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Thanks to Joachim Domrath, author, for permission to republish the review.

Translated from the German by Paul Marx.

With the Little River Band, singer and guitarist Beeb Birtles wrote musical history in the 1970's and early 80's. His outstanding leading voice set the unique tone of the group. In 1980, in collaboration with LRB member Graham Goble, the album "Last Romance" was produced. The disk was packed full of wonderful Pop/Rock jewels like "Lonely Lives," "Last Romance," "I Didn't Stand a Chance," "The Netherlands," "Into My Life," and "How I Feel Tonight." Unfortunately, "Last Romance" was impossible to get in Germany. So, my only alternative was the rather expensive detour to Japan. I haven't regretted a single Yen.

After the separation from LRB in 1983, things quieted down for Beeb. We can only find him through some guest appearances on the albums of Pete Benz, Steve Grace and Tom Brooks. It was therefore like Christmas for me when I got his solo project, "Driven By Dreams," in my hand. Thanks to the internet, and the Beeb Birtles web site (www.birtles.com), which I stumbled upon while doing some research through the Australian LRB site. "Driven by Dreams" has been monopolizing my CD player for the last several weeks.

The album begins in fury with, "Relentless." Mighty drums and virtuosic guitars fill the room. The powerful refrain has the ability to really get stuck in your head. Steely Dan starts "In The City" with unusual breaks and song arrangements. The very complex song comes together, as does "Relentless," in a grandiose refrain that makes the mouth water. Outstanding trumpet playing weaves throughout the song. No hectic tootling but rather perfectly clear and on point. Has Miles Davis come back to life? Beeb Birtles' voice has withstood the years undimmed. His larynx drifts casually into the higher registers without irritating his hearers, [sounding] equally well whether solo or in harmony. "Photogenic" closely follows the high quality of the preceding tracks - clearly defined multi-voice song and superb breaks. The instrumentation is thrifty, yet also very effective, which is to take nothing away from the exceptional refrain. The jazzy start flows unexpectedly into the finest Pop/Rock with the guaranteed ability to stay in your head.

"Pictures in the Attic" reminds one of Beeb's old LRB sides. A finely spun ballad with exquisite guitar sounds. Steely Dan once more sends greetings to "Midnight Man." The arrangements are, as one should otherwise expect, clean and precise. The harmonious group song is once again on target. Classy piano and Hammond make the hearing enjoyment perfect. "Magnetic North" erupts from the speakers with dry gusto. It's a feast for Rock fans. The singing takes the breath away. "Driven by Dreams," the title song, is one of the melodic high points of the CD. The exceptional melody is addictive - I don't know how many times I've heard this song in the last weeks. "There's Always Tomorrow" delivers once again a thrilling melody and perfectly played instrumentation. The guitars ring cleanly and truly. "Don't Wanna Die Young" recalls the structure and form of the preceding works. Strong guitars and impulsive drums drive the song forward - masterful. "Someday," with its virtuosic guitars, allows the album to fade away calmly and harmoniously.

"Driven by Dreams" is an outstanding Pop/Rock opus, jam-packed with scintillating melodies and perfectly played instrumentation. Above all, the original arrangements and dreamy singing stand out. This is a first class production by Bill Cuomo, who has provided keyboards on various White Snake and Van Zant albums. The sound on the CD is outstanding. Even at higher volume levels, the sound profile remained extremely clean and precise.