Mecca – ‘Everlasting’

(Frontiers Records)

Mecca’s debut album released over two decades ago now was in my opinion a modern era AOR classic and I’m far from alone from thinking so highly of it. The subsequent albums never really recaptured the magic of what made the first so enjoyable and memorable. The main man behind Mecca is vocalist Joe Vana whose belief in the project has never faltered and even though he has only released three albums in twenty years, he stuck by it. Fourth album ‘Everlasting’ sees some new players and songwriters alongside some familiar names involved in its creation for me most notably Swedish Guitarist Sven Larsson. I think some of these people bring a freshness to the band as its amazing and it really harks back to the debut album in its style but has its own ambience so it feels like a step forward not backwards.

When debating with myself how ‘Everlasting’ stands up against its predecessors I wondered if nostalgia was shading my opinion as I was going to describe it as been the best thing since the debut and a return to form. Which it is, but I think that undersells the quality of this alum and given how much I love this album at the moment I’m going to stick my neck out and declare it as the best Mecca album and one I’m sure Vana is immensely proud of.

The album as a whole exudes a West Coast feel, but overall, it is pure smooth Eighties flavoured AOR as made popular by the likes of Toto, Survivor, Night Ranger and even Starship! Its jam packed with smooth indelible choruses that just light everything up, I found it a really warm and uplifting listening experience. The joyous feeling these songs emanate is why I deep dive into beautiful AOR like this, they haven’t reinvented the wheel but they sure put a smile on my face.

Sven Larsson’s involvement is all over these songs, you definitely hear his style and influence on the songs and I think he’s the main reason Mecca have come back with such a massive impact. He was definitely the right man for the job and has certainly brought out the best in Vana as vocalist and songwriter. ‘Everlasting’ is a must listen album for genre fans, a solid album where everyone will gravitate to their own personal favourites but there are no truly weak tracks.

10/10

Essential Track - 'The Rules Of The Heart'

Review by Woody