Newman, unexpectedly, decided to unbind himself from a major label, such as Escape, in order to release his new work all by himself. And his choice turned out to be truly rewarding for him and the listeners as well, because the whole sound has a more homemade feeling that is elevating the songs instead of ruining them. The other noticeable attribute here is the mixture of traditional hard rock with AOR elements combined with a modern approach. In any case, we’re talking about a slight and positively effective change, so don’t be afraid. Nothing alternative in here, just pure melodic hard rock harmonies soulfully performed.

The highlights are sufficient as always, and this is no surprise considering his previous efforts and especially "Heaven Knows" only one year earlier. Newman has set the stakes high and he is never disappointing, thanks to his own standards. Songs with superb quality like "Heading For Your Heart", "Primitive Soul" or "Falling Like Stone" shine through combining hook lines, choruses and passionate vocals in the proper way. "For The Man I Am" is a stand out track with a more AOR touch, while "Cold Day In Hell" unveils a shiny hard rock style in the Radioactive’s vein. "I Get Torn" has a lot in common with Ladder’s Steve Overland sound (there it is the modern approach I was telling you). "Rapture" and "Still Can’t Find The Words" are the two grand and essentials ballads. Last but no least are two songs with a particular touch; the first is the epilogue track "Mystery To Me" with its unique sound passages and atmosphere and the second track "15 Minute Revolution" which has some really sharp and sarcastic lyrics for you to listen. Well, I told you that the highlights are sufficient!

Finally: an admirable album with every detail given in the right portion. Newman unreels himself with his every new release. Trust him and support him

Newman – Primitive Soul CD review

So wow, this is Steve Newman's 6th release under the moniker Newman, but pretty much his first where he has ultimately controlled everything from day one!

If you favour AOR type music ala 80's classic act's Night Ranger, Jeff Paris, Journey, Van Halen or guitarists style ala Steve Vai or have just plain followed Mr. Newman's activities since the first self titled release in 1998 then in theory …., you should already have this album & the bonus if you pre-ordered it through the Newman website, then you would've received 3 additional bonus tracks to these 12 "good 'un's!"

OK so I know Steve as an old friend, I also know how much heart & soul this guy seriously puts into his work … & I can tell you, Steve Newman is the genuine article!

You could go so far as to say, why did Escape Music stick with Steve for 4 albums, if they didn't think he was worth keeping – i.e. If they didn't think they'd shift any album sales, then I believe Steve would've parted ways with them a lot sooner than his last with them, 2006's Heaven Knows.

OK, I said when I reviewed the last album that the opener was the best opener on a Newman release since One Step Closer. OK, he's gone & one bettered it!!!

Heading For You Heart starts with a soulful guitar intro, some people have compared this track & the intro to Giant's Last Of The Runaways …., perhaps going so far as to say he's ripped it off. I have to disagree, I own that release, I dug it out & played it again & again & I can't see or say that it sounds like Steve has ripped off anything there. How many rock tracks start with some kind of soulful type guitar intro & then rip into the main track itself with some tasty licks …., who cares? There's probably hundreds or more, what Newman has here is nothing short of a very tasty opener. 'Nuff said!

15 Minute Revolution starts very differently from where it ends up & slowly builds with the story of how the media blows the big stories about crazy idiots like Saddam or the Waco Wacko(!) way out of proportion, whilst the individual with genuine life difficulties gets buried in the small print. "Jeannie's got a gun gonna start a new revolution. Rebel with a cause just because she can blow him away. Moving like a cat on a rat across the constitution. Wooaoh dog has it's day …." Ain't that the truth!

OK, here's the area where I might say Mr. Newman got an influence from something else, title cut Primitive Soul – IMHO – kicks in like Van Halen's Panama, even some of the accent's in his lead work may may you think Eddie VH! It's actually a great title track that I can't get out of my head …, even after the whole album is done! Good job Steve, catchy hooklines, no question mate! Great guitar work throughout, punchy, edgy, yet he still keeps the basic song structures deeply melodic. Good production work Steve & vocally on this he's still pushing himself.

Alright, it's Newman ballad time folks, with Still Can't Find The Words & the verse is almost reminding me of something that I can't nail …, but in the chorus we hear, "Even though my heart is breaking, I still stand here hesitating, I know I know, I still can't find the words." – I want to sing, "I know I know, This much is true!" Yes, almost, but it's not by a long way …., Spandau Ballet!

Last Flight misleads you with a very gentle intro, before totally rocking out with a huge hard rocking track!

Big sounds, guitars & big choruses, very edgy rock track & check out his solo on this …, awesome stuff!

This album features Steve playing all guitars – Except for a solo by Tommy Denander on Cold Day In Hell. – all lead vocals, keyboards – Except on Cold Day In Hell, which feature Dave Parr - & he shares the backing vocals with Mark Thompson-Smith (Ex Praying Mantis) & is nobly assisted otherwise on drums by Rob McEwen who also played on last album Heaven Knows.

Falling Like Stone still follows the AOR track, but has some interesting changes throughout it, but the vocals are really strong on this track.

Next track For The Man I Am has a very interesting keyboard driven atmospheric intro, which pops up through the verses also. Again, the choruses are vocally very strong indeed. Great harmony guitar solo on this track by the way!

Cold Day In Hell is next & I love the radio searching for something to listen to intro.

Steve Newman really seems to be pushing his vocals to raspy sounds in the verses here & this track is a slow, stomping, moody track again big the big chanting choruses. Guitar lead duties shared between Steve & Tommy Denander. Sweet!

Next track I Get Torn has very interesting rhythms to it's intro & I'd go so far as to say it's slightly reminiscent of a certain Judie Tzuke in Steve's vocal phrasing in places, a little breathy but then the chorus is still big. This track may be a little different for Newman fans, but it shows another, bolder side to Steve's work I think.

I think Rapture has the breathy / slight raspy vocals in places but musically I see it very Toto'ish here & there, even hint's of Augeri period Journey power ballad album type track. Good stuff!

Give It All You've Got is here to get back on the rock track & is lyrically on track with Juke Box Hero about a young kid guitarist, musically it's prime time Newman. Great hooklines, very tight, good catchy chorus, strong vocal lines & killer solo Steve!

Closer here is Mystery To Me, more of those breathy intro vocals & here & there leads into Strangeways territory & still Toto'ish in a lot of the music …. Very classy!

Not an out & out rocker to finish with to leave you wanting more, perhaps running order on the last 2 tracks could've, been changed & perhaps that killer closing touch to end on.

A pretty damn good album in my books all said & done & easily worth 4/5.

I seriously encourage those that have not yet checked Newman out to do so now!

It's independent rock ventures like this that reek of "well done," "Good job mate," etc, etc, support these better acts folks,

otherwise there will be many bad also rans & people will be saying, whatever happen to Newman?

Ah, the people who love this music didn't get behind the act, so he / she / they, gave up ….

It'll sadly be our loss in the end. Keep on rockin' Steve & all power to you for a seriously good release!

Reviewed by Don Gibbs

Steve Newman, that quintessential English melodic rocker, who had an awesome release with “Heaven Knows”, is back, this time without the backing of the Escape label. Would this lack of backing prove to be a major sticking point? Who knows? I know how hard bands fight to get themselves signed to major labels so that they can get their music heard, so is ‘going it alone’ the right thing for Steve to do? Only time and sales will tell.

I had been looking forward to this release for a long time, since hearing of its progress at Firefest III last year, when I was fortunate to speak to Steve after his slightly problematic set at the pre-show party. I was, and still am, a huge fan of “Heaven Knows” and felt at the time that Steve had possible reached a pinnacle and could go no further – so lets press the play button and jump in with both feet.

The first track “Heading For Your Heart” starts off with a really slow spine tingling mellow and moody guitar riff that acts almost like a relaxant before the tempo changes and the guitar bursts into a rocky, heavily distorted up-tempo beat which drags you full on into the track proper. With “Heading For Your Heart” Steve has once again managed to find an awesome opener, just as he did with “Heaven Knows”, the right track in the right place to achieve the right effect.

The title track, “Primitive Soul”, is a rocker from start to finish. Building up from a beaty, almost tribal beginning, to a real head-banging, toe-tapping chorus that doesn’t need much before you start singing along. Following on from this is “Still Cant Find The Words” which turns the ‘beat dial’ from 10 right back down to 1 and is a real ‘last dance’ ballad.

As you all know I am not one to break releases down and comment track by track, I like to look at the bigger picture. So, here is the bigger picture. This is an impressive release that is filled with impressive tracks, one of the rare occasions that you can state that “the sum of the one is equal to the sum of the whole”. “Primitive Soul” once again highlights the talents that Mr Newman possess (I call him ‘Mr’ as a sign of respect), especially when you realise that he has done this all on his own again, all guitars, bass, keyboards and vocals. The only parts he didn’t do were the drums, and I bet if he had more time he would give them a go as well. What is plainly obvious, when you look at Steve Newman’s back catalogue, is that he keeps getting better and better with each release – even our illustrious Dougie at hardrockhouse.com felt the need to eat humble pie when he reviewed “Heaven Knows” previously. This album follows the trend, and is, in my opinion, even better than “Heaven Knows”

As I mentioned previously, this release has been done without the backing of a major label, and if I may be so bold, I do think that it is noticeable. Gone is the almost urgent nature which is necessary to meet deadlines set by record labels, the pressure to create and deliver has gone. This has been replaced by a more personal touch, you can almost sense the sigh of relief at being able to take time over writing the songs, and I feel that this shows in the quality of the songs on this album.

Once again, Steve has moved the bar up another few notches and laid down an album of unquestionable quality, an album that will stay on the MP3 player for a long time (at least until his next release) and is a MUST BUY for all melodic rock fans.

Escape Music

Rating - 9/10

Review Dougie

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Steve Newman has released four albums previously to this and Heaven Knows is his fourth release on the Escape label. In the past I’ve heard several tracks by Newman and I’ve always thought good songs, good guitar work, needs a better singer. However after this album I would like custard with that large slice of humble pie I'm about to eat.

Newman's voice has improved beyond all recognition on Heaven Knows. He now comes across as an excellent blend of john Wetton and Terry Brock which is perhaps no coincidence as several of the songs bear similarities to tracks by Brock's erstwhile band Strangeways. Heartland, albeit a slightly heavier version, also springs to mind when listening to Newman thus giving the album a very British AOR feel.

Having said all that of course the album opener, title track 'Heaven Knows' comes over all Aldo Nova circa the Blood On The Bricks' opus. A great up-tempo opener a the rocking vein is continued with second track 'Higher' which has a great guitar riff that really drives the song along. 'Ain't Gonna Cry Forever' though is the first of the tracks with the Strangeways feel about it, keyboards driving the song along and guitars overlaid to perfection. After the Giant-esque 'Move On' the Strangeways connection continues with 'The Way You Love Me', a mid tempo power ballad featuring huge vocals throughout. The ballads continue with ''Learning To Live', a true power ballad and a song that builds and builds throughout its course

Next Up, 'The Circle', Is one of the standout tracks IMO on this album with a chorus that worms it way into your skull and will not get out. I've had this song going through my head all bloody week - good job it’s a great track then. 'This Time' on the other hand is groover of a song, very similar in style to the Robert Hart fronted Distance and features another chant along chorus.

'Never Meant To Fall In Love is yet another excellent song and one that both grooves and rocks all at the same time, appealing to all AOR fans. However changing the style somewhat is 'Wait', a song that has an almost jazz feel to the guitar, the change of style certainly helps to keep the album interesting at a point were it may have got a bit samey. 'Sport Of Kings' is the only co-write on the album, with Anders Rydholm from Grand illusion/The Code, and is a slightly darker feeling track. 'On Any Other Sunday', which is dedicated to the victims of the Tsunami that hit south east Asia just over a year ago, is an acoustic ballad that rounds off the album in fine style. Don’t take my word for it though, head over to www.escape-muisc.com and download this track and have a listen for yourself!

As you can tell I like Heaven Knows has proved to be an album that I like rather a lot. It must be said thought that it not the most original record you will ever hear. All the songs prove to be strong, with little 'filler' about any of the tracks. Arguably the best British AOR album I’ve heard this year.

Do you remember my review of Newman’s “Sign Of The Times” album, released by Escape Music in 2003? I called it Steve’s best album to that date and many of you must have thought the same as the album was voted 17th best of that year in our infamous annual poll.
Another three years have gone since the release of that glorious album, but the follow-up has now finally hit the streets and it’s called after its wonderful opening track “Heaven Knows”. The new album counts twelve tracks in total, of which ten were written by Steve Newman and two are co-writings: “Learning To Live” (Steve Newman/Ian Fergusson) and “Sport Of Kings” (Steve Newman/Anders Rydholm, ex-Grand Illusion).
Recorded in his home studio in Sussex (known as The Blue Room) with only some help of drummer and percussion player Rob McEwen, I’m happy to say that “Heaven Knows” is another excellent studio album of Mr Newman, which is completely along the lines of its predecessor. Personal highlights for the moment are the above-mentioned opener “Heaven Knows” (featuring some … heavenly vocals!), “Ain’t Gonna Cry Forever”, “Learning To Live” (excellent ballad) and “Never Meant To Fall In Love”. With this fifth release, Steve Newman confirms his status as one of the UK’s best AOR artists ever. I know many good albums have been released this year so far, but I’m pretty confident this one will end up in the top-20 of this year’s poll. Let’s wait and see…

Chris Lambert (Rockreport.be)

Vocally Newman reminds me of David Coverdale, especially on the opening duo of 'Every Moment' and 'Jealousy'. The former is pure melodic rock, check out the gorgeous keyboard playing and the equally stunning guitar work, the latter mixes Magnum with Whitesnake, check out the pompy keyboards and majestic chorus, excellent.

We also get to hear a couple of nice power ballads, 'Anything At All' is totally gorgeous boasting comparisons to Stan Bush and Def Leppard, whilst the guitar playing reminds me of Eric Johnson, it's got that pop/metal feel of the late 80's and would have been a big hit. The second of the ballads is called 'Angel', this song is built around an uptempo chorus a'la Nightranger, Bad English. Newman's voice is huge and this song is quite possibly the ballad of the year.

Other songs to check out are the commercial AOR-tastic title track ' Dance In The Fire', 'Call My Name' and 'Do You Remember', all feature luxurious FM tinted harmonies and addictive chorus lines to sing along to, whilst an ozzing of melodic class can be heard on 'Follow Your Heart', which plays once again like a mix of Whitesnake and Shy.

My favorite song of the whole cd is 'Prey' which I think will suprise many of Newman's fans, it's quite a heavy song and the keyboards float around the songs melodic grooves, thus 'Prey' come across like Lion and perhaps Ken Tamplin, an awesome song and one that will be a firm live favourite. 'Not Your Lover' continues in this style, but is not as heavy as 'Prey'. 'Dangerous' reminds me of Survivor and FM, this is AOR at it's finest and the chorus is dead catchy. Finally a mention must also go to a wonderful song called 'Love Is The Drug' where once again the Whitesnake and Shy comparisons coming flowing in, but it's the
afformentioned 'Prey' which simply kills me everytime I play it that wins top honours. Melodic rock and AOR albums don't come much better than this, everything from the production by Heartland's Chris Ousey to the songwriting and musicanship is perfect, I guess I'm just biased with this album.

I must confess that I am yet to hear Newman's debut album.I have also heard mixed reports about this album, but I am a little puzzled why.As long as what I describe is your particular thing, you will not be disappointed by this album. It is a strong piece of AOR & rock, with an emphasis on more keyboard influenced songs and an modern, but 80's influenced sound. But the production is with 90's values, insuring that this does not sound dated in any way. Any fan of Escape's back catalogue should be pleased to add this to it. Steve Newman produced this album himself, which he has done a good job of. His voice is one I can't pigeon hole, so I will just say that it is quite a deep voice and capable of holding a good melody.

In typical grand rock style, the album opens with One Step Closer. This sounds remarkably close to the style of The Distance. There is a small connection there - the label and Delwyn Brooks who mixed both records.
Desperate Hours compares a little to early Survivor - strong vocals and guitar without going over the top. The songs rolls along comfortably.
Don't Walk Away is one of the album's standouts and a very good track. A big anthem chorus is the highlight of this mid paced keyboard filled AOR rocker. I like the instrumental break also.
Judgement Day is a cool moody mid tempo track. It the chorus comes and goes from the verse with little addition to the sound, save for some extra harmony vocals. Great effect.
Should've Been Me opens the ballad account. This also has a Heartland feel to it, but stands alone regardless. A mid tempo and mid sized AOR anthem. Some good vocals.
Taboo follows the route of the Harlan Cage album. Yep, the guys go guitar heavy, and relegate the keyboards to low in the mix, in this mid tempo hard rocker.
Fire Of Love continues to rock harder then the rest of the album, but not as intensely as Taboo. But there is a better chorus and overall melody to this track. A good anthem-ish tune.
Strongest Heart sees the album continue to get better and better. This is the only other ballad. Like Should've Been Me, it is not typical ballad fare, but a slow to mid paced AOR ballad. Some really good harmonies throughout this.
Strange Animal is an OK track. A mid paced rock song, the hooks are not quite as prevalent as some of the other tunes. However, I just love the way the song picks up tempo at the end. It turns into a real anthem with some blazing guitars that could have been even better had they kept going.
The Call makes up for that big time. In fact, this is my pick of the album.
A good pace, strong melodies, a big chorus and plenty of harmonies make this song.
Joanne ends the album on a high note. A good solid uptempo melodic pop rocker.
I have been playing this album a lot over the past few weeks and have to say it is a real grower.
It only adds to the high standard of release Escape have been keeping to.
And I must say that Escape's packaging has been of equally high quality. This looks really nice.
So if you are a fan of the label and keyboard filled pop rock albums, check this out now!

Andrew McNeice (Melodicrock.com)