Billy Squier's last charting album was the previous "Signs of Life" with his huge hit Rock me Tonite. He continues his dance flavored Pop/Hard Rock with less keyboards. A few songs were co-written by
Freddie Mercury. I'm sure, though, the chances of hearing anything off here on the radio is about as likely as Woody Allen marrying someone who was alive when this came out.
Songs 1-3 set the tone for the album, like Foreigner & Bon Jovi meet the Romantics. The best song is the opener, "Shot O' Love." The power ballad, "All we Have to Give" is one of 2 (the other being the accoustic based "Till it's Over") and both are some of the best he's done. Unlike many of his peers, Billy's ballads were never big hits. The former sounds almost socially concious. Come Home is the hardest song, kind of a (90125) Yes/hair-band sound. Maybe he had too much coffee
"Break the Silence" is like "Lady With a Tenor Sax" but with some keyboards. Powerhouse is similar but not quite as good. "Lonely One" is one of the other highlights. Fast Pop/Rocker with some Keyboards. Could've been a big hit. The only song I can't get into is the closer, "Wink of an Eye," mid-tempo, sounds like it could be a sports jam for some reason.
Billy is one of those artists that you likely won't fall in love with at first listen. You'll think "Oh, it's kind of good" but after a few listens it'll be in your head. If you can find "Hear and Now" his next album, I'd recommend it. Sort of like this, but more radio friendly.