Tommy Shaw - Ambition (1987) {2013, Collector's Edition, 24-bit Remastered & Reloaded}

The name Tommy Shaw will always be synonymous with Styx, the hugely successful American pomp rock band that notched up a series of multiplatinum albums during the 70s and early 80s. After leaving Styx in 1983 he went on to carve out a solo career, resulting in a trio of well received albums before forming supergroup Damn Yankees alongside Ted Nugent and former Night Ranger songwriter Jack Blades. ‘Ambition’ was Tommy’s third solo album and is generally regarded as the best of the batch. Teaming up with British producer Terry Thomas, the former leader and creative heart of cult AOR band Charlie, and recorded in London, musical assistance was provided by a number of top notch session players. Originally released in 1987, it received immediate and deserved acclaim as one of the most impressive sounding records of the time. Featuring some incredible vocal performances, recorded with pinpoint accuracy and loaded with ten truly great tracks (mostly co-written with Thomas), the record is a startling example of heavy but melodic rock with lashings of power and passion. Songs such as ‘Dangerous Game’, ‘Are You Ready For Me’ and ‘The Outsider’ say so much more about Shaw than we ever learnt when he was a member of Styx. Lead off track, ‘No Such Thing’ is one of the greatest, yet largely underexposed, tracks he’s ever recorded. Look out too for a stunning version of Survivor’s ‘Ever Since The World Began’, another feather in his cap. Special Deluxe Collector’s Edition, fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, 12 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rare photos and new interview with Tommy Shaw.