Aldo Nova Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
On his first album in five years, Nova returns to his signature hard rock sound for efforts including "Are You Inexperienced?," "Excuse Me While I Scream!!!," and "The Pressure's Killing Me." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After the huge success of his self-titled debut album, Aldo Nova defied his record company, which basically wanted a carbon copy for his sophomore follow-up, and made a very loose concept album touching on themes such as dreams, imagination, and paradise. Subject...Aldo Nova still featured hooks and melodies galore (and an emphasis on keyboards and synthesizers), but the format was different. Perhaps this style curve confused listeners, and as a result, Subject...Aldo Nova sold far fewer copies than its predecessor and only went gold. (Nova also claimed Portrait didn't promote the album properly.) Three impressively spasmodic synthesizer segments -- "Subject's Theme," "Armageddon (Race Cars)," and "Armageddon" -- open Subject...Aldo Nova and lead into its highlight, "Monkey on Your Back." This disturbing anti-heroin song features a midtempo, menacing throb thanks to relentlessly roaring drums, bass guitar, and rhythm guitar and slow, sustained lead guitar fills. "Hey Operator" and "Cry Baby Cry" are carried by infectious choruses. "Victim of a Broken Heart" is the album's obligatory power ballad. Subject...Aldo Nova isn't as good as Aldo Nova, but Nova had the courage to try something a little bit different. ~ Bret Adams, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Canadian rock singer/songwriter Aldo Nova doesn't get enough credit (some cynics would say blame) for helping invent the 1980s pop-metal genre, which focused equally on hard rocking anthems and soaring power ballads. Aldo Nova appeared in 1982 complete with irresistible melodies and choruses, explosive guitar licks, and huge-sounding drums. It was a full year or more before Def Leppard, Night Ranger, Bon Jovi, and others would latch on to this formula and rocket to stardom. Nova wrote, produced, arranged, and performed his double-platinum debut album by himself, except for drums and some bass guitar and piano parts. Nova is quite proficient on guitar, but his secret weapon is his keyboard and synthesizer prowess. The hit single (and early MTV favorite) "Fantasy" cannot be denied; it's loaded with guitar and keyboard hooks as well as a catchy chorus. "Foolin' Yourself" has a more straightforward pop feel and it was a minor hit. "Ball and Chain" is the best-known power ballad on Aldo Nova, but the hypnotic "You're My Love" is better. "Hot Love" is propelled by several guitar solo bursts. "Heart to Heart" and "See the Light" are fast, energetic songs with crisp guitar riffs and swirling synthesizer lines. Aldo Nova is a minor classic. ~ Bret Adams, All Music Guide
