The Italian group HUNGRYHEART is a band we have reviewed here before at RockEyez. Their self-titled release from 2008 garnered a 3 ½ star review with us back then and now they are back with “One Ticket To Paradise” in 2010 and we’re here to have a listen to them once more.

Opening the record is “Stand Up” and it seems not much has changed with the bands sound. I previously compared their sound to the likes of groups such as ADRIANGALE and DANGER DANGER and that still holds true. It’s a super-melodic rock/AOR sound and the band does it fairly well.

Title track “One Ticket To Paradise” has a HONEYMOON SUITE guitar riff (ala the “Racing After Midnight” era) but the song is more in line with the ADRIANGALE/CRUNCH sound that they seem very close to. The band also has a bit of a “Sunset Strip glam” vibe running through the music at times and if you are a fan of that sound I could see this band working for you too. The production isn’t the most lush or fullest sounding I’ve heard but it is competent enough and the performances by the band are more than in line for the style of music they play.

“Boulevard Of Love” is a melodically super-charged number with some nice guitar-work from Mario Percudani. The song again has strong comparisons to ADRIANGALE/CRUNCH. Percudani is also featured on lead vocals for four tracks throughout the record and his vocals fit in nicely with that of singer Josh Zighetti so it makes for an smooth listen all the way through.

“A Million Miles Away” (on of the tunes featuring Percudani on vocals) is a mellow tune with poignant vibe and lyrics to match and is certainly an album highlight for me while “Let’s Keep On Tryin’” has a tougher guitar riff with an almost Jake E. Lee quality to it.

One interesting point of the new record is the inclusion of the song “Man In The Mirror” by MICHAEL JACKSON. The interesting point is the band notes that the song was recorded in May 2009 which was about a month prior JACKSON’s death. From a musical standpoint the band does a decent job of covering the tune and the vocals of Zighetti are reminiscent of Eric Martin of MR. BIG fame on this one.

Listening to “One Ticket To Paradise” I can hear the band has taken a small further step towards the holy grail of AOR and melodic rock but they still need a little more refining. The record is an enjoyable listen but ultimately isn’t far enough ahead of previous work to garner a higher rating than the debut. Another solid 3 ½ stars but this time leaning closer to 3 ¾ stars (if we had that rating). Having said that, baby steps aren’t a bad thing…

Also worth mention is that the CD packaging is exceptionally well-done and I like the cover and colors incorporated into it. Look into this release and this band if you are an AOR/melodic rock fan and remember them because maybe one day they can come up with an extra special record.