Review: Timson AOR

Timson AOR return with The Next Level, and from the opening moments it’s clear they’ve delivered exactly what the melodic rock scene has been crying out for — heart, hooks, emotion, musicianship and that unmistakable 80s glow, all fused with a modern pulse that keeps it fresh rather than nostalgic. This is an album made by two musicians who truly understand the genre — and love it enough to push it forward.

The album launches with The Wind Whispers (Your Name), a glorious blast of technicolour AOR. A raucous keyboard line gives way to a soaring guitar lead straight out of 1987, and Lukky S’ vocal enters with that Richard Marx warmth but refreshed for 2025. The chorus is pure melodic ecstasy — uplifting, emotional and the kind of hook you don’t hear much in modern music anymore. Then the solo kicks in, all precision and passion, the sort of thing Poison or Skid Row would’ve killed to have on their records. It’s the perfect lead single for a reason.

One Step Ahead powers in with bombastic drums and uplifting guitar lines that scream confidence. There’s a pop shimmer woven through the rock foundation, but it’s done with class, meaning the song feels instantly timeless rather than retro. The slightly off-beat delivery of the chorus is brave, clever and incredibly catchy — and the solo? Quite possibly the best on the entire album. A genuine jaw-dropper.

Nevermore takes things down just a touch, leaning into a more reflective groove. The emotional depth in the vocal is undeniable, building gracefully with beautifully harmonised lines that tug at the heart. Timson AOR don’t chase trends — they chase songs, and it shows. This one feels like a lost classic from a time when melodies mattered most.

Starlight bursts in with that big, bright Starship-esque energy, full of uplifting melodies and vocal passion. The interplay between guitars and vocals is gorgeous, and the chorus is so fresh and vibrant you’ll swear you’ve known it your whole life. The outro is a masterclass — everything hangs, shimmers and connects in a way only truly thoughtful songwriting can achieve.

Be True to Yourself hits immediately with keyboards and a roaring guitar tone. There’s a darker edge here, even a hint of Ozzy Osbourne in the delivery, but wrapped in a pop-rock sheen that makes it enormous. The chorus is huge — a genuine earworm — and the solo once again proves Timson AOR are masters of variety. If Hollywood still made big emotional rock films, this would be the soundtrack.

From the Ashes delivers a haunting piano line and a longing vocal that takes centre stage. It’s a beautiful pause — the kind every great album needs — letting emotion drive the arrangement. You can feel early Bryan Adams flickering around the edges, but the song stands as its own unique moment. A perfect breather before the album roars back to life.

Wake the Night returns to the powerful pop-rock energy, but with a darker tone and a vocal performance full of grit and emotion. The guitar solo is superb — melodic, meaningful and atmospheric. Nothing here is done for flash; everything is done for feeling.

The Last Ride crashes in with stomping drums and pounding bass. It drives, swerves, dips and rises into an incredible chorus that feels tailor-made for live shows. There are so many ideas here, but each one fits like it was always meant to be there — true next-level songwriting.

Where the Sun Meets the Sea erupts with one of the most summery openings since Don Henley’s Boys of Summer. The vocal interplay is reminiscent of Mr. Big in all the best ways — intricate, expressive and joyful. The chorus is massive, another one that lingers long after the track ends.

Midnight Radio flickers into life before stepping fully into big-production 80s rock glory. The lyrics paint vivid pictures, and the pre-chorus glides straight into a monstrous hook. The production shines — polished, warm and full of life.

The album closes with Farewell, a modern, heartfelt piece that sways beautifully. It’s the kind of song Bon Jovi wishes he could still write — emotional, melodic, sincere and delivered with total conviction. It’s a stunning ending, gentle but powerful.

The Next Level is exactly what its title promises — bold, melodic rock taken further, polished higher and delivered with a sincerity that’s rare in 2025. Timson AOR have crafted a record full of heart, hooks and pure craft. It’s varied, uplifting, emotional and packed with absolute gems.

Timson AOR didn’t just level up — they’ve raised the bar for everyone else.