Search - Nelson :: After The Rain

Nelson ROCKS!

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 11/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know it's easy to write off this band as a cheesy 90's relic or novelty act, but if you can look past the spandex outfits and all that hair, you would see that Nelson released some seriously catchy, high quality melodic rock. Nelson's powerful melodic sound was the logical follow up to the Journey/Foreigner/Loverboy arena rock sound of the 80's. People seem quick to trash that kind of music now, but all of those bands - Nelson included - sold tons of albums back in the day, and you know darn well that when you're caught singing along to the radio in your car, it's going to be one of those band's songs you're belting out!



Say what you will about their image, but the well-crafted, radio-friendly rock songs on Nelson's 1990 debut After the Rain are everything good pop/rock is supposed to be. There are tons of great vocal harmonies, guitar hooks for miles, and all of the energy of a musical scene that was at its highest peak. Sure the end was near, but you wouldn't know it listening to this album. The album's highlight is the title track (which is still one of my favorite songs), but there are plenty of great songs to choose from, including the single (Can't Live without Your) Love and Affection. Even the ballad Only Time Will Tell is a fantastic song.



My only complaint is that After the Rain still hasn't been reissued with digitally remastered sound. The 20th Century Masters: Best of Nelson disc featured higher quality versions of about half of the songs on After the Rain, but I'd love to hear the whole thing remastered.



Laugh if you must, but I am not the least bit ashamed to sing the praises of this album. After the Rain is a first rate melodic rock album, and is perhaps the best example of what the genre had to offer in the late 80's and early 90's.

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