STREETS - A ROCK OPERA

This is a well done, well thought out concept album about a character called D.T. Jesus. I must admit i'm not big on concept albums but SAVATAGE have kept the music at a high level and still tell a great story. For many this is SAVATAGE"s crowning glory and it's hard not to argue, especially with the Oliva brothers involved.

"Streets" featuers a children's choir to open only to be replaced by these haunting keys and a dark atmosphere. Jon comes in with his rough vocals almost speaking the words.The tempo starts to pick up and the choir returns backing him up. A good heavy mid-paced tune. "Jesus Saves" opens with this guy talking on the streets to people.The song kicks in powerfully with vocals. Gotta love Criss' guitar work on this one. Great chorus as Jon shouts "Jesus saves !". Check out the guitar 3 minutes in. "Tonight He Grins Again" opens with piano as Jon comes in sounding a lot smoother vocally, that does change as he gets passionate. "Strange Reality"" opens with these catchy riffs vocals join in. Check out Criss after 4 minutes. Just a killer track. "A Little Too Far" opens with reserved vocals sounding like Roger Waters with piano. "You're Alive" is an uptempo rocker. "Sammy And Tex" opens with fast paced riffs and vocals followed by some ripping guitar.

"St.Patrick's" opens with fragile vocals and piano before kicking in to a higher gear. "Can You Hear Me Now" opens with acoustic guitar, synths and drums. Nice sound as the vocals join in. It kicks in heavily before a minute. Contrasts continue. Incredible guitar before 3 minutes. "New York City Don't Mean Nothing" features strummed guitar and vocals. Cool sound. It kicks in after a minute. Nice heavy sound here. Criss lights it up 3 minutes in. "Ghost In The Ruins" opens with atmospheric guitar before kicking in heavily. Amazing tune right here. Jon is in fine form too. Check out Johnny Lee Middleton on bass 2 1/2 minutes in as Criss solos tastefully. Beautiful section. Jon returns spitting out the lyrics. "If I Go Away" opens with piano as vocals eventually join in. It gets fuller. "Agony And Ecstacy" sounds amazing to open with that guitar as Jon comes in theatrically.The tempo picks up and continues to shift. "Heal My Soul" is piano and fragile vocals. "Somewhere In Time" kicks in after a minute. This is emotional stuff. Great lyrics. It picks up after 2 minutes. "Believe" is the closing track and it has the most lyrics. And I have to be honest these lyrics bring tears to my eyes.

Rest in peace Criss. Bless you Jon and Criss' family. And thankyou for the music..