Cobra - First Strike (1983)

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Cobra featured one of the finest voices in Southern Rock music. Sure, his contribution may be limited to little known 70's act Target, but Jimi Jamison sure showed off his pipes on those two albums. Of course later on he would become world famous for singing with AOR slickers Survivor and no trace of Southern influence was to be heard since. But in the in-between years he at least put a smile on my face with this release. This probably has more similarities to Joe Lynn Turner-era Rainbow, but try hard and you will discover some Southern sensibilities. The band was founded by Mandy Meyer, and besides Jimi Jamison also had Jack Holder of The Hot Dogs and Black Oak Arkansas playing. So the singing is pretty brilliant, but the songs stick and I've really enjoyed repeated listening. Some typical early 80's AOR/Hard Rock maybe, but the sound is tougher and more down to earth. Oh well, I guess you figured it out by now: I'm just looking for some good excuses to post this classic Southern AOR/Rock album. And here you have it. First strike!