Re-release of FATE’s 3rd stroke and this time without the legendary Hank Sherman on the 6-string.
A lot of fans back then meant that this was the end of this melodic outfit. Well, I actually think they first started adding bite to the material AFTER the departure of Sherman.
“Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’” has everything a good Melodic Rock / AOR album needs – Major/Minor harmonies from keyboards and guitars, immaculate whammy bar soloing, cheesy lyrics, spandex pants and teased hair! -)
From the immediacy of the opener one senses the “happy-go-happy” approach which is emphasized by the world-class sound of Simon Hanhart at the helm.
Songs like “Love on the Rox”, especially “Lovers” and “Babe, you got a Friend” should convince everyone that this album is one of the lost melodic treasures of the 80s.
Not the best album from FATE, I agree, but were it not for the semi-mediocre VAN HALEN-inspired songs like “Dead Boy, Cold Meat” and “Send a Little Money” this album WOULD have received a higher rating.
