TOJA – (Sad) Songs Of Hope
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 02-11-2013
The fourth album from melodic hard rock/ AOR-oriented German quintet ToJa is a varied affair that can be a roller coaster ride to navigate at times. As great as many of the softer elements, hook-lines, and harmonic elements musically can be in tracks like "Into the Dark" and "Don’t Turn Away" that will be a big hit for people into Pretty Maids, MSG, Journey, or latter day Rainbow, it’s the bumpy range of vocalist / guitarist Tommy Rinn that could see many leave the ToJa camp. There are many times where he simply croons or carries about in another dimension, which isn’t a good thing in this style where everything needs to be spot on.
"(Sad) Songs of Hope" is a 12 song album that has 1980’s appeal, but doesn’t really capture my attention for very long.