The Return of the Great Gildersleeves

The Return of the Great Gildersleeves is the fifth album, on which Danger Danger re-presented 1980s appeal through modern recording, centered on glittering keyboards and clear choruses. The title comes from the Great Gildersleeves, a famous New York rock club. Paul Laine sings, and Bruno Ravel and Steve West carry the band’s core. Songs from the unreleased Cockroach, like “When She's Good She's Good” and “Walk It Like Ya Talk It,” are re-recorded here in a stronger sound. Paul Laine’s singing balances lightness and ache. The powerful opener “Grind,” the TV-themed “Six Million Dollar Man,” the Starz homage “Cherry Cherry” and the ballad “She's Gone” give the songs rich variety. Not overblown, its hook-first build feels good. Danger Danger’s character never settles into one fixed mold but rises in three dimensions through the placement and flow of the songs — a record that delivers the fun of melodic hard rock straight.