DeCarlo: Lightning Strikes Twice (Frontiers, 2020)

The Frontiers label released a number of high-profile albums in the first part of the year, and one that perhaps got lost in the shuffle was Lightning Strikes Twice, the debut album from North Carolina-based melodic rockers DeCarlo. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because lead singer Tommy DeCarlo has been the frontman for Boston since 2007. Here he is teamed up with his son Tommy DeCarlo Jr. on guitars as well as bassist Brett Nelson and drummer Dan Hitz.

It’s hard to hear Tommy DeCarlo’s voice and not think Boston, and he doesn’t shy away from that classic Boston-style melodic rock sound at all on Lightning Strikes Twice. There are also traces of Foreigner and Survivor, which is never a bad thing. There’s also this stripped down, laid back AOR sound that’s very reminiscent of the latest Boulevard album that just works so well with DeCarlo’s voice. It’s more about the subtle melodies and deft keyboards than big hooks, though the album has its share of upbeat rockers. Some real gems here are “You Are The Fire,” “Give Love A Try” and “There She Goes,” but the whole thing really satisfies when you’re in the mood for laid back AOR.

This was a really pleasant surprise. If you like your AOR on the lighter, more soulful side, and especially if you’re a fan of recent albums by Boulevard, Fortune and Jace Pawlak, DeCarlo is well worth checking out. And obviously fans of Tommy DeCarlo’s work with Boston need to hear this one.