Although it prominently features the guitar fireworks of former axeman , 's is unquestionably 's showcase. Taking a leave from his day job as the lead singer of co-wrote most of the tracks here and had the most input concerning the album's direction. The lyrics are among his most personal to date, which helps atone for the songs' tendency to forego a sense of restraint, whether the music's tone is bombastic or sentimental. It's closer to classic '70s hard rock than 's music, more along the lines of or , so fans will get a nice change of pace. ~ Steve Huey