Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

“Welcome To Our Big Rock Show” is a blistering 108 seconds worth of energetic rock’n’roll that opens the door to the new All Star album. After the success of their self title debut album, this newie has been long anticipated and what do you get? Well, there are still plenty of British influences but this feels more rockist than the quirky pop debut. ASU’s sense of humour is still firmly in place allowing an OTT screaming MC to introduce “Popular Americans” over fake crowd FX with the words “the greatest band in the world!” The addition of a horn section adds more muscle in places and this album is packed with top tunes, catchy choruses and plenty of opportunities to sing along and punch the air! “International Anthem” is typical ASU with driving drums, explosive guitar and suitably anthemic chorus complete with whoo hoos! Just perfect. Other highlights include “Worldwide Socialites Unite” with its satire of the superficiality of the social life which hides behind appearances to avoid dealing with the deeper questions. Hero worship is examined in “Superstate” with its nostalgic look back at the pop heroes of the past and Eskelin’s recognition that the worship of Jesus makes everything else insignificant! “Everything Will Be Alright” unashamedly spells out the security found in knowing God whilst the Britpopy “Thank You, Goodnight” sounds like the perfect set closer to their live rock show! All Star are slowly blossoming into one fine rock band and who knows, their songs could yet become global anthems. Buy this and prepare to sing along!

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