Michael Bormann – Different (2010) [AOR Heaven Records] , MP3+APE

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Multifaceted artist, MICHAEL BORMANN is a busy man. Best known as founding and long time member of Germany’s melodic hard rock band JADED HEART, the singer / songwriter still maintained involvement in countless projects (CHARADE, ZENO, BISS, THE RAIN) as musician, producer, engineer, songwriter… everything.

As requested, here’s “Different“, a solo album released by AOR Heaven Records. It isn’t an arbitrary title, as Bormann explores different classic rock ways, always melodic. Except a few contributions (Marco Grasshoff of Rage, Eric Ragno), Michael did everything on this recording, a true ‘solo’ album.
The opening track “Life Is A Miracle” starts off with a knockout punch that has a beat that will be burnt into your memory. This is one of those tracks that you can be anywhere in the world and you will hear that beat in the back of your mind and start to chant. A good starter.

“To The Top” has the essence of a classic Nineties rocker yet adds some classy piano and slicing guitar which makes this more than just a rock tune. “Think Twice” is a subtle ballad with acoustics and keyboards that makes a sentimental journey through your thoughts. A Jaded Heart-style song. Very Good.
“Somebody”, a simple song filled with acoustic guitars, has an American feel and good vibe.

I was expecting a rocker now, but “Mr Rock ‘N Roll” is a little and insipid short fiddle, followed by “My Favorite Time”, a cool melodic track, but lacks power and essence.
Fortunately Michael hits with some rock on “Breathless”. This one is in the style of his last project RAIN, with strong rhythm guitars and a nice solo, and the multilayered chorus works well.
“Don’t You Tell Me” sets down the pace again, but in a good form. Intimate ballad ala Bon Jovi with an ’80s feel.

“Wouldn’t Let You Down” is a midtempo with atmosphere, followed by “Who Really Wants To Get Older”, a in-your-face rocker with Bormann’s vocals taking total command. “No Way Out – It Hurts” is another up-tempo rocker, but with a clean mix, pretty commercial, in the vein of Jaded Heart’s earlier recordings.
“Was Mir Fehlt” closes the album, a soft piano-acoustic guitar-only ballad sung in German, it’s very nice and one of the best vocal performances here.

Mostly melodic soft tunes peppered with some fresh rockers, “Different” as the title indicates, it’s not the usual material that you expect from Michael Bormann. He has put together all the stuff he can’t do into other projects for sure, and for the most part, it’s very good stuff.
His voice is sweet and melodic here, a mix of Michael Voss of MADMAX with some vintage JON BON JOVI for a good measure. A cool album and a pleasant listening.
Highly Recommended

Tracklist:

01 – Life Is A Miracle.
02 – To The Top.
03 – Think Twice.
04 – Somebody.
05 – Mr. Rock’n’Roll.
06 – My Favorite Time.
07 – Breathless.
08 – Don’t You Tell Me.
09 – Wouldn’t Let You Down.
10 – Who Really Wants To Get Older.
11 – No Way Out – It Hurts.
12 – Was Mir Fehlt.

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