/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This incredible piece of work is the best album released for several years. Here you have it; Toto meets Mr. Mister meets Survivor, pluss some touch of a newer sound image. This is fantastic rock made for the love of the eighties, but for the ears of the present time. This cd is packed with lot's of great up-tempo tunes, but very symptomatic for this album, are the great power ballads, like "Silence of the heart", "Mecca", "Close that gap" and "Falling down". But the prime time of this album is the duet between Joe Vana and ex. Toto, LeRoux and Trillion vocalist Fergie Frederiksen ... . This duet is probably one of the best one recorded ever. Another fantastic highlight is the Toto-ish/LeRoux-ish song Wishing Well with Fergie on vocals, a tru masterpiece! All over this album contains no weak song, and it's a must for everyone to buy if you're into melodic rock that gets you in a happy mood! The album have also recieved fantastic reviews everywhere, and it takes melodic rock back on the lips of the music business again.This is THE album of the year 2002!Brgds
Klaus Jakobsen"
Classy AOR that was a one album wonder
andykay888 | Melbourne Australia | 07/05/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I found this CD in a discount bin and bought it on a whim - I mean if Jim Peterik has a hand in any cd then it must be a bargain at $5 (Australian). Well, I can tell you that I was extremely satisfied with my miniscule investment. Here we have a collaboration with some fine musicians, songwriters and singers. Fergie Fredriksen who took the lead vocals on the harder edged Toto album, Isolation shares lead vocals with Joe Vana who also has a fantastic voice. There are no weak songs on the album - as you would expect as Jim Peterik wrote them all. The only negative is that there are a couple of songs that sound exactly the same. It is a shame that to date they have only managed this one album as they really could have been a very special band."
Excellent Album!
Malak Marwan Hammad | Cairo, Egypt | 07/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a masterpiece. MECCA is a band that is reminding us of what real rock is. Great to listen to some pure and real rock and not the new stuff from all those commercial bands !"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1