1. Living in Yesterday 2. Reaching for You 3. It's Over 4. Don't Leave Me 5. What If 6. Nothing Lasts Forever 7. Falling Down 8. I Live For You 9. I Don't Wanna Want You 10. Where to Run
Hess Living in Yesterday
Harry Hess is no stranger to the music business. With around 30 years under his belt, he is most known for his time as the frontman for the Canadian melodic rock band Harem Scarem which lasted from the late 80s until their disbandment in 2008. Far from done with music, Hess continues to rock out with his solo career. Living in Yesterday is his first solo release in almost ten years and it is full of the melodic rock that has gotten him so far in his career.
“Living in Yesterday” does its job as the opening and title track by showcasing everything that is to come. It captures what makes this album so enjoyable with its powerful vocals, skillful songwriting, and melodic tunes. The high quality of the music and the brilliant singing, which is the first thing that caught my attention, are a hallmark of Living in Yesterday. “Reaching for You” continues in a similar fashion as the opening song and starts the trend of love/relationship themed songs that pervade throughout the album. If you are into that type of thing, then that is great, but it may become tiresome if you are not. “It’s Over” is more of ballad type of song with its theme of heartbreak and lost love.
“Don’t Leave Me” continues with the love theme but it brings a more rocking tone back to the music. Also, the lyrics are less self-pitying and so show someone who is stronger and more self-assured. Up next is “What If,” which brings back the AOR ballad type of song. “Nothing Lasts Forever” switches it up again and might be the most rocking song on the album. “I Don’t Wanna Want You” is my favorite song on the album. It is by far the most electrifying and catchiest song on the album. “Where to Run” brings it all to a close in a grand style.
Hess has not lost a beat in the years since the break-up of Harem Scarem. Living in Yesterday signifies his smooth transition from frontman to solo artist. If melodic rock is your thing, then Living in Yesterday is the album for you. It is by no means a long album, but you will get your money’s worth as you play it again and again.
Key Tracks: Living in Yesterday, Nothing Lasts Forever, I Don’t Wanna Want You
