What a follow up! Guardian returns to action with two new members and a groovin' new album. In the last issue of HM, the guys in Guardian talked about writing songs like the ones they enjoyed in the 70's and early 80's. Could it be that the guys are playin' music from their hearts? It sounds like it. Couple this with the fact that this style of music is popular right now (Winger, Bonham, Bon Jovi), and you have what could be a hit record. Jamie Rowe (ex-Tempest) really does a good job delivering the goods with a slight bluesy rasp. He lets it fly during songs like "Takin' On The World", a snappy, rippin' tune that finds the whole band in high gear. In perfect-for-radio songs like "Time Stands Still" and "Forever And A Day", Jamie's croon could win a million hearts. The Elefante's production is really an asset when it comes to background vocals, which really adds a touch of class to the record. Some of the "ooohs" sound like they even could've been sampled from Mastedon. The best tunes of the album fall into the following two categories: The title track and the lead off track, "Power Of Love", are the two hottest rockers on the album; while the "time" songs - "Time Stands Still", "Time And Time Again", and "Forever And A Day" - are the up-tempo melodic hits of the album. They've got great hooks and each member adds his special touch to make these tunes the strongest they can be. "Never Say Goodbye" is an interesting tune. It's a ballad with a little Eagles flair to it, thanks to the pedal steel work of Ron Eglit. "The Rain" starts off as a cool blues ballad with a really hip groove, and then goes into rock mode after the first verse. The lyrics are very upfront: "Oh Lord, I know You've got the answers/ Oh Lord, I know You are the Way/ Oh Lord, I know You are the Answer." ("Fire & Love") This album shows an improved Guardian, and is a swell way to start off the new year!