Rise – Always
“Always” begins with a modern rock sound, formed by a polished, modern mix and mastering that gives the song a fresh, radio-ready brightness. From the first note, melodic guitars mix with soft synth sounds, producing an original mid-1980s atmosphere, as if it were a rediscovered hidden gem from that time. Around 1:15, the synths acquire importance, adding a vibrant, arena-ready layer characteristic of bands like Loverboy. This nostalgic touch does not feel out of date; instead, it integrates smoothly with the modern production, emphasising the track’s AOR identity. A short but wonderful guitar solo adds another dimension of character, enhancing the mood without overpowering the vocal melody. Fans of classic 1980s arena rock, particularly Van Halen, David Lee Roth’s solo work, or The Hooters’ melodic perspectives, would most likely find “Always” to be a great piece of modern AOR with a nostalgic heartbeat. Overall, “Always” bridges decades by combining old melodic rock characteristics with modern production, making it instantly classic.
