California prides itself on its back-to-the-basics rock & roll and what it calls its "uncompromising American spirit." Their straightforward approach will make California popular with fans of John Mellencamp and those who wish there was new music from Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band. In fact, the album sounds like Uh-Huh with the anti-Reagan politics removed. California takes its name from the state they call home, but it is evocative of nothing in their music which has more in common with the music of the Heartland than the coast. Overall, a generic bar band effort. In this day of rap-metal and bombast, California might find a niche following, but does not reflect mainstream trends. There is simply no music like this in the Top 40 or on the alternative charts. (Well, California is not alternative, except as an alternative to alternative.) In another day and time, this might have widely popular, even though it is largely uninspired songs. "Rollin'," the first single from the album, sounds like Van Halen if Sammy was still around and the band wasn't irrelevant. "Is Everybody Happy Now" has a little REO Speedwagon flavor and is a power ballad for a different time. The band was initially signed to Island Records, who decided not to released their debut. After finally hearing it, one wonders if California was originally scheduled for release in 1983. A classic rock gem, in 2001. Decidedly up someone's alley, especially those who want to do the time warp again. ~ JT Griffith