Starz

The term pop-metal didn't come into vogue until the '80s, when it was used to describe bands like Poison, Bon Jovi, Winger, Vixen, and Warrant. But it was certainly around in the '70s; Kiss and Sweet were major influences on many of the pop-metal outfits that emerged in the '80s. Pop-metal isn't heavy metal in the sense that Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Metallica are heavy metal; it's commercial hard rock with a lot of pop appeal and a strong emphasis on hooks. In 1976, Starz entered the pop-metal race with this self-titled debut album, which is fun and noteworthy even though it isn't in a class with the best pop-metal that Kiss and Sweet had to offer. Tunes like "Boys in Action" and "Detroit Girls" aren't mind-blowing, but they're likable and catchy. The LP's most topical offering is "Pull the Plug." Inspired by Karen Ann Quinlen's life, the bluesy number is about a young woman who is comatose and being kept alive by a life support machine. The woman has no chance of recovery, and Starz advocates turning off her life support machine and letting her die with some dignity. But for the most part, Starz isn't topical and escapist lyrics usually prevail on this decent, if unremarkable, debut. [This version of the album includes four demo tracks as bonus material.] ~ Alex Henderson , All Music Guide