The comeback of the year, hard rockers Alcatrazz returned with their first full-length album since 1986! The Graham Bonnet led unit did not mess around with Born Innocent, an album that doesn’t mess around, doesn’t sound dated, and delivers on all fronts with straight-ahead rock and a refreshed lineup of Bonnet, bassist Gary Shea, keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, drummer Mark Benquechea, and guitarist Joe Stump. These veteran dogs still have much bite left in them and it’s astounding Bonnet sounds as fresh as ever at 72 years old! We are bummed this lineup has fractured into two camps, but at least we were graced this incredible album, landing at #9 on our countdown.

Scribe Mark Gromen wrote in his review: Thankfully no re-invention, or updating of the classic sound, this is identifiable as Alcatrazz, as much for Waldo's prominent keys, as the odd crazy guitar and/or Bonnet's trademark voice.

The opening/title cut sees Impellitteri go off, easily the most intense number of the baker's dozen. Bonnet is in fine form. Said number is a representative example to play to those that might (somehow) be unfamiliar with the band's repertoire. Speedy "Finn McCool" inhabits similar (albeit more lyrical/commercially accessible) territory. Even though Bonnet was the initial calling card, always envisioned Alcatrazz as a guitarist showcase (undoubtedly, much to Waldo & Shea's chagrin), but with Malmsteen & Vai in the driver's seat, how could it have be otherwise. Now, Stump shows off his quick picking, sweeps and neo-classical arsenal, as well. Lyrics are often tongue-in-cheek, Graham pulling from his lengthy career, to impart seemingly autobiographical material. Case in point, 'The Wound Is Open" and mid-tempo "We Still Remember", which appears to be a sequel to the debut's "Island In the Sun", thematically.

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