This will take some beating not to be my Album Of The Year.

Multi-talented American Bryan Dallas is finally ready to unleash his debut album that was five years in the making. This gifted artist composed all the songs, played all the instruments and handled all the vocals, although he did enlist assistance from co-producer Issac Bulliver and the occasional performance from drummer Zac Curtis. When I was sent this, I was warned to forget everything else I was listening to – a bold claim indeed. With any piece of music, I like multiple listens, through speakers, headphones, in the car, etc., before forming an opinion; however, 'Dallas' didn't require this approach. It's been years since something grabbed me so instantly and I've listened to a lot of music in this period.

'Rock 'N' Roll Never Dies' opens the door to Bryan Dallas' world, it starts with a Tannoy announcement using his real surname Hiner, then boom, we're off with big hooks, bigger choruses and a beat that whisks you back to a golden age. Think two-parts Def Leppard, one-part Poison that's then mixed with a dash of Firehouse and you have the "Dallas Cocktail". 'This Love' follows next with its soaring guitar and a slight change in vocal tone, but the sound remains huge; it has a classic feel with a modern twist. You quickly realise this guy has a talent and isn't afraid to demonstrate it. The hooks continue with 'Rock You Like A Bomb' which is probably the best song Def Leppard never wrote; it wouldn't be out of place on 'Hysteria'.

'Rip It Up' starts off bombastic, but then hits a chorus that's straight off the dance floor, it works so well and shows the thought that has gone into producing this classic yet contemporary set of songs. The ballad 'Close My Eyes' has a softer vocal style and a big sound which would've found this on permanent rotation during MTV's heyday; they just don't make them like this anymore.

This release is probably the finest set of songs I've heard from a new artist in many years, the fact he also produced this himself is a fabulous achievement. You can tell Bryan Dallas' diet of music, the album's influences being an A-Z of eighties Rock. This has allowed him to produce a recording that's laden with hooks and big choruses which carries you back to a time when this style of music ruled the world. This will take some beating not to be my Album Of The Year.

Mick Parry