DIFFERENT WORLDS [AKA: SALEM HILL 2]

On this release and their eponymous debut album Salem Hill had yet to develop their Symphonic Prog shown on later albums. In fact they had more in common with AOR bands like Styx and Kansas. However although most fans of the band would name later releases as their favourite work "Different Worlds", their second album has much to offer.

Opener "Here and Now" is a strong melodic Rock song and one of my favourites on the album as is following track "Brave New World". Salem Hill have always had good harmony vocals shown to good effect throughout the album, used to particularly good effect on the more laid back "Question of Honor" and at the other end of the spectrum, the more Rocky "Can't let go".

"Different Worlds" is no contender for best Salem Hill album but fans of American AOR should find much to enjoy here although it may be difficult to find a copy as it was released as a limited edition of just 500 copies.