Before I even get started on this one, let me first send out a huge “Thank You” to FRONTIERS RECORDS for getting this out to me in a timely fashion… AND an even bigger “THANK YOU” to Lisa Walker at “To The Max” for convincing them to do so.

Now as for you Joe Lynn Turner… how the Hell do you expect me to do a decent review or be able to give your CD’s anything but 4 ½ stars when you keep putting out such quality merchandise? And here I thought “THE USUAL SUSPECTS” was tremendous… now you release “SECOND HAND LIFE” which is even better! I think maybe I’ll just start you off at just two stars next time so I have something to build on!

This is good shit!

In typical Joe Lynn Turner fashion, the opening track “Your Love Is Life” jets through your speakers like rush of adrenaline. With its powerful, melodic chorus, strong and upbeat rhythm and a tasty guitar solo (compliments of Karl Cochran), “SECOND HAND LIFE couldn’t start off any better. This is plain and simple… a perfect track. The melody and chorus actually reminds me a lot of something off a more modern-day JOURNEY album! Hey Joe! I hear they’re looking for a singer… AGAIN! Now THAT would be one Hell of a combo…

“Your Love Is Life” is followed up by a little slower, but edgier track called “Got Me Where You Want Me.” Another solid track… a tad more on the bluesier side which seems, like so many other Joe Lynn Turner tracks through out the years, a bit influenced by his stint in RAINBOW way back when.

The title track, “Second Hand Life,” is another great AOR anthem and sports yet another tremendous guitar solo by Cochran… not to mention his irascible lead riffs and crisp, clean under lays which are apparent through out the track.

“In Your Eyes” is not only one of Joe Lynn Turner’s best ballads ever, but one of the best I have heard in a LONG time. Joe really showcases his incredible voice and provides an amazing vocal performance filled with all the heart and emotion he could muster. This accompanied by the soulful rhythms of Cochran’s guitar produces an absolute classic which reminds me of something on the lines of a late-70’s/ early-80’s ballad.

“Blood Red Sky” starts off almost like VAN HALEN’s “Eruption” and continues to pound through your speakers with its hard, heavy rhythm and gripping melody.

With its heavier keyboard and matching guitar riff, “Stroke of Midnight” again hits home having that mid-to-late 80’s hard rock sound to it. And why shouldn’t it? It was originally written for DEEP PURPLE after all.

“Over The Top” kicks “SECOND HAND LIFE” back into high gear with its upbeat melody and heavy guitar licks. This is followed up by “Cruel” which again flashes back to Joe’s strong blues influences. The chorus also has a touch of that RAINBOW sound… even reminding me a bit of the RAINBOW classic “Stone Cold.”

“Sweet Obsession” is simply a great AOR tune which reminds me of something on the heavier side of SURVIVOR. This brings us to “Love Is On Our Side” which is the second ballad on the release. A bit more of a power-ballad this time and while not as strong as “In Your Eyes,” it still delivers a great vocal and powerful harmony.

Now if you’re fortunate to have the European release, you’ll find the whole thing wrapped up by “Two Lights.” This very commercial-sounding rocker is another highlight and perfect complement to this CD absolutely JAM-PACKED with highlights!

Joe Lynn Turner once again proves that he can still rock with the best of them and “SECOND HAND LIFE” delivers everything you’ve come to expect from a JLT release… and MORE! It’s hard to believe sometimes that this music industry veteran has been around for over 3 decades… and the REALLY scary thing is he just seems to get better and better with NO sign of slowing down! Bottom line… “SECOND HAND LIFE” really impresses and is a MUST HAVE for any AOR collector or Joe Lynn Turner fan… period.