One of Rock's Legendary Voices.
REVIEWS
EPICAL
Rob Moratti: Epical - Rockline.si
Rob Moratti, Canada's top vocalist, known for his work with Canadian art rock icons Saga and AOR sensation Final Frontier, returns with his fifth solo studio album "Epical". Anyone who follows this vocalist knows that they will get the best that the genre field of melodic rock or AOR revitalism can offer in the new millennium. Especially the latter. Rob Moratti has always, with the exception of his brief career stop with the cult Saga, tended towards the confessional starting points of the AOR/west-coast genre. Back in the nineties with his band Moratti. And more. The format of his compositions often adds more substance, which likes to enter into deviations from the predictable recipe of AOR composing, which is why his albums also have an art rock character, which gives the artist a highly desirable note of hip confessional recognition. Rob Moratti is an extraordinary vocalist. This aspect alone makes it worth following his musical career. His vocals maintain an astonishing power even in extremely high pitches. Moratti is considered a vocalist in the field of modern melodic rock and the craft of AOR revitalism, a vocalist who achieves one of the widest vocal ranges, especially for reaching the highest positions with which he simply stuns. Because the vocals are clean throughout, the musical output of all compositions is that much greater. Add to this the escalation of atmospheric bombast through the pre-chorus into the chorus, where the main vocal is joined by an ever-widening range of vocal harmonizing, and the result is an extraordinary musical rapacity of the product. Musicality is literally invasive. This time too. So on the fifth album. Moratti is a perfectionist. He again gathered excellent musicians by his side. Reb Beach didn't have time (he was busy with Black Swan and the new Winger album, there was also a partially aborted Whitesnake tour), so Moratti was helped by Beach's Whitesnake comrade Joel Hoekstra (ex-Night Ranger, Trans-Siberian Orchestra ). So guitar perfection is also guaranteed on the album "Epical". The solos are definitely poetry of their kind and a chapter of their own on this album. The production is warm and the spectrum of the sound image is fully utilized. The bass line was once again contributed by the outstanding Tony Franklin (ex- Blue Murder, The Firm). One more time. "Epical" carries an extraordinary (heart)beat rhythm. Fans of AOR music simply must add this album to their discography. Without thinking. The compositions carry the pompous charm of the typical drama theater that adorns AOR products. Moratti grew up with the sounds of Journey, that's undeniable. Last but not least, in 2015 he released a compilation of Journey covers, “Tribute To Journey”. This is by no means a matter of copying. For vibration (Hold On, Masquerade). This one takes you deep into the eighties. Moratti has his signature vocal sheen. You get to know him in Hippo. When looking for a comparison, who could be close to him, there is a reasonable parallel with the late Tony Mills and especially the charisma of Shy's albums "Unfinished Business" (2002) and "Sunset And Wine" (2005). Here is a team of musicians with an elaborate character. In addition to the aforementioned stars (Hoekstra, Franklin), three more experienced Swedish musicians are participating. Pete Borg plays drums. The main one is Pete Alpenborg (ex-Arctic Rain), who is considered an excellent composer. Check out his track record of engagements on a series of albums by major names in the genre field of melodic rock and AOR revitalism. At the keyboards, his stamp of composition is definitely noticeable. There is also Fredrik Bergh (Bloodbound, Street Talk), another extremely experienced and talented musician who also contributed keyboards to the album. With such a team and such vocals, it is clear that "Epical" also carries a unique musical record and image. Not only does it retain the exceptional quality of Moratti's previous achievements, it also displays inspiration and is a new document of creative inexhaustibility. The tracks steal attention from each other. Other others. It's hard to single out favorites. But these are especially compositions where the chorus format is led into a bombastic drama crescendo. In fact, this is a common observation in AOR, which means that this also applies to every track of the album "Epical", but the more convincing ones are those where this bombast grabs you on the first listen especially intensely. This includes the opening Can I Hold You For A While and the closing Strangers. They are easily joined (in order): Masquerade, Nothing Left To Say and the whirlwind positive Valerie, who is joined in this kind of charisma by For The Rest Of My Life and the second single from the album Love. There are particularly dramatic Hold On and Crash And Burn choruses (both with similar charisma to Masquerade). And almost the whole album is listed, which means that I haven't said anything (or everything). So? With "Epical", Rob Moratti remains a musician who delivers the best albums based on the cues of the AOR music of the eighties in the new times. With extraordinary compositional talents, unparalleled vocal qualities and an excellent team of musical stars who accompany him in the studio, "Epical" maintains the extraordinary creative power and momentum that was enthusiastically embodied 12 years ago by the excellent album "Victory
Publisher: Frontiers Music Srl. Release date: 9/12/2022
Production: Rob Moratti Album length: 45.10 min Genre: Melodic Rock / AOR Revival
Author: Aleš Podbrežnik - Rating 9/10
-ROB MORATTI - EPICAL - 2022
Moratti is a solo artist, the lead vocalist of Moratti and Final Frontier, and the former singer of Saga. Moratti, a genuine and true original, has an astonishing range and has carved a unique style for himself, blending the finest elements of melodic and progressive rock. This will be Rob's fifth solo album and his first release with Frontiers. Filled with his trademark harmonies and memorable choruses, the songs on "Epical'' are some of the best of Rob's career. The album also features a stellar cast of contributing writers and performers, including Joel Hoekstra on lead guitar, Tony Franklin on bass, Felix Borg on drums (and co-writing), Fredrik Bergh on keys (and co-writing), Ulrick Lönnqvist, Steve Augeri, and Pete Alpenborg (who also contributes rhythm guitar and keyboard). Needless to say this is quite a line up for this excellent album! Moratti started his professional singing career in the early 90's as lead vocalist and songwriter of the band Moratti. Over the course of his solo career, Rob has also worked with many incredible musicians like Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, TSO, ex-Night Ranger) Reb Beach (Whitesnake. Winger), Tony Franklin (ex- Blue Murder, The Firm), Brian Doerner (Saga), Ian Crichton (Saga), and Steve Augeri (ex-Journey). I choose tracks: Can I Hold You For A While (great radio hit..!), Masquerade, Valerie, Hold On (also another one great radio hit…!!!), For The Rest Of My Life, Stay The Night, Love, Crash And Burn & Strangers. Great release! Enjoy Rob’s excellent voice and also the endless melodies!!! 
Total rating: 9.25
Reviewed by: Aina Enix
- REVIEWS
Musipedia Of Metal: Reviews: Scream Maker, Rob Moratti, Highlord, Heron (Reviews By Matt Bladen)
Rob Moratti - Epical (Frontiers Music Srl)
It's mad that Epical, the fifth solo album by singer Rob Moratti, is his debut on Frontiers. I'd have thought they'd have snapped him up years ago but no the Final Frontier/Moratti/ex-Saga vocalist hasn't been on their books all these years. Consider the universe balanced as now Moratti has the melodic powerhouse of Frontiers behind him he can remind everyone what a hell of a vocalist he really is.
I love Moratti's voice I liked it when he was in Saga, though I remain a Michael Sadler man, but here he really goes for it, the keyboard heavy rocking of Masquerade tapping into both the AOR and prog styles from Moratti's past. AOR especially present on Nothing Left To Say. His vocal harmonies and choruses ring out on the album, making you want to attempt to sing along, but if course miss those stratospheric high notes. Drummer Felix Borg and keyboardist Fredrik Bergh co write these songs, flexing their creative muscle over these excellent melodic cuts. Joining them in the band are Joel Hoekstra (guitars), Pete Alpenborg (guitars/keys) and Tony Franklin on bass.
There's a couple of guests here too but it's about Moratti, tracks like Valerie better than anything on the most recent Journey record, Hold On too has that Schon/Cain/Perry drive to it. Epical is such a treat for melodic rock fans, great musicianship and brilliantly soulful vocals that soar, it's got pretty much everything you want. A collaboration made in paradise. 9/10
https://www.musicwaves.org/frmReview.aspx?ID=20770
Rob Moratti, Canadian singer of the hard FM band Final Frontier, offers us his sixth solo album at the end of this year. A one-time replacement for Michael Sadler in Saga on "The Human Condition" in 2009, the man with the particularly recognizable voice with its high-pitched and slightly nasal timbre is an AOR fan. These works, close to what the British of Shy proposed in their glory days, have often been adored by the amateurs of easy listening hard rock. Will "Epical" manage to seduce them as much as "Paragon", its predecessor which was one of the best release of the genre in 2020?
As far as the personnel is concerned, it is worth noting that Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake and ex-Night Ranger), coming from Revolution Saints, has moved from a guest role to that of a regular guitarist, and that Pete Alpenborg becomes his six-string partner. The latter knows the house well since he participated in the writing of Moratti's previous opus. "Epical" will not be an exception in the discography of the Canadian frontman, the US hard FM with a westcoast tendency is still relevant.
If no originality can be praised on this opus, it can however be put forward the melodious quality of the eleven titles proposed. This one is close to what Journey offers and could easily lead some of them to haunt the US radio waves. Hoekstra works like a devil and is an undeniable additional asset in the game of the Canadians. Some will probably argue that the lines here are too soft to seduce the listener. However, what will put off some will satisfy the others, those who are thrilled by the pacifying and cheerful AOR and who worship the easy listening God.
If the first few bars of this "Epical" make you happy, the rest should please you. 'Can I Hold You For A While' is the perfect example of what follows. Schematic structure, not to say simplistic, atmosphere radiating good waves, hyper-melodic and guitars chiseled like ice crystals. The rest is the same, with notably a 'Nothing Else To Say' which starts on an almost naïve note but offers a much more intoxicating chorus and a 'Crash And Burn' with its choruses full of emphasis.
So it is with this new offering from Rob Moratti, an opus not to be put between all ears at the risk of making the die-hards laugh. Unless they are going to give Joel Hoekstra a chance to become one of the most prominent guitarists of the moment, they should leave this "Epical" to the AOR fans. 4/5
Review of ROB MORATTI's album "Epical" (2022) (rockandblog.net)
"Epical" is the title of Rob Moratti's new work that perfectly defines what we are going to find on this album.
Canadian vocalist Rob Moratti crowns the year that concludes with the fifth album of his solo career, this time released by the Italian label Frontiers. Gone are his time in Final Frontier, his facet as a singer in the mythical progressive band Saga or his incursion with Rage of Angels.
The album that concerns us "Epical" has the participation of some renowned musicians of the rock scene, as is the case of the great talent of the guitar, Joel Hoekstra, currently in Whitesnake, or Tony Franklin on bass, which is part of the usual line up of Moratti's albums.
In the compositional field it has Felix Borg on drums and co-author, Fredrik Bergh on keyboards and co-author, Ulrick Lönnqvist, Steve Augeri and Pete Alpenborg (who also makes rhythms and keyboard). The production, mixing and mastering is in charge of Moratti himself.
Rob Moratti has that vocal spirit of the 80s, and maintains in his solo works that high timbre and that powerful voice that characterizes him, he is also in charge of the vocal harmonies, giving that unmistakable flavor to the songs.
Epical is composed of eleven themes aligned in tessituras couples, mid-tempos and ballads, in the same soft and mellow line that characterizes Moratti's work.
Quality compositions that are like a silk scarf covered with aromatic essences, the compositions are small mother-of-pearl pieces, at the height of any significant album of the genre and is that Ulrick Lönnqvist and Pete Alpenborg are proving to be two fundamental pillars in the creative department of the house.
Without neglecting the instrumental work, Moratti has always surrounded himself with true aces of the six strings, previously they were Torben Enevoldsen or Reb Beach. On this occasion Hoekstra does his job impeccably developing high-voltage melodic lines, with that technique and savoire faire that characterize him.
The official introduction to the album is made with Can I Hold You For A While a tribal percussion enters us a jovial cut that, although it deals with heartbreak, does not cause any uneasiness to the listener, if not the opposite.
Masquerade with really impressive melodies a theme with a lot of strength in the rhythms, and the guitar solo will precipitate you to ecstasy.
Nothing Left To Say a rather sweet ballad that passes between tiptoes without great noise, but when it reaches the bridge of the theme its existence makes sense.
The adorable Valerie walks among the neurons that connect your ears with the self-confidence of those who know the path that leads to you.
Hitting your skin comes Hold On, hold on strong that a subject man arrives, he has everything, devastating melodies, changes of tonality that raise the intensity until you are deposited between clouds, a joy.
For The Rest Of My Life the bass sounds very fat, in general the percussion here has a lot of presence and Moratti changes his tessitura and the voice is somewhat more serious.
Pulsating Stay The Night is presented as another theme of bearing and height, with the rhythmic pinching you makes you squirm with pleasure.
Love is one of the best tracks on the album, exudes elegance and good taste, a half-time that has all the wickers for an AOR hit, the guitar solo is quite worked is of great beauty.
We open the door to Crash And Burn where Hoekstra displays all his virtues and Moratti cooes with his voices.
Another dazzling chorus is You Keep Me Waiting that makes your eyes shine with excitement.
Strangers tightens the reins again, shining which gold medallion puts the finishing touch to this work.
In short, Epical looks like someone who proudly carries a basket of daisies hanging from his arm, and now all that remains is to caress the flowers.
When the good compositions are aligned, impressive melodies and a powerful voice is Epical.
Review by Alicia Albertos 4/5
ROB MORATTI - Epical | Review at Stormbringer
For all Melodic fans who have already created their best-of compilation for the year 2022, a release can still mess up the list, because none other than the Canadian superstar Rob Moratti strikes again. The man with the extraordinary musical talent does not really need to be introduced for long, as he has been involved in the top league for a long time. After stops at FINAL FRONTIER, MORATTI or SAGA, as well as numerous guest appearances (PHENOMENA, ACACIA AVENUE, RAGE OF ANGELS etc.), the fifth solo work "Epical" is now released.
Once again, Rob has gathered a top-class team around him who implement his ideas perfectly. Back as congenial co-writer rhythm guitarist and keyboarder Fredrik Bergh as well as Tony Franklin (bass) and guitarist Pete Alpenborg, new Joel Hoekstra on lead guitar and drummer Felix Borg (and co-writing). As expected with the main protagonists, it is flawless adult oriented rock in the classic style of the eighties. Rob seems to have a huge pool of catchy melodies, great choruses and groovy rhythms at his disposal. Again, above-average songs pop around your ears, which are bursting with richness of detail and never copy each other. Eleven brilliant songs that convince from start to finish and immediately settle in the ear canals. Perfectly produced (by the master himself) and implemented by the excellent musicians. His high, falsetto-like, melodious and ecstatic vocals have a high recognition value and never sound intrusive or superficial. For the highest musical enjoyment is taken care of again, good, melodic rock music does not die out, as long as there are musicians of this caliber!
All friends of melodic, mature rock music will have their joy, "Epical" is one of the very best outputs of the year.
Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Author: Wolfgang Kelz (08.12.2022)
Integral Metal - Chronicle / ROB MORATTI - Epical (metal-integral.com)
The delights of the end of the year 2022...
In the career of Canadian singer, songwriter, producer Rob MORATTI, 2022 is the year of his first signing with the Italian label Frontiers Records and the release of his 5th solo album. If you want to know more about the career of the artist, much appreciated, and for good reason, on metal-integral.com, do not hesitate to read or reread the 5 other chronicles on the site, including one on his album of "covers" of JOURNEY in 2015. That's it, I cited as a reference this legendary AOR band to bring you on the musical lands of this new album. Fans of the artist will find the universe they know and appreciate and new and future lovers of the Rob MORATTI style now know their landing places. Rob MORATTI always sings divinely and always knows how to surround himself. We find for this Epical, Joel HOEKSTRA (WHITESNAKE, TSO, ex-NIGHT RANGER etc.) as lead guitarist and his work is perfect, as always, Tony FRANKLIN (ex- BLUE MURDER, THE FIRM etc.) on bass, Felix BORG (TASTE etc.) on drums and co-writing, Fredrik BERGH (PHENOMENA, Sven LARSSON, SEVEN, NIVA , BLOODBOUND, BONFIRE etc.) keyboards and co-writer, Ulrick LÖNNQVIST (CODE RED, CREYE, ALTZI etc.) co-writer, Steve AUGERI (JOURNEY etc.) and Pete ALPENBORG (GIANT, SKILLS, KENT HILLI, JAMES CHRISTIAN, GROUNDBEAKER, ZADRA, POISON ROSE etc.) (who also played rhythm guitar and keyboards). Rob composed, sang, laid down some backing vocals, mixed, produced and mastered the entire Epical. And it's rather successful with a round bass and a good balance of instruments and voice.
On the composition side, the artist gives himself to choirs joy on titles of pure Aor and everything is frankly well tied. Too many will say the detractors of this kind of candy that Frontiers Records and your columnist love. But when you are fans of Aor, this kind of album is tasted as it should be, with greed. And Rob's voice is still as delectable, magical as ever. 4 tracks, with a chorus that touches me more stand out a little, in this case Valerie (whom I kiss), Hold On which follows (a mix of JOURNEY and FRONTLINE), For The Rest Of My Life and the magnificent Strangers of end. However, mid-tempo You keep Me Waiting included, the whole album remains on high bases and I find myself whistling the choruses one after the other. An album well composed, interpreted, mixed, produced that comes to register in the list of the little wonders of the year. Ending the year by listening to this album is a guarantee of mental and physical well-being, and these days, feeling warmed from the inside and deep is an immeasurable luxury. Thank you all!
18.5/20
Rob Moratti – Epical - Undercover Rock and Metal (hb55.eu)
Rob Moratti certainly doesn't need to be introduced to a melodic rock/AOR fan. The Canadian comes from Toronto and started his career in the early 90s under the Moratti banner. Later he gained further fame through 4 great albums, as frontman of Final Frontier, among others, with mega hits like "Dynamo". He also held the microphone for the progressive rock legends Saga, who come from his hometown, for a while. "Epical" is now the 5th album of his solo career, as Rob Moratti. The first, however, to be released via Frontiers Records. His long career has given the Canadian many good contacts, a few more have now been added through his new label. The singer, songwriter and producer has gathered a large number of well-known musicians and co-songwriters around him for his current work. Felix Borg sits on drums, Tony Franklin plays the woofer. The work on the guitars is shared by Joel Hoekstra and Pete Alpenborg, who also recorded most of the keys. As usual, Rob Moratti left nothing to chance and added another big highlight to his CV with a very strong group of individual top musicians. He also managed the complete production and thus got the best sound out of the 11 hits. In particular, the work with 2 guitars, is already a guarantee that the sound appears very powerful. As usual, Rob Moratti has attached great importance to creating fine melodies that are easy on the ear and writing choruses that have a lasting recognition value. With the keys, a very beautiful, often melody-leading sound carpet is always created, which ensures a good volume and versatile moods.
That's exactly what makes the prelude so strong, which with "Can I Hold You For A While", has an absolute top hit ready. Very lively and powerful, with a powerful performance of Rob Moratti. Keys and guitars are in perfect harmony. Pete Alpenborg and Joel Hoekstra provide a lot of energy, with brilliant playing on their instruments. "Masquerade" seems a bit more restrained at first, but basically also drives forward properly and then really rises with the chorus. "Nothing Left To Say" is rhythmic, sometimes a bit heavy. Rob Moratti is emotionally and vocally very intense. The greatness of this song is revealed in the wonderful, sublime chorus, which is hard to get out of your ear. The best melodic rock hits are often those that have a name in the title. So it is in this case with "Valerie", a very typical Moratti composition, which also makes me think of his band Final Frontier from time to time. Joel Hoekstra with brilliant lead guitar, plus there are great arrangements and fat keys. The number is basically more at home in the medium tempo, but takes on the way to the chorus, a lot of energy and also some speed. Undoubtedly, a song to play live in big arenas. "Hold On" increases the speed again. The rhythm department around Felix Borg and Tony Franklin can let off steam here. An AOR anthem of the highest quality, with wonderful keys, by and with Pete Alpenborg. One of the most multifaceted and atmospheric pieces on "Epical" is certainly the following "For The Rest Of My Life". Strong riffs and great lead guitar melody. Rob Moratti with outstanding, vocal presence, which also gives the song a lot of depth. The chorus is opulent, carried by the very strong keyboard playing of guest musician Fredrik Bergh (including Bloodbound), who also did a little co-songwriting for the album. "Stay The Night" comes across with a nice groove. Stylistically, I'm a bit in the early 80s. The interplay between guitar and keyboard is once again, very strong. The song gradually increases and becomes more and more intense in the process. A real melodic rock super hit, is the following piece "Love". Brilliant melody, great tension and another, absolutely brilliant chorus that makes the song the stadium anthem. Joel Hoekstra shines as a string wizard in top form, with two strong solos, one of them towards the end. "Crash And Burn" is a real energy supplier. Is it even permissible to put it that way in this day and age? Well, whatever. In any case, with so much power, you get a bit warm. The rich backing vocals can certainly be seen as one of the highlights here, as well as the again outstanding guitar performance by Joel Hoekstra and Pete Alpenborg. The overall look of the song is a bit darker, another facet of versatility. "You Keep Me Waiting" is the ballad of the album. We start gently, Rob Moratti with a very soulful voice, almost a bit melancholic. The chorus then comes across again powerful and opulent and, who is surprised, goes super in the ear! "Strangers" is then unfortunately already the lThis is the first time that we have had a debate on this subject A witty kick-out for a varied and very high-class album. A final track like "Strangers" is just right. Absolutely thrilling and catchy. Certainly one of the top highlights on "Epical", which once again puts all participating musicians individually in the spotlight. By the way, the keys are played here by drummer Felix Borg, who proves that he also feels very comfortable on the keys.
Rob Moratti also shows on his new album "Epical" that he is still one of the greatest melodic rock singers and composers of our planet. The current masterpiece is certainly one of the strongest genre releases of the year. I can only take my hat off and congratulate Rob Moratti and his colleagues. Don't forget, Release Dayis09.12.2022!
On 09.12.2022 the new album of the Canadian singer Rob Moratti will be released. "Epical" is another big highlight in the career of the rock musician. You can listen to three quarters of an hour of melodic rock at its best! 9/10
ROB MORATTI «Epical» 2022 (Frontiers Music) Review – English Below – viriAOR (wordpress.com)
Just off the plane, a little dazed and with my usual and annoying ringing in my ears, I enable the mobile and receive a promo from Viri to write review. I am curious (as always), I accept and I prepare to listen to the fifth album of the Canadian singer ROB MORATTI (Moratti / Final Frontier / Saga) ... Literally, I flew back through the heights! A dream of Melodic Rock created by a compositional team of categoría. All the construction phases of this disc are still a first class ticket to fly through the established coordinates of the great universal HARD AOR... And of course, I don't want to miss that trip! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SOURCE:FRONTIERS MUSIC
"Welcome to MORATTI Airlines; The crew composed of Joel "wonders" Hoekstra on rhythm guitars and soloists, Pete Alpenborg on rhythms and keyboards, Tony "The God of Fretless Bass" Franklin, Felix Borg on drums, and the outstanding assistance and contribution of Fredrik Bergh (keyboards), Steve Augeri and Ulrick Lönnqvist speaks to them. . The flight will last 45 minutes and during the journey we will listen and see 11 resplendent songs. We will cross from one end to the other a fertile and attractive musical territory such as MELODIC ROCK. Get comfortable, relax and enjoy this pleasant trip where we will also sail the HARD ROCK. The horizon can almost be touched and we will touch the sky, the sky will become MUSIC and the VOICE of the pilot, commander and singer ROB MORATTI will provide an unparalleled feeling. It will make everything you feel and see within your reach. The itinerary is a surprise... but we anticipate that it will be a "EPICAL" journey through the sky of ROCK AOR, the route consists of defined origin and destination, it will be very moved, but it will be free of turbulence nothing pleasant or desirable in this type of flights. Everything OK... Boarding completed, press Play, and please... It is not necessary to fasten belts, focus your total concentration and attention on the musical landscape. Set up and update your minds, senses and emotions in airplane mode. Thank you."
-With many nerves before the novelty, the ship and the disc start. We take propulsion with "Can I hold you for a while", in the softer parts a Steve Perry is made and prints a severe push of his own harvest marking the times with his stratospheric voice. Take off and soar vigorously like the legendary commander Goran Edman between winds of Strangeways, Work of Art or Lionville. We squeeze to the backrest, reach height and the beautiful tip ... Everything down there becomes small and diminishing. The "TOTO ROCK" sound gets big and huge in the AOR booth. "Masquerade" rotates to face the trajectory of total AOR, with melodies that imprison your senses. At thousands of meters high my head flies and his voice sounds without vibrations or annoying noises. The instrumentation flies at the same level. His Hard/Pomp/Aor imprint is sophisticated à la Biloxi or Prophet of a young Arcara.
In "Nothing left to say" flies over TOTO Frederiksen wave, talent comes out of his thin throat like Peter Cetera with Chicago and... and... and again I hear my dear Brad Delp (RIP) singing BOSTON voices. Complete and square. An exquisite bar service finding stability, everything calm... Epic mix of Hard Aor / West Coast with that sharp voice, like a fine brush that draws splendid vocal lines capturing beauty and musical quality. "Valerie" is a separate track, a fluffy pomposity machine of white AOR clouds., ArcAngel and Jeff Cannata, Jon Anderson and Yes 80's, Kansas looking for commerciality, Styx excessive and with connotations of the unfinished Crossfade and StreetTalk of Goran Edman. I let myself be carried away by the chorus and that name sounds like a chorus, Valerie!!!!. Deluxe Song. "Hold on" is Super AOR Music!!! Not out of tune nor, even if they push him! When he attacks the stanzas with that volume and with that passionate and natural stridency, his senses bristle. It is imposing and captivating its wide range of records and its larynx maintains the great speed crossing an almost inhuman range. Acrobatic and harmonious, without false breaks his voice is magnificent and the musicians shine with the sun on their backs. I do not intend to lower windows before this dazzling musical vision!!!
"For the rest of my life" is my weakness... and that historic, breathed tone under patent "Steve Perry" again escapes and disarms you. I wonder... is it a duet with Steve Augeri?... Magical chorus and return that Journey wave to caress us. On his knees and surrendered for the rest of the song. It puts the plane upside down and without gravity floats in an unbeatable musical environment. We came across other planes, but none fly as high as Moratti's. This valuable topic alone deserves a 100% rating. "Stay the night" and we danced mega HARD AOR to the House of Lords and Marcie Free with sensory powers. He sings them with plenty of purity and energy. In Canada, Rik Emmett or Geddy Lee are grateful to him and Von Groove was a great band to learn the basics of American Melodic Rock. On the left and right you can see a large country of hundreds of artists that we called "Canadian ROCK/AOR". The heavenly Glory made music to review in ViriAor. Another 100%.
"Love" has the essence of Swedish composition and designation of origin. Throughout the album we are surrounded by that very vital drums and bass, the keyboards sound comfortable and... Joel Hoekstra confirms that he is... God! His majestic "total guitar" with only 100% Neal Schon finish is of supreme quality. Rob Moratti is welcome to the prestigious Journey Circle of Friends!!! ....with messy passengers fans of Master Steve Perry as... Mardones, Martin, Säfsund, Edman, Hugo, Chalfant, Brock, Augeri, Pineda, Soto...."Crash and burn" a la Peter Sundell, KISKEi n positive or as our canarion vocalist Juanma Rodriguez of KRULL... MORATTI pilots its perfect and immaculate high and high tones. Nobody is going to crash here, but we are burning since this scorching "Epical" of epic musical content and epic voices took off. Lead guitars are a blessed madness and glide safely. Temazo!!! Temazo!!! and... Temazooo!!! has the essence of Swedish composition and designation of origin. Throughout the album we are surrounded by that very vital drums and bass, the keyboards sound comfortable and... Joel Hoekstra confirms that he is... God! His majestic "total guitar" with only 100% Neal Schon finish is of supreme quality. Rob Moratti is welcome to the prestigious Journey Circle of Friends!!! ....with messy passengers fans of Master Steve Perry as... Mardones, Martin, Säfsund, Edman, Hugo, Chalfant, Brock, Augeri, Pineda, Soto...."Crash and burn" a la Peter Sundell, KISKEi n positive or as our canarion vocalist Juanma Rodriguez ofKRULL... MORATTI pilots its perfect and immaculate high and high tones. Nobody is going to crash here, but we are burning since this scorching "Epical" of epic musical content and epic voices took off. Lead guitars are a blessed madness and glide safely. Temazo!!! Temazo!!! and... Temazooo!!!
"You keep me waiting" is very Saga, AOR, controlling without confusing stylistic distractions. It is a cohesive whole and focused on reaching a dream and paradisiacal destination, do not wait any longer because waiting is wasting time. Moratti attends you instantly and his voice will leave you exhausted... Tony Mills and Tony Harnell are also on the list of regular passengers in business class. "Strangers" has a beautiful medium tone and takes it to beauty when he tunes it with shocking skill. The song is still there and he stands out. As CJ from Firehouse!! or some mellow Ted Poley/Paul Paine. We landed gently and sweetly on a Hard RockAOR runway without impurities. I am speechless with this ending, my music lover fever is still high and I leave the plane without any discomfort. I am amazed by the musical experience I just lived on an extraordinary flight.
DESTINATION:"EPICAL" [ROB MORATTI]
"Thank you for your trust and for choosing to fly with us. Disembarkation shall only take place through the front door. Commander and Singer Rob Moratti will greet you personally. We look forward to seeing you very soon on an upcoming and close record flight of Aerolíneas MORATTI". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-E-MAIL: [ROB MORATTI] satisfaction survey after traveling with us (it will only take you 1 minute). -Rate your musical experience and the quality of the flight: I acknowledge and affirm that "Epical" was a flight of my absolute pleasure and total satisfaction.
100%
Manuel Campos Ruiz.
SHATTERED DREAMS: Veteran Canadian Rocker Rob Moratti is Looking for Love and endures Excruciating Heartache Throughout His Phenomenal New Album “Epical”
By Leslie Snyder
For those who went looking for love only to find heartache will find this upcoming heart wrenching album “Epical” truly therapeutic when it is released on December 9, 2022 featuring eleven tracks that will take listeners on a trip to the sun while crashing back onto earth with one’s heart exploding into pieces. This emotional rollercoaster ride begins in Toronto, Ontario Canada with veteran hard rock artist and former Saga front man Rob Moratti with help from his fellow rocker’s guitarist Joel Hoekstra and bassist Tony Franklin “The Fretless Monster.”
The dreams of romance begin when the sun begins to rise in the breath-taking track “Can I Hold You for a While.” This track features soulful vocals and pulsating hard rock melodies that sound like a nervous heartbeat as a man is lying in his bed imagining that his wildest dreams coming true as he sees a stunningly beautiful woman that he has set his sights on for quite some time. The hopeful man is hoping to score a date and a long-lasting romance with this stunningly beautiful woman. Meanwhile, the dreams of romance are slightly wavering in the tumultuous track “Hold On.” This This track features groaning vocals and blistering hard rock melodies that sound like a man who is crying out for help from a higher power during a relentless hurricane and getting pulled into a raging ocean This track is an anxiety ridden tale about a couple who is riding the rough seas of a once loving romance due to adversity that they have never faced during their relationship. So, the couple is desperately trying to calm the rough seas that are flooding their once loving relationship with fear and the possibility of an irreversible end.
Finally, the dreams of romance are shattered in the heartbreaking track “Crash and Burn.” This track features screaming vocals and fiery Hard rock melodies that sound like a rocket has exploded while it re-entered the earth’s atmosphere. This track is a gut-wrenching track about and angry man who suddenly realized that the woman that he has loved and adored has been deceiving him for a long time. Now, the angry man is stunned while standing alone in his home with the memories of what was racing through his head as he cries a river of tears
Rob Moratti is amazing hard rock artist who writes honest songs about struggling through the trials and tribulations of romance adding his intensely powerful vocals that could reach the heavens making angels joyous. This brilliant artist’s fifth solo album “Epical” is an instant classic.
The name of ROB MORATTI is a no stranger among the AOR freaks out there; Moratti is a solo artist, the lead vocalist of Moratti and Final Frontier, and the former singer of Saga. "EPICAL" is entitled the artist's fifth solo album and his first release with Frontiers Music.
The new opus is going to see the light of day this December 9th. As in his previous solo recordings, Moratti continues to deliver emotional, soulful and classic AOR stuff in a unique way. Moratti has a charismatic voice that can rocket high every single track. With a strong team of musicians such as Joel Hoekstra on lead guitar, Tony Franklin on bass, Felix Borg on drums (and co-writing), Fredrik Bergh on keys (and co-writing), Ulrick Lönnqvist, Steve Augeri, and Pete Alpenborg (who also contributes rhythm guitar and keyboard) Rob creates one of his best solo albums to-date!!
The first highlight comes with "Masquerade"! A true AOR gem with a huge chorus line and a 'punchier sound! "Nothing Left To Say" is simply a great commercial pop-AOR gem that is among my personal favourites out of the new opus. "Valerie", "Hold On", "Stay The Night" and "Love" are all amazing samples of pure melodic rock paradise!! In "You Keep Me Waiting" we are dealing with yet another killer AOR gem while in "Strangers" Rob delivers a great and edgier tune.
For sure, ROB MORATTI with his brand new work comes to deliver one of the best, if not the best, AOR record of 2022!!! This is how AOR should be played!!! Well done!!!
Songwritting : 9
Production : 9
Songs : 10
Musicianship : 10
Overall rating : 9,5 / 10
PARAGON
- ROB MORATTI - PARAGON - ALBUM OF THE YEAR!!
Terry Noriega-Durrant | Facebook
- ROB MORATTI - "PARAGON" BEST SELLERS - Number 1 in October 2020 https://www.nehrecords.com/
REVIEWS
For many years, more precisely since the mid-1990s, the Canadian ROB MORATTI has been involved in the Melodic Rock/AOR sector, and in the top league. His first stop was his band MORATTI as lead singer and songwriter. He did the same job in his project FINAL FRONTIER (with VON GROOVE guitarist Mladen). Four extraordinary albums were released between 2002 and 2007, which caused a sensation, especially in Japan. After a brilliant guest appearance on PHENOMENA ("Blind Faith") the post of lead singer was vacant by the departure of Michael Sadler at SAGA, which Rob filled with flying colors. The album "The Human Condition" is considered one of the best in the history of the Canadian cult band. After the return of Michael Sadler he concentrated on his solo career again, followed by three great albums (apart from the brilliant Journey tribute). Numerous guest appearances (PHENOMENA, ACACIA AVENUE, RAGE OF ANGELS, etc.) testify to his talent and diversity. After only one and a half years, the next prank is published: "Paragon". Again, Rob gathered some of the best composers and musicians of the genre such as Ulrick Lönnqvist, Pete Alpenborg, Felix Borg, Ken Sandin and Torben Enevoldsen.
The music orientation hasn't changed over the years: Melodic rock at its finest in the tradition of JOURNEY, FROM GROOVE, NIGHT RANGER, SLAUGHTER or UNRULY CHILD, built on Rob's signature, great vocals. Guitar freaks get their money's worth with the participation of Joel Hoekstra and Ian Crichton as specials guests on the guitar. Genre-typical mid-tempo songs ("Rise Above", "What Have We Become", "Alone Anymore"), up-tempo songs ("Remember", "I'm Fallin", "Drifting Away"), all equipped with beautiful melody arcs, great hooks and choruses with an earworm character alternate and provide the highest musical enjoyment. Of course, the classic rock ballad with "Break The Chains" is also represented. The master is responsible for the impeccable production and mastering and contributes significantly to the fact that one can speak of a masterpiece again.
Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Author: Wolfgang Kelz
From Rob I just have to say well, I remember at this moment the album "Renaissance", which served as a business card to get to his solo work and a set of musical pearls in his career and which will join, with certainty, a good handful of them taken from "Paragon", new work.
The melodies, the choruses that leave us to sing right at the first audition, are the essence of their songs, combined with thunderous and clear solos with unique vocal arrangements, full of energy and placed in a timbre of their own that will delight the fans of melodic and progressive rock.
"Paragon" is another excellent record, where themes such as "I'm Falling", "What Have We Became", the powerful "Remember" and "Where Do We Go From Here" appear, which contains a more baler vibe and then the thing wins again with themes like "Break The Chains" and a few more that let you discover in your audition. One thing is certain, it is not of the best works of the Canadian musician, but it is revealing of his genius not only vocal, but composition, which makes him one of the best within the genre.
I also point out that on this album Rob worked with some of the best composers and melodic rock performers, such as Ulrick Lönnqvist, Pete Alpenborg, Felix Borg, Ken Sandin, Torben Enevoldsen, Stu Reid and Tony Franklin joining him now in 2020 as special guests on solo guitars Joel Hoekstra and Ian Crichton.
10/10
Miguel Correia
https://www.velvetthunder.co.uk/rob-moratti-paragon-aor-heaven/
The Canadian vocalist Rob Moratti may already be known to you as the singer with fellow Canadian band Saga between 2008 and 2011 and he supplied the vocals on The Human Condition album. He also was the voice on the four albums put out by AOR band Final Frontier as well as having his own very successful solo career too.
He has a voice that is perfect for AOR/melodic rock with a great range and is very impressive in the higher register too. If you know of his work then you will know what to expect and Paragon is another of his very pleasing melodic rock classics that have served him so well over the years. This is rock music of the type delivered by Journey and Styx so is very radio friendly rock but still has the required power and heaviness required from rock with lots of great guitar runs and a pleasing combination of anthemic ballads and pulsating rockers. Of course, the material also has wonderful choruses and some quite brilliant harmonies, all of which are part of the ‘Moratti’ trademark. He is actually another of those fine vocalists who should receive far more praise than he actually gets as he never disappoints and has been responsible for plenty of supremely crafted AOR over the years.
Moratti has pulled together a talented team for this new work and the musicians include Torben Enevoldsen (guitar, keyboards), Stu Reid (drums), Tony Franklin (bass) and there are two very special guests supplying guitar in Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) and Ian Crichton (Saga) and they all work tirelessly to make this the best AOR that they could produce.
Paragon is a slick, sophisticated and superior melodic rock classic but that is as expected from Rob Moratti, a performer who can always be relied upon to deliver the goods. The album was also produced and mastered by Rob Moratti, mixed by Moratti and Torben Enevoldsen and what a great job they have done with this record which simply oozes style and class.
By: Terry Craven
ROB MORATTI: Paragon (A.O.R.): review / opinion to read on Music Waves
Rob Moratti is the voice of Final Frontiers, a Canadian hard FM band who wrote four albums between 2002 and 2006, but also the voice of Saga for the time of the only opus The Human Condition (2009) where he replaced Michael Sadler. We find the same team as the one at work last year. Tony Franklin - the former bassist of The Firm, who was invited by Whitesnake for his 1997 world tour - is still there, as is the excellent guitarist Torben Enevoldsen, assisted this time by Joel Hoekstra and Ian Chrichton, the current guitarists of Whitesnake and Saga.
Rob Moratti knows what melody means. So, he didn't make a mistake in relying, for the compositions of this album, on the safe values that are Pete Alpenborg (the keyboard of Arctic Rain) and Felix Borg who worked with Art Nation. Various qualifiers come to mind when listening to the work: passionate (Moratti's involvement is striking), refreshing (he sends good vibes), harmonious and melodious. This opus clearly refers us to Journey and Shy. It is sprinkled with chiselled guitars and opportune keyboards (thank you Mr. Enevoldsen), but also with catchy choruses. As for Moratti's voice, so particular, it is impeccably adapted to the musical genre and to his desires: to instantly catch the audience's attention and never let it go.
In view of the high quality of all tracks, the common structure of their conception and their melodic typology, it would be tedious and useless to evoke them all. Let's just note here some hits, like the mid-tempo 'All I'm Living For', 'Alone Anymore' very close to Shy and the most rhythmically supported 'Bullet Proof Alibi' and 'Rise Above', without forgetting the ballad 'Where Do We Go From Here' which reminds us of the good memories of Reo Speedwagon.
The feeling of déjà entendu will certainly tickle your brain when listening to this timeless mix of hard rock and AOR, but if you're a fan of the style, you're sure to appreciate. This is, without a doubt, one of the tenor hard FM opus of this year 2020.
ROB MORATTI – Paragon – Rock-Garage (rock-garage.com)
After the exit from SAGA and the end of his former regular formation FINAL FRONTIER, the Canadian exceptional singer ROB MORATTI regularly honours us with good solo discs. Its orientation is still clearly in the melodic rock-hard rock area. In this, MORATTI is always able to not only maintain the quality level, but also to increase it as needed. It is no great secret that he likes to use the help of various musicians friends. Also on this round, well-known names such as IAN CHRICHTON (SAGA), JOEL HOEKSTRA (WHITESNAKE) or ULRICK LÖNNQVIST (CODE RED) appear. Mid-up tempo numbers are represented as well as the obligatory ballad called "Break The Chains". The unmistakable voice of the Canadian forms the icing on the cake and also makes "Paragon" a real listening pleasure for all friends of the good AOR-Melodic Rock Mucke. If you are on formations like JOURNEY , NIGHT RANGER & Co, you have to access it here. A very good work at the end of the year
By Jorg Bonszkowski : 9/10
https://www.metalhead.it/album/rob-moratti-paragon/
(AOR Heaven) Classic, lascivious, provocative and melodic hard rock like it hasn't felt in years! Rob Moratti is a Canadian vocalist who, in addition to his solo career or with his band Moratti, has been the front man of Final Frontier as well as the historic Canadian prog rock band Saga. A powerful, crystal clear voice, apparently with an unlimited range. After four solo albums, one of which is a tribute to Journey, here he comes back with this new work, twelve powerful tracks, sung in a sublime way... but also played with energy, quality, style, a lot of technique and imagination by a handful of musicians, including Ulrick Lönnqvist, Pete Alpenborg, Felix Borg, Ken Sandin and Torben Enevoldsen, as well as Stu Reid on skins and Tony Franklin on hot bass lines. Guitarists Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) and Ian Crichton (Saga) are also guests, to round out a scary list of names. Immediately sensual and full of warmth "I'm Falling", voluptuous "Rise Above", intense and reflective "What Have We Become", one of the songs in which the bassist makes a difference. "Remember" is a monstrous piece, it gives off a perverse magnetism, it is played divinely and Rob reaches fearful vocal levels. "Where Do We Go From Here" could stand honorably on a Whitesnake album, a piece with an unrevalled refrain. "Drifting Away" is timeless, glorious, thunderous... something that deserves an arena. "Break The Chains" button, while "Alone Anymore" is more wild though full of pop trends. "Bullet Proof Alibi" is a borderless rock, "All I'm Living For" is a deadly, glittering power ballad "Picking Up The Pieces", lustful the final "Stay Away". Melody, irresistible hooks, sublime harmonies, refrains that no longer come out of the head. An album curated in every detail, played and sung by artists with an overwhelming talent. A brilliant, exciting and darn irresistible record!
(Luca Zakk) Rating: 9/10
https://www.aormusic.de/?p=1579
Canadian singer ROB MORATTI (FINAL FRONTIER, ex SAGA) is pretty busy. His incredible voice shines on the new album just like it did on the last one called “Renaissance“ (2019). “Paragon“ – believe it or not – is even more melodic and nothing but a fascinating piece of melodic rock. He is once again backed by illustrious international musicians, like Tony Franklin (b, BLUE MURDER), Torben Enevoldsen (g, SECTION A, FATE) or even Ian Crichton (g, SAGA). Furthermore, a pristine but powerful production highlights melodic gems like “I’m Falling“, “Rise Above“ or “Where Do We Go From Here“. His obvious passion for classic JOURNEY, especially vocal-wise, can be found more or less in many places here. The Canadian is an exceptional singer with quite a remarkable range that fits classic AOR extremely well. Songwriters on “Paragon“ include the Swedes Ulrich Lönnqvist (CODE RED), Felix Borg (TASTE, ex ART NATION) or Ken Sandin (ALIEN, KEE MARCELLO) among others who bring out the best in him. What a great album! You can’t do it much better. Wow!
9/10
Martin Stark
Canadian Rob Moratti has for many years spoiled us with the handsome AOR. Beautiful verses and extremely melodious choruses. For me, he appeared in the early 2000s with the awesome band Final Frontier. In 2008 he joined Saga for a short period, but after Sadler's return he has invested in his solo project.
On the new album he has saga guitarist Ian Crichton and well-qualified Joel Hoekstra (guitar), Torben Enevoldsen (guitar, keyboards), Stu Reid (drums) and Tony Franklin (bass) all giving the music a little extra magic.
The album begins with a rhythmic pulse that then turns into an incredible move.
Then follows a hit cavalcade of well-written songs.
I find it hard to say that any song is better than any other, as they maintain a very high level.
Songs:
I ́m falling Rise above What have we become Remember
Rob has a unique voice that fits very well with the melodious songs and you always feel safe with what he delivers.
The qualified musicians of course give the songs an extra polished starshine.
The songs Moratti has written together with our Swedish prides Ulrick Lönnqvist, Pete Alpenborg, Felix Borg, Ken Sandin and they will really stretch for they have contributed songs of world class!
I think the quality of the songs stands out on the album.
If you can keep a secret, I can tell you that the rumor says that you are already in full swing and have finished writing several songs for this album's sequel!
This autumn has, in all the misery, really delivered many really awesome album releases and this album undoubtedly belongs to the top of this crowd.
Rating 9/10
For DMB
Joakim Strångert
Always as rich and incredibly melodicly pure !!!
Just one year after the sublime Renaissance (read here),here comes the very prolific Rob MORATTI for a new album entitled Paragon, in autumn 2020 and for the second time on the German label AOR HEAVEN. For this new patty, he has surrounded himself with renowned musicians for writing and instrumentation such as Ulrick LONNQVIST, Pete ALPENBORG, Felix BORG, Ken SANDIN and with Torben ENEVOLDSEN (lead guitar and rhythm guitar, keyboards), Stu REID (drums) not to mention of course the incredible Tony FRANKLIN on bass. Prestigious guests are also present on Paragon such as Joel HOEKSTRA and Ian CRICHTON on lead guitar. In addition, Rob MORATTI took charge of production, mixing and mastering, assisted on this last point by Torben ENEVOLDSEN.
Needless to say, the Canadian adds to his vocal elegance a precision of every moment for titles cut in pure melodic and the thrills that take me from the beginning of this record with I'm Falling, a real jewel AOR, will last until the end. The keyboards combined with the crystalline guitars of the most beautiful effect make this 1st title a must. No melodic respite then with the subtle and clear Rise Above, composition with huge sound, where each instrument embellishes the melody in a very beautiful way and with of course the golden voice, always magnificent Rob MORATTI.
Paragon has all the ingredients of a racy, catchy, catchy AOR album as on What Have We Become , to the royal guitar solo, the vocal flights of our sacred Canadian always surprise and delight in every title, as on Remember , lively and addictive.
The semi-ballade Where Do We Go From Here with its throbbing rhythm and incomparable melodic brilliance tears me away from tears, making me think of pure JOURNEY: magnificent !!! The magic of the compositions, the incessant AOR rhythm and the impeccable performance of the musicians led by Rob MORATTI, who sings like a god, provide halfway through this cake always inflamed sensations.
The pearls follow one another without a hitch and place Paragon at a very high melodic level with the festive Drifting Away , Break The Chains or Alone Anymore , which exhale a pronounced AOR fragrance worthy of the greatest and with an impeccable quality of composition.
You will have understood, no downtime on this sensational cake, rich and pure every moment, by the class of its remarkable musicians, at the top of their art. They unleash themselves on each title and in unison, communicate to us through the titles their enthusiasm for this warm, even incandescent music, with clarity and ease. The finale of Paragon could only be an even brighter bouquet, it's a real fireworks that continues with titles as exciting as ever.
It's the apotheosis with Bullet Proof Alibi with powerful keyboards relayed by big guitars, with All I'm Fighting For, subtle and racy, with a powerful rhythm, as well as Picking Up The Pieces and with the imperial Stay Away, melodic devil and aerial keyboards of sparkling beauty. The splendor of Paragon is present to the end and the listener will have only one desire: to plunge back into this really enticing AOR universe and succumb to the charm of one of the best AOR vocalists of the moment. One of this year's monuments, simply IMPRESSIONNANT !!!
5 Stars. 20 out of 20
By Rebel51
The solo project of the singer ROB MORATTI had been put on hold for a while, as the former SAGA and FINAL FRONTIER had driven his business with the two bands and refined it with his vocals for wonderful songs. With "Paragon" a new step begins and the solo project in the melodic sound rock dress has brought the singer under wraps with several well-known guest musicians. For the Melodic Rock/AOR fan, this is a good reason to pay close attention, because the first-class singer feels obliged to do so.
With rich melody arcs, oversized harmonies, the album finds its introduction and from the spot it becomes clear why the good Rob had provided such a boost in his previous fields of activity.
He prefers to steer everything the right way and this stands for his approach and the sound behind which he stands 100%. Wide-ranging melodic rock that is not necessarily anchored in the 80s. This consistently confirms that melodic rock doesn't necessarily feed on the roots of the decade. Rather, it can be expanded and works in the same way with contemporary sound inserts.
The musical performances are cross-wise and the radiance of excellent insoles and ingredients range from classical additions as well as before modern characteristic completions. As a result, all songs on the latest silverling from the singer's pen don't seem old-fashioned or dusty. Clearly, the listener needs a wide-ranging hearing and, on the other hand, there are many insoles of the classical kind. In contrast, this does not mean that you have to be a clear classic lover. For a wide range, Mr. Moratti has created his latest work with a long-lasting entertainment value.
Conclusion: ROB MORATTI serves with "Paragon" a timeless work in terms of melodic rock/AOR
4/5
By Robert
https://rockposer.com/2020/10/08/review-rob-moratti-paragon/
Rob Moratti has been a fixture of the melodic rock scene for a number of years now. He has been the lead singer for Saga and Final Frontier and now he is releasing ‘Paragon‘ a solo project to follow 2019’s brilliant and well received ‘Renaissance‘ album.
The first track ‘I’m Falling‘ is a Europe style guitar driven song that explodes after a very quiet opening. Straight away, Moratti shows that his range is undiminished, and his voice is as powerful as ever. It is a really good opener that sets the tone for the album.
The second track, ‘Rise Above‘, has a hint of Mike and the Mechanics as Moratti’s voice and the tune reflect Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground) before moving into a Def Leppard style chorus. Track three is ‘What Have We Become‘, a classy rock ballad that works very well with Moratti’s quieter vocals in the verses contrasting with the heavier chorus that takes things up a notch.
‘Remember‘ is a slice of 80s AOR that shows Moratti’s versatility across a number of rock genres. ‘Where Do We Go From Here‘ is a smooth song that seems to be channelling REO Speedwagon and it could get a lot of airplay on rock stations as it is a very commercial sounding track. ‘Drifting Away‘ has another Europe style guitar opening before it settles into a Mr. Mister style soft rock song complete with Moratti’s soaring vocals.
‘Break the Chains‘ is a gorgeous ballad that just oozes class from the musical performances of the whole band and Moratti’s typically excellent vocals. It’s probably my favourite track on the album. ‘Alone Anymore‘ ups the tempo and returns to the heavier end of the spectrum with driving guitars and really good harmonies on the chorus.
‘Bullet Proof Alibi‘ shows a grittier side to Moratti’s vocals that really suits the song and helps to give it a real weight. ‘All I’m Living For‘ is another excellent rock ballad that Moratti gives his all to. ‘Picking Up the Pieces‘ is a fun 80s style track that takes AOR and brings it up to date courtesy of another great vocal performance that floats over the top of the tight playing of the musicians behind him.
‘Stay Away‘ is the final track and it finishes the album on a really good track that showcases the strengths we have heard in the previous 11 songs. The common factor for all these songs is Moratti’s no holds barred approach to singing together with his ability to suit his voice perfectly to every song he sings.
Reviewer: David Pearce
Last year, we echoed the album "Renaissance", which went on sale on June 21, 2019. Like luck, (good luck...) also calls twice, (like Jack Nicholson...) I re-release a work by Rob Moratti. In this case, "Paragon"is again a safe bet, as Moratti maintains that path that characterizes him: Great melodies in which he makes it clear that his vocal range is excellent, Melodic Rock songs without bums and a cast of regular musicians: Composers and performers of the genre, such as Ulrick Lonnqvist, Pete Alpenborg, Felix Borg, Ken Sandin and Torben Enevoldsen on rhythm guitars and keyboards, Stu Reid on drums and Tony Franklin again with his personal bass signature, as well as Joel Hoekstra or his former Saga partner, Ian Crichton on solo guitars.
The production, as in "Renaissance", is run by Rob Moratti, and Torben Enevoldsen. On October 29th, we will have for sale this album that I will sketch you with words, its contents. "I'm falling" begins this work, with a blunt staging of Melodic Rock, as indicated above, of purity, also nostalgia and intensity. A work on guitars with dynamics and strength.
"I'm falling" begins this work, with a blunt staging of Melodic Rock, as indicated above, of purity, also nostalgia and intensity. A work on guitars with dynamics and strength. "Rise above" keeps us at that level of distilled energy in the first few minutes of listening. The work in composition and arrangements of musicians such as Ulrick Lonnqvist,is also present throughout the album.
Again some guitars with great dynamics in the rhythmic sections. "What have we become" lowers the intensity, entering rich harmonies and deep environments, to rise in a commercial, rhythmic and winning chorus. A tonal change for a great solo, which brings us back to that positivism of the chorus. Perhaps one of the most "top" themes of "Paragon. "Remember"returns us to sentimental melodies with open spaces in the stanza and melodic energy both on the musical basis and on the vocal side, in which Rob flaunts his state of form.
With "Where do we go from here", we get to the most melodic and perhaps A.O.R. point on the record. A half-time, in which Moratti, flies masterfully over a powerful chorus. A work on solo guitars that has some impregnation to the apotheotic solos of the Brad Gillis-Jeff Watson combo. A tonal climb, marks the quality brooch to this great theme. "Drifting away" returns us to those environments that are the hallmark of this record. This work may not surprise with songs that mark another rank in the dynamics of the album, but precisely, it is in what lies or may lie the success of "Paragon": It does not disappoint you, it is what you expect from Rob Moratti. "Break de chains", We take off from the armchair with a powerful start of melodic load in greater harmonies, with that delicate point that characterizes Moratti's songs in these branches of the Hard Melodic-A.O.R. tree. This is one of those riff songs and keyboards under a great melody.
If you thought about sitting down again, "Alone anymore, "it's going to keep you up. Personally, I'm more attracted to songs in major chords, rhythmic chords, with dynamic riffs, solos with a combination of speed-melody-tappings and choruses that elevate you like a Saturn V. This is one of those songs. Another one they would mark on "top" of the album. "Bullet proof alibi" marks again the musical territory in which we move during a larger percentage of the album "Paragon": Classical and timeless melodies, loaded with recognizable and reliable records.
"All I'm living for" is again contoning the structure of the album; again positive and elegant melodies, generating a balanced dynamic in listening to the album. "Picking up the pieces", is a song with which the dynamic pattern of the album is maintained and in which the work of keyboard and guitar arrangements stand out at all times. To conclude the album, "Stay away", we dely even de further into that atmosphere and climax achieved in the work that we will find at the end of October. This song, perhaps in the order it occupies on the record, leaves you with the taste of wanting to hear more.
There are twelve songs that Rob Moratti offers us in "Paragon". A cover that meets the premises of a release in this musical style, with a concept of conceptual graphic design. Compared to his previous album, this production is harder, more oriented to a sound in which the energies of the songs are strengthened with more sound pressure, with somewhat heavier guitars and somewhat more forceful drums.
The collaboration of Ulrick Lonnqvist is evident, as is Joel Hoekstra in the weight of parts on guitars and solos. It has notable differences from "Renaissance", which makes it not a "cut and paste" in terms of structure and musical line of the songs in order to maintain credibility with fans. He is one more step in his discography, in which he does not disappoint the follower of his career.
In conclusion, I will not go down from the note of the previous album and as an incentive, I will say that it contains a collection of impressive solos.
93/100
5/5 Stars
Joe Angel L.
http://megustaelaor.blogspot.com/2020/09/rob-moratti-paragon-aor-heaven-2020.html
Rob Moratti knows the formula to make you enjoy.
Receiving news from Rob Moratti is always a joy as it is synonymous with quality. Fifth and second release he publishes through the AOR Heaven label. He always has quality people to compose his albums, this time he has had the invaluable help of Ulrick Lunnqvist, Pete Alpenborg and Felix Borg, renowned composers today which assures us a good dose of melody on this album entitled Paragon.
As we have already indicated in previous reviews, Rob Moratti has a peculiar tone of voice that must be accepted in order to enjoy its full potential. I discovered him in his Final Frontiers project where he offered his more commercial side and where I gradually got used to his peculiar tone. Since that moment I have been following his whole career with great interest. You always enjoy his compositions and his melodies.
He has already presented us with his first single, I'm Falling, where he lets us know that he is on his hands. This album follows the line of its previous releases. There's no room for surprise. He knows what we like about him and always offers us the best. Topics like What Have We Become make it worth betting on. Quite a statement of intent. Of the best tracks on the record.
Remember offers the style that gave it such a good result with Final Frontiers. Direct and commercial choruses that make the listener enjoy. It is proven that Rob possesses the formula for composing direct albums and that they capture the attention of his followers from the first track. In the half times for example offers magic. Impossible melodies and a much more leisurely and delicate voice cause ballads to grow relentlessly until it seizes our ears. Of course, it's the half-time Where Do We Go From Here where it gets it right again with tempo and the warmth of voice.
Ever since I've been following his career, he's never let me down. I've always found a haven of peace in his compositions. I've found those melodies that make me dream and that make me want to listen to the record over and over again. Another wonderful example Drifting Away. Watch it.
If you do not know his solo career I assure you that you are missing a great opportunity to discover a very large artist who has followed an impeccable trajectory in all the projects where he has collaborated. Rob Moratti is the perfect description of Melodic Rock. He has a peculiar and very personal voice that makes him unique and unrepeatable.
Attention to Alone Anymore themes and especially to the wonderful All I'm Living For that is on track to become one of my favorites of his extensive record career. Heavenly.
Conclusion, Rob Moratti has done it again. He gives us another monstrous record that offers melodies and great doses of feelings in each of his songs. Honestly, I don't know how you get it, but disk-to-disk offers the best. Stay Away closes the disc outstandingly. Another of those issues that deserves to be listened to carefully.
By putting a hit on it, perhaps with a much more refined production it would have shone much brighter. Still and aligned with its previous releases it offers a more than remarkable sound.
Another of this year's indispensable albums that so many joys are offering us in the musical scene (not so in terms of tours and concerts unfortunately).
Highly Recomended
REDACTOR: ANTONIO AORLAND
http://www.crossfire-metal.de/22457-0-ROB-MORATTI-PARAGON.html
I don't think there's anyone who has an attentive reader of our site, Canadian Rob Moratti (ex-saga), who has passed by. His special, very high voice has delighted me for years. Nevertheless, I will mention again at this point that the good man, with the band Final Frontier, has done some good things. So absolutely listen. With "Paragon" we get on our ears, including the "Tribute To Journey" album, the fifth work of the exception-shouter and the second release for the label AOR-Records. For AOR fans and the melodic rockers among you, an absolute must! I will not lose any more words. As guests, the Canuck Ian Crichton (Saga) has a guitar solo on "Bullet Proof Alibi". Another by Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake). Torben Enevoldsen (Acacia Avenue, Fatal Force) is considered the main guitarist. Tony Franklin (ex-Blue Murder) is playing bass and Stu Reid, who has played with Rob on Final Frontier and is no stranger to solo albums, swirls on the drum kit. Of course, this silverlining has standout moments and as a flyer I call "Where Do We Go From Here", "What Have We Become" and "Drifting Away" that can sweeten the upcoming Corona lockdown.
Score: 9 out of 10 points
Writer: Steve Burdelak
https://www.musika.be/2020/10/04/rob-moratti-paragon/
The name of the Canadian vocalist Rob Moratti will ring a lot of bells among lovers of melodic rock / AOR. The man therefore has a voice to say "you" to and knows how to use it again and again and again. Similarly on this new full-album. 'Paragon' has twelve tracks, each of which is a good example of how melodic rock / AOR should sound: very melodic and yet with enough force with the lead role for the vocal work. And that's exactly what this "Paragon" sounds like. Extremely melodic yet with enough power. The biggest draw is undoubtedly the fantastic voice of Rob, but also the other musicians put their best foot forward. And that Rob is surrounded by a number of class bins on their instrument does not really need an explanation. If you have already built up a cv under your own name, but also as a vocalist of Final Frontier and, albeit for a very brief moment, of Saga then you know your way around the music world. With a rhythm section consisting of drummer Stu Reid and bassist Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, The Firm), nothing can actually go wrong. The gentlemen have tons of experience and can both whip up and slow down the rhythm whenever you think about it. And if you can snare either Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) or Ian Crichton (Saga) to play the guitar solos, you actually know in advance that it will be fine. Add to that beautiful accumulated songs and you understand this 'Paragon' will make lovers of the (sub)genre mouth water. And if Rob Moratti delivers a brilliant performance, you get a top album in the (sub)genre. With this ...
Luc Ghyselen (85)
Rob Moratti is definitely a great voice of the Aor. Perhaps he will never be considered among the greats and his career has never been fully ignited, but his unmistakable timbre (which owes so much to Steve Perry, formerly Journey) and his ability to compose songs with a hyper melodic touch, have meant that many fans of these sounds began to love his productions both of his solo career and in the past under monicker Final Frontier (and with Saga).
This "Paragon" certainly does not miss the
aim; the celestial melodies to which Rob has always accustomed us remain and perhaps the only flaw is the twelve pieces – too many – that make up the record causing the thread of speech to be lost a little as the listening goes on. The Passion of the Canadian singer is always present in his works and here too it is evident especially in the ariosis and crackling rhythms of "Die Young", "Remember" and "Alone Anymore", but it also strikes in the most exciting moments such as in the elegant lentona "What Have We Become" and "Where Do We Go From Here". A couple fewer tracks in the second half of the tracklist would probably have benefited, but there is no doubt that this "Paragon" is a highly enjoyable record that closes very well with "Stay Away", with impactful melodies and a nice guitar.
Carefree but not banal with melodies that are printed on the head and superfine arrangements;
Rob Moratti confirms a safety in melodic rock / Aor. Thumbs up again this time for his magical voice!
By Celestial Dream 4 out of 5
https://darkstars.de/review/rob-moratti-paragon/
A classic AOR Melodicrock album without surprises has become the new work of Canadian singer Rob Moratti. "Paragon" is already the fifth album of the "Final Frontier" and short-term "Saga" singer and it offers like its predecessor perfectly played and with great hooks and choruses AOR/ Melodic hard rock, albeit somewhat unspectacular. He always stays in his musical waters on all songs, called the paths of JOURNEY, FOREIGNER or SURVIVOR. Vocally, Rob Moratti is one of the great, his crystal-clear voice perched above the compositions. But guitar freaks also get their money's worth here. With Torben Enevoldsen, Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) or Ian Crichton (Saga) he was able to win real masters of their trade for the album. These make "Paragon" a firm one for guitar lovers and shine through the bench with great guitar solos. Even if the wheel was not reinvented and seems familiar and familiar to you when listening, "Paragon" has also become a good album, which will certainly find a lot of appeal in the AOR scene.
Chris Strieder scores 8 out of 10
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Canadian solo artist Rob Moratti returns with "Paragon", his latest album of classic AOR worked up and re-imagined for a modern audience. Expertly produced, the album has a plush, live sound that only adds to the enjoyment as you listen. Opening track "I'm Falling" has a nostalgic vibe, harkening to the likes of Journey and Foreigner, before the album expands over the remaining dynamic and energetic songs. Standout tracks "Rise Above", "Where Do We Go From Here" and "All I'm Living For" really underpin why AOR remains such a strong force in the rock genre. Bright, summery songs that just leave you wanting more, it makes you think back of simpler times.
Full of memorable choruses, rich and vibrant harmonies, and that feelgood sound that AOR is so great at capturing, Rob has produced the perfect album to help clear away that pandemic fatigue and get you dancing about the room.
By; Erik Damian
RENAISSANCE
One of the vocal melodic spearheads and the already busy career, Rob MORATTI, returns to the front of the stage with Renaissance, 3 years after the wonderful Transcendent (read here). For the first time with the famous AOR HEAVEN label, the Canadian vocalist kept the same line-up as for Transcendent, namely Torben ENEVOLDSEN on guitars, Fredrik BERGH on keyboards, Stu REID on drums and Tony FRANKLIN on bass, and he will be a question of continuity and quality on this new album, announced by the label as the best of Rob MORATTI. Certainly the experience gained with the various groups to which he brought his talent, be it FINAL FRONTIER, SAGA, RAGE OF ANGELS and then with the remarkable musicians Reb BEACH (WHITESNAKE, WINGER), Tony FRANKLIN (BLUE MURDER, FIRM), Brian DOERNER (SAGA) and Ian CRICHTON (SAGA) as part of his solo albums, will allow him to express himself at best on this Renaissance.
And the muscular AOR and so well licked envelops our senses in a perfect way from You Are The One (click here), where each instrument expresses delectably, and the voice of gold, hot, vibrant Rob MORATTI envelope perfectly this title of a great melody. The absolutely royal keyboards of Fredrik BERGH introduce Let Me Be The One, and the rhythm of the right-handed guitars maintains the superb AOR pressure of this unmatched composition. If the ballad Best Of Me can seem stereotyped, the magic voice of Rob MORATTI does miracles and makes absolutely sublime and romantic wish, enhanced by a guitar solo pest. After the mid-tempo medium but effective Lift You Up, the stirring Hold On To Love sets the record straight and makes very JOURNEY, in its structure and its melody. With a first half album rich, supported and even more than successful, Rob MORATTI forcefully assumes his high-level vocal flights and the support of these outstanding musicians allows Renaissance to impose an AOR pest of extreme quality.
The melodic intensity of Renaissance continues on the second part of the album with strong titles, at the level of high composition like I Let You In, the undeniable melancholy fragrance as on It's Time To Let Go, with the hints close to what JOURNEY was offering in the 80's. And then comes Mandy Come Home, one of the flagship titles of this Renaissance, extremely melodic and devilish, a little gem that title, with all the ingredients of a resplendent AOR. And the end of Renaissancereste magnificent with the taking I Do not Want To Wait Forever, a masterful beauty followed by the romantic It Hurts To Be In Love, with exhilarating guitars.
It is clear that the vocal performance of Rob MORATTI is really exceptional on this album and he carries with his musicians the torch of this magical and brilliant AOR, without any hesitation. The intrinsic quality of the compositions is very high and full of passion, instrumental madness and the melodic effervescence that emerges is permanent. Without a blow, grab one of the AOR albums of the year, in two words: absolutely delicious !!!
Franck Leber 20/20
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The Canadian exceptional singer Rob Moratti has been a fixture in the melodic rock / AOR sector for many years. His career began in the early 90's with his band MORATTI, named after him, and with VON GROOVE guitarist Mladen he founded the FINAL FRONTIER, which is very popular in Japan and in his homeland. After the departure of Michael Sadler from the Canadian prog - kings SAGA Rob was hired, but only for one album ("The Human Condition"), because Sadler returned again. In addition to his phenomenal solo career, Rob has been instrumental in many other projects: PHENOMENA ("Blind Faith" and "Awakening"), ACACIA AVENUE ("Cold", "Early Warning"), RAGE OF ANGELS ("Devil's New Tricks"). to name the most important.
The good Rob is in demand in the music world not only because of his exceptionally powerful and expressive voice, but also because of its songwriter and producer quality.
With "Renaissance" is now his third solo album (apart from the brilliant Journey Tribute), with the same cast as the last "Transcendent". Producing and mastering is done by the master himself. Musically there are no major changes: AOR at its finest, showing all the attributes of the genre: Up-temposongs with melody and chorus that sit perfectly ("Hold On To Love", "Let Me Be The One "), Midtempo Pearls (" I Let You In "," It's Time To Let You Go "," Mandy Come Home "), the classic, sentimental ballad (" Best Of Me "), hymns that will set the stage for live performance ("Lift You Up", "You Are The One"). Common to all songs are the beautiful melodies and choruses, the guitar and keyboard accompaniment, without any instrument dominating, beyond that the unmistakable, great vocals of Rob. Anyone who likes bands like the bands already mentioned, as well as the usual ones like JOURNEY, FOREIGNER, NIGHT RANGER or SURVIVOR, can not go wrong with "Renaissance".
Stormbringer 5/5
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Ex-FINAL FRONTIER / SAGA frontman Rob Moratti has been on solo paths for some time now. Even his solo debut "Victory" set standards in terms of AOR / Melodic Rock. His concise voice and his way of singing has a more than high recognition value. This is also successfully continued on his new round "Renaissance". The introductory title "You Are The One" sets the direction. Up-mid-tempo numbers hold each other up, but never miss the typical trademarks that have made this extremely likable singer so well known and loved: great songs paired with the voice of Moratti. Consistency and quality are no empty words for the vociferous Canadians, but also distinguish this outstanding silverling. The top score was barely missed, but it is likely that this record will soon fall on a future album by Rob Moratti.
Jorg 9/10
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There are names that almost guarantee that what you are going to listen to will have a medium high level, at least. There are names that associate raise expectations one more point. Then there is the reality of the work, which is what it is, or what we think of each one, according to our tastes or personal moments. But, the truth is that seeing Rob Moratti (Final Frontier, Saga), along with Torben Enevoldsen (Fate, Fatal Force, Acacia Avenue, Section A, Pinnacle Point), in itself imposes respect. If, in addition, they are accompanied by Fredrik Bergh on keyboards, Stu Reid on drums and Tony Franklin on bass and a title like Renaissance, I will not tell you. Rob has also worked with many of his collaborators such as Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger), Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, Firm), Brian Doerner (Saga) and Ian Crichton (Saga).
If doing a job that one feels proud of, or at least satisfied with, has always been, or should have been, the main motivation to record; Nowadays there is no doubt, since the business is as it is. Perhaps for this reason, Moratti produces and masters the album, as seems logical, allowing himself to be helped by the magician Torben in the mixes.
Feel unique because with You Are the One you start to enjoy a category album. The advertising says it, but it's true, Rob plays in another league. That in which the highs appear to which almost nobody arrives, in which the class and the fineness reign in harmonies, refrains and melodies. Torben Enevoldsen barely uncovers his essences because there is no need in this court. Let Me Be the One is a very old school request, but well done. Guitar strength with restraint and voices that fill everything to take off with a single bright. Best of Me is a sweet ballad that marries perfectly with Renaissance's unit treatment, with a Moratti in the clouds and guitars in the sky. Enjoy bass lines that take on a life of their own. You will rise with Lift You Up and its quasi-epic melodies. The AOR, the melodic rock and the progressive go hand in hand with the virtuosity of the musicians as a mattress. If you like Toto, Journey, or Yes, you will be starting to enjoy, because these topics require that kind of sensitivity in the listener. I do not Want to Wait Forever alert of the transience of good times. He says he does not want to let you go and neither do you. You are enjoying the keyboard and the soft voice of Rob and the guitar ends. How are you going if you have barely reached the middle? We arrived at it with the keyboards and bass.
And, if the rest fails you, hold on to love. Hold on to Love may seem naive, but if that hope is lost, there is hardly anything left. Reflection on love with a category cut. Arrangements and voice dress the idea of gala. The guitar exhibit puts the jewel.
Rob lets you in on his most casual theme with Let You in. Court happy, but the same preponderance of the voices, as is natural. He says that you leave the fire and leaves with another precious one and his voice for highs.
It's Time to Let Go is anticipated a bit, but it's true that you have to know when something is approaching the end, although it has made you very happy while it lasted, as is the case with this excellent full class topic.
Mandy Come Home, and her desperate cry, is one of Renaissance's highlights, and it's hard to make one stand out. Its unity, structure and refrain make it an AOR classic, just the way you want to think. You'll say goodbye to the album in a big way with It Hurts to Be in Love, even though melancholy takes over the subject. Tremendous the guitar and the treatment of the mixture.
The ten themes of Renaissance are a real joy; They have class, composition, interpretation and production to make the album one of the most outstanding of the year. And if not, time to time.
Toño Martínez Mendizábal 90/100
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Solo albums from musicians are used to bring something different from what is heard in their band’s main musical work. So, if it’s the case, what “Renaissance”, the solo album from FINAL FRONTIER’s singer Rob Moratti, is about? The answer is simple: besides a first hearing could point for his main band’s musical work, “Renaissance” is an album focused on a more melodic and accessible form of music, a kind of Glam/AOR that even any grandmother can hear it and love each song. And this isn’t a bad thing, it’s just the opposite: this album is really great, with songs that are easy to hear and like, and the songs are amazingly spontaneous, in a way that the listener will understand that Rob put a lot of his heart (and all his talent) on this album.
Rob produced, mixed (having Torben Enevoldsen with him on this part of the work), and mastered “Renaissance”, all to keep control over his brainchild. And it is worthy of his work, because the sound quality of the album is crystalline, with everything listenable without efforts, but always keeping a bit touch of roughness (it’s a Rock ‘n’ Roll album, after all). The songs of the album are all excellent, but the commercial strength of “You Are the One” (very good melodies and an ambience that seems like a mix of influences from AOR, Progressive and Pop Rock in some moments, and the vocals are amazing), the strong melodic impact of “Let Me Be the One” (amazing vocals and very good work on bass guitar and drums), the charming mix of silk roughness with melodic aesthetics of “Lift You Up” and of “Hold On to Love” (this one is a bit more energetic, but in a Pop Rock/AOR sense), the elegance of the Power Pop/Rock song heard on “It’s Time to Go” (its introspective ambiance gives to the song a noir aura that is really excellent, enabling the vocals to use an ample range of tunes), the 80’s kind of hit songs “Many Come Home” and “I Don’t Want to Wait Forever” are the ones that the listeners will love, but if someone that was a fan on the 80s hear this album, will think that Rob would be a success back on those days. But what was good back then is still good today.
“Renaissance” is really a great album, and Rob must keep his solo career active. Music will thank him for that.
By Metal Mark" Garcia 9/10
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June 30/2019
For those who love quality AOR/Melodic Rock music, the name of Rob Moratti is a no stranger to them. He started his career as the singer of the band Moratti in the early 90's and continued as the lead singer of the super melodic rock band of Final Frontier. Rob was also the singer of the progressive rock band of SAGA.
Nowadays, Rob Moratti strikes back in business with his brand new solo record entitled "Renaissance" that is gonna be released through AOR Heaven in June 21st. The new opus is filled up with edgy guitars, amazing harmonies, memorable hooks n' choruses, well-crafted songs and, of course, with Rob's superb vocal lines in front row.
The opening tune of "You Are The One" is a melodic rock hymn with strong arrangements, a crunchy guitar sound, a chorus line to sing-a-long and it's among the highlights of "Renaissance". A track that will be loved by any fan of Final Frontier's works. The keyboard-driven gem of "Let Me Be The One" is yet another fantastic song while in "Best Of Me" we are dealing with a slower tune this time. These kind of tracks show Rob's amazing vocal talent. His warm, passionate voice really shines on here. "Hold On To Love", the west-coast incredible tune of "It's Time To Let Go" and the powerful AOR-ish (with its breathtaking guitar solo...) "I Don't Want To Wait For Ever" are three excellent samples out of "Renaissance".
With Rob Moratti you know what to expect; beautiful melodies, soaring and heartful vocals and quality songs! "Renaissance" is one of these albums that will speak through your heart at once!
Rating : 8,8/10 - Heavy Paradise
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TRANSCENDENT
This June 24th marks the long awaited return of powerhouse melodic vocalist Rob Moratti. As he returns with his second solo album entitled ‘Transcendent’ which promises to be a monster melodic hit.
Since Rob first appeared as vocalist and main songwriter for ‘Moratti’ in the early nineties which saw the release of two fine albums ‘Desolation’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ he has gone on to front melodic rockers ‘Final Frontier ‘ which saw the release of four albums. Which then led him onto replace ‘Michael Sadler’ in rock outfit ‘Saga’ while only recording one album before ‘Sadlers’ return it was one of great accolade indeed. In 2011 Rob released his debut solo album ‘Victory’ which saw an impressive lineup of guest musicians inc Reb Beach and Tony Franklin (who returns on the latest Transcendent release). ‘Robs’ last two outings include being guest vocalist for the Rage Of Angels Cd ‘The Devil’s New Tricks’ and his limited and now sold out tribute to his childhood and great influence ‘Journey’.
A sweet bass line sees us into the opener ‘Answer Of Life’ before Robs vocals in fine form set us up for a real 13 track melodic treat ‘Midst Of June’ with an infectious chorus and great guitar solo coupled with a great melodic background of keys and bass is soothing to the ear yet an assault on your melodic senses. ‘Im Flying High’ is a foot tapping singalong track that continues the melodic ride into your neighbors eardrums as you crank it up and Fly High like a melodic winged serpent as you look for a place to land so you can raise up your devil horns and scream ‘Im Flying High’.
‘Within Your Eyes’ slows things down to a soothing ballad level that pulls at your heart strings as the rhythm section keep things tight and the vocals reach in and pull a little more, with a great little solo midway through it sets this one up to be one of the standout tracks. With some fine bass and warming keys ‘Baby Im Yours’ is another fine ballad that if (Within Your Eyes) didn’t reach the right parts then this surely will its melodic magic at its finest. The more riff heavy tracks while still maintaining the melodic feel are ‘Im Back’ with more fine vocals and rhythm section bliss and features the solo of the album. and ‘There’s No Denying’ again showcasing Rob’s considerable vocal talent and indeed his songwriting and production skills, backed up by a selection of fine musicians ‘Transcendent’ announces the return of ‘Rob Moratti’ in his best and finest form ever.
Written by: Shane Bradley
Shane's Rating 10/10
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Canadian singer Rob Moratti returns with his latest release, 'Transcendent' which sees him giving his best performance yet, his vocals have never sounded better as he sings his heart out throughout all 12 tracks. This is melodic rock at its very best and he has a group of amazing musicians backing him up that include, Torben Enevoldsen (guitar, keyboards), Christian Wolff (guitar), Tony Franklin (bass), Fredrik Bergh (keyboards) and Stu Reid (drums, percussion). Making a cameo appearance is Moratti's Saga band mate, guitarist Ian Crichton. What this all adds up to is one superb listening experience. The overall vibe of this album is Journey with more emphasis on guitar." It's pleasant melodic rock that's upbeat and invigorating without being overly noisy and "screamy." A few of the songs sound similar to one another in style, but the whole is solid. Some personal favorites from this album are "Answer Of Life," "Don't Give Up" "Lost And Lonely," and "'I'm Flying High." From the impressive cast of musicians, one should expect nothing less than a quality melodic rock/AOR creation and that is exactly what you get. 'Transcendent' is one recording you listen to again and again and not tire of it. Rob Moratti's vocals are outstanding and Torben Enevoldsen is amazing on the guitar work! If you like high-energy rock that has a lasting, melodic edge to it, then this album delivers the goods in spades. Highly Recommended Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society .
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VICTORY
VICTORY Voted Album Of Year 2011.
http://www.stormbringer.at/specials.php?sp=20120108_crew&cid=74
Rob Moratti - no stranger to insiders, he was a few years of the successor to Michael Sadler at the Canadian legend SAGA. After his return to the exceptional singer focused on his solo career, which already includes two CDs. Previously, he was a singer and songwriter with his band and then MORATTI frontman of the successful, particularly in Canada and Japan, FINAL FRONTIER band.
Now is his latest album, "Victory" in front and keep - you can already tell in advance - what the line-up promises:
Rob Moratti - Lead and backing vocals (Moratti, Final Frontier, Saga)
Reb Beach - Lead Guitars (Winger, Whitesnake).
Christian Wolff - Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars and Keyboards
Tony Franklin - bass (Blue Murder, The Firm)
Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards
Brian Doerner - Drums (Helix, Saga)
Rob talks about his best and most personal album. I can only agree: Melodic Rock at its best, eleven brilliant songs that impress from start to finish and immediately settle in the ear canals. Well produced (by the master himself - the mix comes from Richard Chycki [Rush, Aerosmith, Gotthard, Pink]) and implemented by the excellent musicians.
Fans of FINAL FRONTIER OF GROOVE, early NIGHT RANGER, UNRULY CHILD SLAUGHTER and it is driving these melodies and hooks, the tears of joy in their eyes. Boredom is never announced, but the Canadians surprised with grandiose melodies, varied tempo changes and the right mix of rocking numbers and midtempo songs. With the ballad "Now More Than Ever" sounds from a work that will be among the "CDs of the year" in this genre, then you want only one thing. Immediately press the repeat button.
Highlights wants and I can not mention, this is the album to be compact. Conclusion: smooth victory for "Victory" and five melodic gems for Rob Moratti.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0
Author: Manfred (30 June 2011)
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August 27 / 2011
rockreport.be
Canadian vocalist Rob Moratti made a clear round so far: two albums for Moratti in the second half of the 90s, four albums for Final Frontier in the first half of the 00s and more recently: two albums for Saga, the studio album "The Human Condition" (2009) and the live album "Heads Or Tales Live" (2011). As we all know by now, Rob is no longer fronting Saga and that gave him the opportunity to write and record this fantastic solo album, called "Victory". To come up with an impressive album, Rob gathered some of the best songwriters and musicians. Knowing that everything starts with strong songs, he invited two excellent songwriters in the persons of Christian Wolff and Fredrik Bergh. Both also join him as musicians, next to Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, The Firm) and Brian Doerner (Saga). The result can only be described as stunning: all songs are super catchy, with strong melodies and choruses and the production is also fingerlickin’ good. Responsible for that is none other than Rob Moratti himself, while Richard Chycki (Aerosmith, Gotthard, Rush) mixed the record. Listening to the album it’s obvious that there was a lot of chemistry among the writers/musicians involved. Listening tips include both openers "Life On The Line" & "Everything But Goodbye", "Hold That Light", "Take It All Back" and "Standing On Top Of The World". A clear winner for Rob and hopefully the start of a brilliant solo career. Let’s see what the future will bring for him.
Written by (CL)
August 11/2011
powerofmetal.dk
Canada got more than hockeyplayers and curling teams, they got a great rock tradition. Triumph, Helix, Lee Aaron, Anvil, Frank Marion and this singer Rob Moratti. Mr Moratti is for me one of the best lead singers in the AOR/Hard Rock's epithet and one of the most underrated. Listen to any of Final Frontiers 4 albums and you'll understand what I meen. I enjoyed his contribution on SAGA's record "The Human Condition" too, but he left them for different reasons, so when I got this soloalbum to review, I didn't really know what to expect.
And, yes this is even better than I could imagine and he delivers brilliant Melodic Rock. Rob's got a world-class lineup behind him with veterans in this habit. Reb Beach (Winger/Whitesnake) guitars, Christian Wolff guitars, Tony Franklin (Blue Murder/The Firm) bass , Fredrik Bergh (Street Talk) Keyboards and ex-Saga drummer Brian Doerner. From the first track to the last it's high class in every song, so I can't choose any special track to be my favourite. If you are a fan of melodic rock music with clean, tight sound, perfection in the production, with good guitar playing and great vocal performance, then this is the summer album you should spend your money on.
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August 11 / 2011
melodicrock.com
Canadian singer/songwriter Rob Moratti has officially now "been around the block", with his fan-appreciated Final Frontier releases and an all too short stint fronting prog legends Saga.
Regrouping after leaving Saga, Rob delivers his first ever solo album, which understandably is not a great leap from the style of Final Frontier.
However, where Rob does take a great leap is the quality of this record over his past releases. This is a noticeable jump in songwriting, performance and especially production. This is a great sounding melodic rock record, backed by a powerhouse band.
Reb Beach handles lead guitars; Christian Wolff Rhythm and Lead; Frederik Berg handles keyboards; Tony Franklin is there on bass and Brian Doerner on drums. That's a lot of talent on one CD.
The production is terrific, with the set self-produced by Rob and mixed and mastered by Richard Chycke (Rush, Pink, Aerosmith).
Then there are the songs. They aren't always just straight up AOR or melodic rock. There are some twists and turns and added production effects to modernize the sound a little, but at all times the soul of the album remains true to that old-school style.
Highlights are of course numerous. From the opening drive of Life On The Line, to the over the top AOR vocals on Everything But Goodbye, to the warmth of the slower melodic rock ballad Lifetime.
Power Of Love dips back into the 80s and Final Frontier's core sound with keyboards everywhere.
Hold That Light has that Journey 80s feel, while On And On has a moodier, darker tone and is more guitar driven.
Take It All Back is a great rock ballad with mood and style in spades.
The next few tracks offer a bright, uplifting passage of music before the more urgent Jennie breaks the run.
The closing track is the big ballad Now More Than Ever.
Andrew McNeice rates Victory 93/100
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WERTUNG: 10 von 10
Manchmal ist die Trennung von der Stammband gar nicht mal das Schlimmste und führt sogar zu kreativen und musikalischen Höchstleistungen. Im Falle des Sängers ROB MORATTI (ex FINAL FRONTIER und SAGA) kann der geneigte Musikliebhaber von einem Glücksfall sprechen, dass MICHAEL SADLER(SAGA Sänger) sich dazu entschlossen hat, zu der Gruppe zurückzukehren. Im ersten Moment war dies für ROB, der ihn in der Zwischenzeit ersetzte und auf „Human Condition" (2009) eine grandiose Leistung ablieferte, mit Sicherheit eine bittere Pille, aber er hat sich schnell wieder berappelt, die Chance genutzt und präsentiert uns mit „Victory" eines der besten AOR/ Melodic Rock Alben des Jahres.
Der Kanadier war auch schon vor seinem Engagement bei SAGA recht erfolgreich in der Rockszene unterwegs und veröffentlichte unter dem Bandnamen MORATTI die Alben „Desolation" (1995) und „Legends Of Tomorrow" (1997). Anschließend schloss er sich der neu formierten Gruppe von MLADEN (VON GROOVE, TRIUMPH, 24K etc.) an und gehörte er zu den Eckpfeilern von FINAL FRONTIER. In dieser fruchtbaren, gemeinsamen Zeit entstanden 4 Alben, die dem AOR/ Melodic Rock Genre zuzuordnen sind.
Für sein drittes Soloalbum lud sich der kanadische Ausnahmesänger eine hochkarätige Mannschaft ins Studio ein, die ihn tatkräftig unterstützte.
Mit dabei waren:
Reb Beach – Gitarre (WINGER, WHITESNAKE).
Christian Wolff – Gitarre und Keyboards
Tony Franklin - Bass (BLUE MURDER, THE FIRM)
Fredrik Bergh – Keyboards (STREET TALK)
Brian Doerner - Schlagzeug (SAGA)
„Victory" bietet bis auf das letzte Haar perfekt durcharrangierten AOR/ Melodic Rock, welcher Erinnerungen an FOREIGNER, TOTO, JOURNEY und STYX aufkommen lässt. Er knüpft musikalisch dort an, wo er mit seinen Soloscheiben und den FINAL FRONTIER Outputs aufgehört hat. Ihm gelingt es, den typischen Flair des '80er Jahre Melodic Rock ins Jahr 2011 zu transportieren, ohne das die Scheibe altbacken und bieder klingt. Erstklassig ist auch die Produktion der Scheibe, welche von ihm und RICHARD CHYCKI (u.a. RUSH, AEROSMITH und GOTTHARD) durchgeführt wurde. Die Scheibe kommt mit mächtig viel Druck und glasklar durch die Speaker. Das ist schon einmal der erste Pluspunkt, den MORATTI auf der Habenseite verbuchen kann. Die Mitmusiker des Kanadiers sind alle Profis mit super Fähigkeiten an ihren Instrumenten, sprich es gibt nichts zu mäkeln. Hier wird nicht weichgespült, geplüscht oder gar ein klebriger und schwülstiger Sound fabriziert, sondern gerockt was das Zeug hält. Der feine Rock, den uns die Mannen präsentieren, wird mit einer Menge Spielfreude und einer gehörigen Portion Power vorgetragen. Besonders REB BEACH sticht mit seinem Gitarrenspiel hervor. Seine Gitarre dominiert den Gesamtsound und er setzt seine Fähigkeiten absolut im Dienste der Band ein. ROB selbst liefert eine erstklassige Leistung ab und seine kraftvolle, warme und klare Stimme erkennt man unter Hundert sofort wieder. Also auch hier folgen weitere Pluspunkte für „Victory". Wie sieht es mit dem Material/ Songwriting aus? Nun ja, die Songs, wie kann es auch anders sein, sind die pure Perfektion und lassen keine Ungereimtheiten/ Schwächen durchschimmern. MORATTI hat beim Schreiben der Songs wirklich alles berücksichtigt, was einen guten Track ausmacht. Tolle Hooklines, Melodien und Refrains die schnell ins Ohr gehen zeichnen diesen Longplayer aus.
Das Album beginnt gleich mit einem Paukenschlag, denn „Life On The Line" bietet einen 1A AOR Rocker. Der Song kann es ganz locker mit dem Material des neuen JOURNEY Outputs aufnehmen. Es geht auch gleich mit einem weiteren Hammer weiter. Bei „Everything But Good Bye" fällt besonders BEACH's tolles Gitarrenspiel auf und ROB singt sehr kraftvoll und mit einer Hingabe, die so manchen Möchtegernsänger verstummen lässt. Besonders stark ist seine Stimme bei dem catchy Refrain. Totale Granate! Das ruhigere „Life Time" erinnert mich ein bisschen an die Großtaten der göttlichen STYX. BEACH überzeugt durch ein sehr gefühlvolles und warmes Spiel. Die erstklassigen Gesangs/Background Harmonien und die Melodieführung sorgen dafür, dass ich eine Gänsehaut bekomme. Einen richtigen Eighties Flair versprüht „Power Of Love". Parallelen zu Songs der erfolgreicheren JOURNEY Phase sind nicht von der Hand zu weisen. Weiter geht es mit dem typischen AOR Rocker „Hold That Light", der einen tollen Bridge enthält und REB BEACH sich austoben kann. Ein Song, der sich bei mir zu einem Ohrwurm entwickelt hat, ist „On And On". Es geht ein bisschen kerniger zur Sache und dieser Teufelskerl an der Gitarre liefert wieder eine atemberaubende Arbeit an der Sechssaiten ab. Das Solo ist einfach nicht zu beschreiben! Für mich stellt der Track, der mich ein bisschen an FOREIGNER erinnert, das absolute Highlight dar. Mit der Ballade „Take It All Back" schafft die Band es, die selige Arena Rock Stimmung zu entfachen und imaginär sehe ich, wie hunderte von Feuerzeuge in Richtung Himmel gestreckt werden. Ein weiteres Highlight, welches sich bei mir in der Ohrmuschel festsetzt, ist „Standing On The Top Of The World". Es ist einfach unbeschreiblich wie gut MORATTI bei diesem Song klingt. Einzig die kurze Sequenz, bei der seine Stimme elektronisch verzehrt wird, gefällt mir persönlich nicht so gut.
Wer weiß, ob „Victory" erschienen wäre, wenn ROB weiterhin bei SAGA das Mikro geschwungen hätte. Vermutlich wäre es zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt erschienen und er hätte sich auf die Arbeit mit der Hauptband konzentriert. Tja, und der AOR/ Melodic Rock Aficionado hätte noch länger auf diesen superben Output warten müssen.
Wie sage ich es immer so schön: Alles hat seinen Sinn und ich persönlich bin glücklich darüber, dass es so gelaufen ist, denn sonst wäre mir eines der besten Scheiben aus dem Genre, vorerst verwehrt geblieben.
Wer auf phantastischen, erdigen und ehrlichen Rock steht, welcher auch ab und zu an die Ära von Gruppen wie JOURNEY, FOREINGER und STYX erinnert, muss hier unbedingt zugreifen! Hier stimmt einfach das Gesamtpaket. Tolle Band, geiler Sänger und phantastische Songs.
Leute, ab zum Plattendealer und das Ding mal ganz lecker in den Einkaufskorb schmeißen! Das Album ist einfach viel zu geil geworden, um in den Regalen zu versauern.
Von mir kann es nur eine Benotung geben! 10 Punkte machen sich auf meinem Rockhimmel breit und mein CD Player tritt eher in den Hungerstreik, bevor er „Victory" wieder freiwillig ausspuckt.
Goetz 10/10
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metalkaoz.com
Being a major influence for fellow / later bands and artists surely is a good thing, since nice music keeps circulating but also because people influenced by you sometimes produce better albums in a certain period (or the last years - you choose!); AOR giants JOURNEY came up with a new album recently which I did not find entertaining at all. And - on the contrary - ‘cult’ melodic Rock representatives like this charismatic Canadian singer has just unleashed a fistful of breaking tunes in his out-now debut solo album, "Victory". Kill your idols and support the underground, c’mon…
Rob Moratti is not a household name, that’s for sure, but if you’ve sank your teeth into harmony-friendly pompous AOR/Rock you’ve possible come to meet him as the singer behind bands like VON GROOVE and FINAL FRONTIER, not of course willing to omit his recent participation in the ranks of renowned Canadian pomp rockers SAGA. The first thing I can certainly credit Rob with is his easiness in catching the so-called sky notes; man, he certainly can sing high, reminding a lot of the charisma of the one and only Steve Perry (or - to a lesser extent - Mark/Marcie Free and Tony Mills) without being a cruel imitator at all. Next thing is he does not have such a scope in mind (or at least this is what I think…); Moratti has a throat clad in thinness but his voice finally sounds metallic enough (no, not ‘Metal’ you spike-loaded metalhead) giving the songs this extra something in terms of timbre and harmonia behavior.
The songs themselves are as fine as Rob’s voice, thankfully. In fact "Victory" looks as if it’s a way more than just a good selection of song to fill your hunger with. The melodies are excellent, the rhythm section is simple yet ample and ‘arena’ recorded, giving the whole album a production fortunately fat and not as typical and computerized as the vast majority of e.g. the Frontiers recent catalogue. There’s a variety in tempos here, with fast paced boulevard Rock tunes, mid-tempo shake-your-booty dancing cuts and milder AOR moments. The likes of JOURNEY, FM, SHY or other megatherions of the classic AOR scene are present of course, but Rob proves to be a smart artist not willing to fall in the trap; songs like "Life On The Line", "Power Of Love", "Hold That Light", "Take It All Back" and "Standing On Top Of The World" have their own atmosphere drawn and the final result proves to be more than satisfying.
Looking at the guestlist this is an easy thing to say, now thinking more deeply. When you have Reb Beach (WINGER, WHITESNAKE, DOKKEN) and Tony Franklin (THE FIRM, BLUE MURDER, Glenn Hughes, QUIET RIOT) enlisting their services to your record, there’s no way you can grumble about the musicianship’s status. Reb especially portrays his unlimited talent once again since he always knows when and where to give boost and where to hold back the horses. As for his soloing, just give a listen to the atmosphere he’s inspiring during the awesome ballad called "Take It All Back"…
Yes, yes, yes: "Victory" is the melodic Rock you’ve been dreaming about for this summer. A better than good companion, this first Rob Moratti release shall unarguably haunt your audio system and there’s no serious excuse letting this chance pass by. I did not expect such an exciting high-quality release, I confess. Phew, these Canadians!
Written by Grigoris Chronis
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June 26 / 2011
HEAVY PARADISE
Moratti's victory? I think that with this album the charismatic frontman achieved to reach his best album to date! In "Victory", Moratti collaborated with a bunch of great musicians such as Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake) on guitars, Fredrik Berg (Street Talk) on keys, Tony Franklin (Blue Murder, The Firm) on bass and his friend from Saga Brian Doemer on drums. So, with an impressive list of musicians plus the talent of Rob Moratti you can't go wrong with this release!
From the very first notes of the opener tune of "Life On The Line", this album grabs you and leaves you hungry for more!! Great harmonies, catchy chorus lines, clever hooks, inspired guitar riffs and solos and Moratti's amazing vocal lines are the things that you are going to hear in "Victory". I think that Moratti put his heart and soul to record an album that will please every single fan of this gerne and the final result reach the perfection. Reb Beach's guitar work is brilliant and shows why this guitarist is in the world's frontline of guitar players.
The rhythm section is solid and it makes you wonder if this band has been together for a long time! Every single track shines here and there is no filler in sight! If I had to pick my personal five tunes from this album, I'd say that the perfect "Life Time", "Standing On Top of the World", "Hold That Light", the beautiful ballad "I Promise You" and the anthemic tune of "On and On" are my top tracks from this album!
Bottom line is that Moratti achieved to release an album that will make an impact in the melodic rock scene. An album that every single fan will be pleased and will end up among the best top 10 releases in every melodic rock site across the net! Well done Rob!
HEAVY PARADISE RATING 9.5/10
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June 26 / 2011
Hardrockhaven.net
Since his earliest days with his self titled band, Moratti, on through his work with Phenomena, and as well his guest vocals on Tor Talle’s astounding 2005 project, Northern Light and his tenure with Final Frontier and Saga’s 2009 Human Condition, Moratti, has indeed proved himself time and again as one of the great voices of melodic rock. While it is his voice that is the focal point of Victory, note must be given to what is one amazing group of guest musicians – Reb Beach (Winger, Dokken, Whitesnake,) Fredrik Berg (Street Talk, Bloodhound,) Tony Franklin (Quiet Riot, Blue Murder, The Firm) and Brian Doemer (Helix, Saga.)
With a sound firmly planted in AOR, Victory opens with what could have been found on any Final Frontiers release, "Life on the Line," complete with subtle guitar riffs winding their way around the track. Reb Beach proves why he is one of the rock world’s finest guitarists, with solos laying a delectable showing just under the blanket of power chords. Listen as well to the perfect, mid tempo "Life Time," the prog-ish, "Power of Love," the rocking, head nodding "On and On," the grandiose keyboards of "Hold That Light," the gentle "Take It All Back," and with a sound that will remind one of Work of Art or Northern Light is the ballad "I Promise You." Wonderful as well are the incredible drums of "Standing On Top of the World," where Moratti’s voice reaches into the upper octaves, and closing this fantastic release is the piano and lush guitars of "Now More Than Ever."
Moratti seems to have a vocal style that has indeed remained as strong as ever. While age is indeed little more than a number, it has been proven that there are certain vocalists that unfortunately time catches up with and their voice becomes not as strong as it once was. On the complete other sides of the gamut are vocalists who seem to defy such a notion and stay as remarkable as ever – age be damned. Moratti is such a singer.
The sound on Victory is flawless, the musicianship as perfect as one could hope for and overall the sound flows easily from one track to the next. Pleasing on the ears, it is indeed tangible that Rob Moratti poured out his heart and soul on this release, and the end result is exquisite. The musicians play off each other extremely well, knowing their instruments and using them to accentuate certain passages and emotions. The songwriting was seemingly done with care, taking into consideration when to bring into focus a guitar, a keyboard or drum roll and when to pull back. The sentiment heard throughout is solid and real, and as has been said so many times, if the listener can feel of those feelings that the songwriter is trying to express, the result will be a compilation that a listener will want to come back to time and again. This is one of those times.
So…..the "best of" deliberation will surely carry on, but Rob Moratti, with this release, has established himself as one of the great ones, for this, in every way possible, showcases his talent as a lyricist, musician and vocalist. This was truly an unbelievable CD, one that will surely make many top ten lists for 2011.
Written by Franco Cerchiari
Rates "Victory" 9.5/10
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May 22 / 2011
myglobalmind.com
http://myglobalmind.com/2011/05/21/rob-moratti-victory/
What a successful career lead singer Rob Moratti has had since he started singing and officially wrote material for his own band Moratti in the early 90′s. The legendary singer eventually joined the project Final Frontier with songwriting partner Mladen (Von Groove) and together they released 4 very highly thought after albums in the melodic rock circle. I really only got into Moratti’s stuff via the last Final Frontier record "Freelight" which got rave reviews all over the place. His amazing vocal range is something that makes the man something of a legend in these kneck of the woods; and why not? But is not just his great vocal arrangements but rather his versatility, case and point after he joined the legendary Canadian prog rock outfit Saga in 2008, needless to say he fit right in contributing both songwriting and production for Saga’s record "The Human Condition". I know that particular scenario had to be put through a magnifying glass as it was a bit of a different style for Rob, but from what I have read from longtime Saga fans; he did a great job in that situation.
Needless to say Moratti is no longer in Saga as they have reunited with their original singer Michael Sadler who Rob replaced after he left the band for family reasons. Whatever the up and down band changes and different projects, the man is a heck of a vocalist and I was really looking forward to his new solo CD to see what music direction he decided to vent from his list of repertoires.
My suspicion was right yes he’s back to his natural habitat and here we have a freaking brilliant display of Melodic Hard Rock as only Rob can remit, but wait the line up here is also superb as it consists of veterans of the scene the likes of Reb Beach (Winger / Whitesnake), Tony Franklin (Blue Murder / The Firm), Brian Doerner – Drums (SAGA) as well as Christian Wolff on guitars and Fredrik Bergh on Keyboards. Man is been a while since we had a real good Melodic Rock record seems like,well wait no more because "Victory" is a triumphant return to shape for Rob and company.
Leave it to the pure AOR vibe of "Life On The Line" to teach you how it should be done, with an explosive voice of Moratti breaking through with impeccable originality and style similar to the classic "Lydia" hit from his Final Frontier days. Where to start with the hits here? Another pure melodic rock bliss infuses your engines with "The Power Of Love"; again Rob reaches some grandiose notes and along with some killer riffs leading the way, you have a winner once more. The instrumental solo in "On And On" is yet another highlight in this deep record of arena filled melodic anthems; mad props to both Reb Beach and Christian Wolff for shredding the mind away with this addictive riff they both do a great job on guitars throughout. What’s the point of breaking down each song when all have is plentiful quality to offer to the listener? I have to give some attention to the keyboards by Fredrik Bergh who does a great job of carefully crafting them into each song without making them swallow the song over. "Jennie" adds a nice ballad rush towards the end of the record adding more value to this empowered core.
The end result is aesthetically pleasing and soothing to your ears as Moratti here can naturally hits these notes in his sleep soaring with instillation and feel, a trait only veterans of the genre can reach. What also works here is the super strong musicianship of all the members involved, Beach is excellent as we all know he usually is, the drums are carefully crafted into each melodic tune by Saga drummer Brian Dorner, and the production is pristine; glaring each track to sore higher then the previous one. This one picks up where Final Frontier left off in 2006 , what a powerful punch of keen musicians, firm musical direction and of course marvelous front lead in the vocal department. Welcome back Rob a place where you belong; victory is indeed yours. Seal it up and highly recommended for all Melodic Hard Rockers out there!!!!
Written by Denys
Ratings Denys 9.6/10
ROB MORATTI - TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY
http://www.themayfairmallzine.com/
Canadian singer Rob Moratti enters 2015 with a tribute to AOR finest rock bands Journey; this is not Moratti’s first homage to the band.
And once again Moratti’s has encapsulated the songs essence and added his own superb vocals to the mix to bring out the best in these classic’s, if this was audition tape for a spot to be the bands new frontman, then this would surely do put him in the forefront for the job.
As his takes on the some of the bands finest track are really stunning interpretations, from the opener ‘Separate Ways’ right down to the closer ‘Mother Father’, Moratti’s fantastic vocals just enhance the songs, aided by the Torben Evevoldsen, Graham Fillier, Piero Greco and Stu Reid, this is a great nod of respect to the band.
You’ve got to love Moratti’s spin on the likes ‘Separate Ways’, ‘Any Way You Want It’, the stunning ‘Ask The Lonely’ and my personal favourite ‘Who’s Cryin’ Now'.
This is a must buy for all Journey and Moratti fans and lovers of high quality Melodic Rock and AOR. If your heart is still yearning for the 80’s to return, then this is the album for you, and with the album limited to 1000 numbered copies, you better get yours damn quickly. Those heady days when this style of music ruled the airways might have gone but it will never be forgotten, as long as we all ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.
Review by: Barry McMinn
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http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/r_2/rob-moratti-tribute.htm
ROB MORATTI is a Hard Rock / AOR singer from Toronto, Canada, USA. I remember very well his first solo album "Victory” which was released in 2011 and for me was totally brilliant! Rob is one of Rock's legendary voices - former of FINAL FRONTIER, ex-SAGA. "Tribute To Journey” is a brand new second studio release featuring Rob’s take on his favourite JOURNEY songs. Album will be released on 20th March 2015 and it will be Limited Edition of 1000 copies only and all numbered.
I especially like “Ask The Lonely” with piano in FOREIGNER style, energetic sounds and perfect working bass, great guitar solo and catchy refrain. Also “Anyway You Want It” is made ina very nice way with big doses of energy, amazing rhythmic section and unbelieveable catchiness. Track “Mother Father” is perfectly recorded with gentle guitars opening it and beautiful singing. Then heavier riffs add true flavour with very melodic refrain and incredible guitar soloing.
Wonderful voice of singer Rob Moratti is so gentle and deep. like balm on the listener's soul. Catchy refrain make it so memorable. Amazing is also “Don't Stop Believin’” with melody, atmospheric piano & the wonderful voice of Rob. It sounds like Rock mixed with gentle AOR. I love also “Separate Ways” with great AOR keys & heavier riffs with pulsating rhythmic section. Perfect singing refrain with pouring out melody. Amazing refrain and this choir – oh total heaven! Nice solo and keys too!
Piano & impressive voice of Rob is in "Faithfully" – balladic atmosphere with excellent, layered vocal timbres! The same is with the gorgeous "Who’s Cryin’ Now" with incredibly playing & gentle singing together with powerful backing vocals, excellent piano & clear bass. Energetic and fantastic atmosphere with AOR echoes are in "Be Good To Yourself", great riffs with catchy refrain are in "Stone In Love", ballad "Why Can’t This Night Go On Forever" with gentle AOR piano and impressive singing and fine working bass, rockin riffs in Bluesy climate where there are a few DEEP PURPLE influences with perfect choirs and fabulous melodies in "Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’".
This brilliant CD is full of killer sounds. "Tribute To Journey" is for lovers Melodic Rock and AOR, also for everyone who loves spirit of the 80's and especially for JOURNEY fans. Rob Moratti has released another excellent album, full of melody and energy and he showed how beautiful he could still be singing and records hits of JOURNEY. Finally in my opinion this album is total perfect. I couldn't stop to listen these beautiful songs because they are so catchy. Fans of JOURNEY and fans of ROB MORATTI's voice will be in seventh heaven during listening of this wonderful album!
[5 Star Rating]
MASTERPIECE
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ALBUM OF THE YEAR AND TOP 100 ALBUMS
VICTORY Voted Album Of Year 2011.
http://www.stormbringer.at/specials.php?sp=20120108_crew&cid=74
Rob Moratti - no stranger to insiders, he was a few years of the successor to Michael Sadler at the Canadian legend SAGA. After his return to the exceptional singer focused on his solo career, which already includes two CDs. Previously, he was a singer and songwriter with his band and then MORATTI frontman of the successful, particularly in Canada and Japan, FINAL FRONTIER band.
Now is his latest album, "Victory" in front and keep - you can already tell in advance - what the line-up promises:
Rob Moratti - Lead and backing vocals (Moratti, Final Frontier, Saga)
Reb Beach - Lead Guitars (Winger, Whitesnake).
Christian Wolff - Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars and Keyboards
Tony Franklin - bass (Blue Murder, The Firm)
Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards
Brian Doerner - Drums (Helix, Saga)
Rob talks about his best and most personal album. I can only agree: Melodic Rock at its best, eleven brilliant songs that impress from start to finish and immediately settle in the ear canals. Well produced (by the master himself - the mix comes from Richard Chycki [Rush, Aerosmith, Gotthard, Pink]) and implemented by the excellent musicians.
Fans of FINAL FRONTIER OF GROOVE, early NIGHT RANGER, UNRULY CHILD SLAUGHTER and it is driving these melodies and hooks, the tears of joy in their eyes. Boredom is never announced, but the Canadians surprised with grandiose melodies, varied tempo changes and the right mix of rocking numbers and midtempo songs. With the ballad "Now More Than Ever" sounds from a work that will be among the "CDs of the year" in this genre, then you want only one thing. Immediately press the repeat button.
Highlights wants and I can not mention, this is the album to be compact. Conclusion: smooth victory for "Victory" and five melodic gems for Rob Moratti.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0
Author: Manfred (30 June 2011)
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ROB MORATTI - "VICTORY " TAKES 2ND PLACE
FOR THE 100 BEST MELODIC HARD ROCK ALBUMS OF THE DECADE!
FROM 2010 - 2019, CHECK IT OUT.
http://sin23ou.heavy.jp/?p=13985&fbclid=IwAR25LYsLJAGtvmmQXD-JUuMmyK1r7ew9PnqdWAP_i9F6RIdJBDAEERggcp