Those in the know will often give the credit (or even more often dishonor) of creating pop-metal to Montreal's Aldo Nova. While The Crüe was still a too vile to really get that title who else could it be? The rock criticism world still has not washed the stigma off that style, so why keep waiting for them to do it? I'll do it right now! I am very glad to have finally acquired it since hearing the classic "Foolin' Yourself" on Pandora this spring. Likewise, my current addiction to SCTV and The Kids in the Hall beg me to put up my first Canadian addition.
This is a great pop album. No way around it. It seems as though the Canadians are the unsung heroes of 80s metal with Nova founding the pop side and Anvil on the thrash side. Nova is a skilled guitar player songwriter, and producer whose skills have been lent to such superstars as fellow Quebecois Celine Dion and the Bon J (who clearly owe a lot to him). This is the perfect remedy for someone looking for pop metal that isn't too girly, virtuosity that isn't obnoxious, or mainstream rock that is pure. I have really enjoyed every single song on this album, particularly the aforementioned "Foolin' Yourself" and the album's hit "Fantasy." This is essential for anyone who enjoyed Be Bop Deluxe as in many ways it has the same sound, only updated for the 80s.
The themes on this album are classic pop metal: good guys gone bad after their hearts were broken, good girls one the street, and of course "Hot Love." The album is pure fun - best listened to in a red, talking, sports car if you know what I mean... So listen if you dare because this is good music. No shame in it. And if you see a vinyl copy on this around Los Angeles, be sure to let me know.
Aldo Nova - Aldo Nova (1981)
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