A vital purchase for any fan of quintessential Melodic Rock.

This is a record that many of us Jim Peterik fans have been waiting for; the follow-up to the original 'World Stage' album that was released at the turn of the millennium. As a writer of some of Rock's best-known songs and founder member of Survivor, coupled with a cast list of some of the genre's best vocalists, you know that this is going to be a monster of a record.

The first track, a collaboration with 38 Special's Don Barnes, is a typical Peterik rocker which would not have been out of place on Barnes' classic 'Ride The Storm' opus. 'Without A Bullet From A Gun' features Mike Reno and it's another fast-paced song with a catchy chorus. The great opening trio is completed with 'Proof Of Heaven' featuring Dennis DeYoung which has an obvious Styx feel to it.

Kevin Chalfant is up next with the mid-tempo 'Sometimes You Just Want More'. This is a real highlight and it's a joy to hear Chalfant together again with Peterik. Toby Hitchcock makes a deserved appearance with 'Home Fires', a track which could easily have been from the last Pride Of Lions album. As has often been the case in recent times, Peterik is backed by his loyal Pride Of Lions band who do a great job.

After 'Just For You', a nice ballad with Kevin Cronin, we get to the record's pinnacle – 'The Hand I Was Dealt' featuring Danny Vaughn. This is a massive song and it's the best I've heard from Peterik in years. 'Where Eagles Dare', featuring Work Of Art's Robert Sall and Lars Safsund, has a modern sound but it's a real grower and not out of place.

Kelly Keagy delivers a rocker with 'I Will What I Want', there is a great power ballad from Jason Scheff and a Southern rocker from the Nelson boys before the album closer 'Love You All Over The World' – an unreleased Jimi Jamison track. This is a lovely mid-tempo song which has been released with the blessing of Jamison's family.

'Winds Of Change' is a superb Melodic Rock album, which surpasses anything that Jim Peterik has released since the debut Pride Of Lions record. The Music Maestro has delivered something very special here and it's a vital purchase for any fan of quintessential Melodic Rock.

Richard Epps