Album Review — Jim Peterik & World Stage
Jim Peterik & World Stage — Winds of Change
Jim Peterik isn’t a household name but he is one of the most prolific songwriters in rock and roll. His hit songs include Sammy Hagar’s “Heavy Metal”, .38 Special’s “Hold on Loosely” and “Caught Up In You” as well as the bevy of Survivor tunes including “The Search Is Over” and “Eye of the Tiger”.
Peterik’s latest release is under the name “World Stage” where Peterik gets his rock and roll friends together and writes new songs. The latest venture, “Winds of Change”, features some heavy hitters and long time collaborators as well as new partnerships.
The lead single is “Proof of Heaven” featuring Dennis DeYoung, formerly of Styx. The song sounds like it’s pulled out of the late 70s Styx catalogue with its complex construction and dramatic chorus. The two are working on a new record and if this is a sneak peek into what’s to come, it’s something to get excited about.
My favorite track on the record is “Without A Bullet Being Fired” featuring Mike Reno of Loverboy. It sounds like classic Loverboy with Reno sounding like he’s still in his prime.
The title track features Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey of .38 Special. Peterik has a long history with the band and has co-written many of their biggest hits. “Winds of Change” is a product of the new .38 Special record that is currently being worked on.
We also get a previously unreleased track featuring the late Jimi Jamison. Jamison and Peterik will always be connected through the three amazing Survivor albums they did together. “Love You All Over The World” isn’t a great song, but it’s great and a bit bittersweet to hear Jamison’s voice.
One of the strengths of the album is that Peterik pulls out the best in each of these musicians. He understands what makes them great and writes songs that puts them in their sweet spot.
I don’t like every song but overall it’s a good mix of melodic rock. A few songs are very light rock and Peterik has always teetered on the edge of sappy and crosses over the line a few times.
The biggest issue I have with the record is Peterik sharing lead vocals on a few songs. He’s brought in 12 impressive vocalists but Peterik shares lead vocals more than a few times. He’s voice isn’t bad, but his songs are usually written for powerhouse vocalists and he is not that. I’d much rather hear a Barnes or Kevin Chalfant for a full song.
Overall, it’s an interesting record. I’m not a huge fan of what amounts to a compilation album. But there are some good songs here and if it leads to a new .38 Special record and a new Dennis DeYoung record, that’s a good thing. And after hearing the new song, I’d really like to see Peterik work with Loverboy.
If you are a fan of Peterik’s songs, there’s enough here to check it out.
85 out of 100
Track Listing
1. Winds Of Change (featuring Danny Chauncey and Don Barnes of .38 Special)
2. Without A Bullet Being Fired (featuring Mike Reno of Loverboy)
3. Proof Of Heaven (featuring Dennis DeYoung)
4. Sometimes You Just Want More (featuring Kevin Chalfant)
5. Home Fires (featuring Toby Hitchcock of Pride of Lions)
6. Just For You (featuring Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon)
7. The Hand I Was Dealt (featuring Danny Vaughn of Tyketto)
8. Where Eagles Dare (featuring Lars Safsund and Robert Sall of Work of Art)
9. I Will What I Want (featuring Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger)
10. You’re Always There (featuring Jason Scheff)
11. Avalanche (featuring Gunnar and Matt Nelson)
12. Love You All Over The World (featuring Jimi Jamison)
Best Songs *