Gotthard Stereo Crush CD Review
I’ve never been the biggest Gotthard fan. It’s not that I don’t dig Hard Rock or AOR, quite the opposite, but Gotthard has always been one of those bands that just never clicked with me, especially here in the States where their name barely registers unless you’re deep in the trenches of melodic rock. Honestly, if it weren’t for the internet, I might not have heard of them at all. But overseas, particularly in their homeland of Switzerland? They’re absolute Rock Royalty, cranking out chart-topping albums like clockwork.
“Stereo Crush”, the band’s 14th studio album, was recently released via RPM. From the jump, it channels the spirit of classic acts like Whitesnake and Bon Jovi - big choruses, big hooks, and a polish that screams '80s radio. And you know what? That’s not a bad thing. I’m of the generation that grew up on this stuff, so it’s hardly a surprise I find myself vibing on it. That said, I wouldn’t have minded a little more Sleaze in the mix, something dirtier and more dangerous. Still, what Gotthard delivers here is convincing. They manage to sidestep the keyboard overload that sometimes bogs down AOR records, and for that alone, they earn points in my book.
Now let’s talk about the wild card: a Beatles cover. Yep, “Drive My Car” makes an appearance. And I’ll be blunt; I can’t stand the Beatles or covers of their songs. It’s just not my thing unless the version is completely unhinged and flipped on its head. But somehow, Gotthard makes it work. They crank up the energy and rock it hard enough that I forget I’m listening to a Beatles track.
In classic AOR tradition, the album includes two ballads - and yes, I’m a softy. I love a good emotional tune, and these hit that sweet spot. They’re heartfelt without being schmaltzy, delivered with just enough grit and sincerity to feel real. Whether they’re firing off high-octane anthems or dialing it back, Gotthard knows how to build a melody and land a hook.
“Stereo Crush” won’t convert the unconverted, but for fans of the genre or anyone open to a little throwback magic, this is a tight, well-crafted album that proves Gotthard still knows exactly what they’re doing. No wonder they’re still crushing it back home.
Standouts: “Life,” “Thunder and Lightning,” “Burning Bridges,” “Rusty Rose,” and yes - “Drive My Car”.