Album Review — Giant

Giant — Shifting Time

Giant is back after a decade-long hiatus with their latest album “Shifting Time”. Two original members of the band, David Huff (drums) and Mike Brignardello (bass), have recruited guitarist John Roth (Winger, Starship) and vocalist Kent Hilli (Perfect Plan) for the new record.

The album starts with the title track which is a short instrumental that leads into the first single “Let Our Love Win”, an 80s sounding rock track that’s a nice start to the album.

“Never Die Young” continues in a similar style. Vocalist Hilli reminds me a bit of Kelly Hansen (Foreigner, Hurricane) and sounds right at home singing these 80s sounding tracks.

“Don’t Say A Word” keeps the album churning with another melodic rocker. The sound of the band reminds me of an updated Survivor, or to name a more recent band, Waiting 4 Monday.

“My Breath Away” is more mid-tempo but that same melodic sound is there. The band sticks to their wheelhouse as these first tracks don’t stray too far from each other. It’s a quality formula so no complaints here.

“Highway of Love” changes things up a little with a more bluesy opening but eventually finds its way to another melodic chorus.

“It’s Not Over” is the first ballad on the record. Bust out the lighters as this one sounds like a late 80s power ballad. Although not a new concept, the band does a quality job.

The final five tracks pretty much stick to the same formula. “Standing Tall” has a cool riff and a little more swing to it. “Anna Lee” is another power ballad. “Don’t Wanna Lose You” and “I Walk Alone” are quality tracks to wrap up the record.

“Shifting Time” doesn’t really bring much new to the table. But what it does offer is twelve quality tracks that are well preformed. Hilli seems right at home in this genre and he’s the star of the record. Roth is a fine player and has some good moments as well.

Any fan of the late 80s/early 90s melodic rock genre should dig this record. Having not heard much of their previous stuff I can’t say for sure how this album stacks up to the rest of their catalogue, but something tells me this record will fit right in.

Overall, I like the record. I’m not sure it’s something I’ll go back to a lot which keeps me from giving it a higher score.

85 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Shifting Time
2. Let Our Love Win
3. Never Die Young*
4. Don’t Say A Word*
5. My Breath Away*
6. Highway Of Love
7. It’s Not Over
8. The Price Of Love
9. Standing Tall*
10. Anna Lee
11. Don’t Wanna Lose You
12. I Walk Alone

*Best Songs