One of the finest voices in melodic rock is back in action: Jimi Jamison. His first album in nearly 9 years is titled Crossroads Moment, and it marks the magnificent return of the singer-songwriter duo of Jimi Jamison and Jim Peterik for the first time since the 1980s. From the first track to the last, the album is packed with hard-rocking classics, amazing riffs, a few soulful ballads, and of course the amazing voice of Jimi Jamison which sounds as if a day hasn’t passed since Too Hot to Sleep. Crossroads Moment is one of the best albums of 2008 without a doubt.

The album starts off with an amazing rocker called “Battersea“. Blazing guitars and keyboards create a deep and full sound, and Jimi lets you know that he is back in full force. “Can’t Look Away” sets a moodier tone and is a mid-tempo rock song with a great raw guitar sound. “Make Me a Believer” jumped out at me right away, it has an amazing chorus that will have just about anyone singing, and the pulsing keyboards are reminiscent of Toto’s “Hold the Line”.

The title track is a catchy song with a great guitar sound, and “Bittersweet” turns it down a notch with powerful vocals from Jimi and a slower tempo. “Behind the Music” starts out as a slower song, but don’t let it fool you – it’s one of the best rockers on the album and it showcases Jimi’s amazing vocal ability. “Lost” is a mid-tempo song with a driving guitar tone and heartfelt vocals. Sqealing guitars sound the intro to “Love the World Away“, a hook-filled song with a great bridge and fantastic vocals throughout. “She’s Nothing to Me” is another rocker with a more modern feel, but it fits Jimi’s voice in a great way. Jimi himself said that “As Is” brought him to tears, and his souful vocals and the pounding beat of the song make it a standout track.

“Till the Morning Comes” is an impressive song that sounds like it could have come right off of Survivor’s 1986 album When Seconds Count. It has a fantastic guitar solo and ends with a catchy sing-along chorus. “That’s Why I Sing” is another track with a modern approach and a chorus that simply sounds like classic Survivor. “Friends We Never Met” is a song that goes out to the millions of concert-goers around the world, and “When Rock Was King” also reflects on the concert experience by bringing in Mickey Thomas, Mike Reno, Dave Bickler, Don Barnes, Joe Lynn Turner, and Jim Peterik as guest vocalists. It’s a great tribute to the 1980s – big dreams, big hair, big visions.

The album’s two bonus tracks are “Alive” (European) and “Streets of Heaven” (Japanese). Both are mid-tempo gems written about the topics of life and death, respectively.

Jimi Jamison, Jim Peterik, and everyone else involved have accomplished something special with Crossroads Moment. I’m still amazed at the raw power of Jimi’s voice on this record, and I’m very eager to see him out on the road in 2009. This album is a must have for anyone who appreciates great music!