Frontiers Records loves putting super-groups together. Like most super-groups that come together, most fall short of the expectations.

Black Swan is a band that at least in my mind has always worked. You have four thoroughbred musicians, whose credentials speak for themselves. Robin McAuley is best known for his work with MSG. Reb Beach has worked with Whitesnake, Winger, and Twisted Sister to name a few. Matt Starr has played with Mr. Big and Ace Frehley. While Jeff Pilson has played with Dokken, Dio, and is in Foreigner. He has also produced a lot of other bands over the years.

Instead of being an album where everyone has to show off their talent, and each component is just intent on their own self-promotion, this album works. They sound like a cohesive band that has been writing and recording music with each other for decades. The songs and band don’t sound like your generic run-of-the-mill, “checks in the mail” thrown together project.

Robin has such a unique, identifiable voice, after the revolving door of vocalists Michael Schenker has used over the years, there is a reason why he’s still identified with the band. He, in my opinion, sang on two of MSG’s best albums.

Generation Mind to me is the long-lost fourth McAuley Schenker album. Yes, Robin has recorded several albums in between, a few with Schekner actually. And that’s without mentioning the first Black Swan album. But this album shows that he still has that same power, and his melodies are still captivating. They are just as relevant as those MSG albums.

Although Robin really stands out, the entire band shines and makes this album a worthwhile listen.

If you remotely like the musical legacy of these four members of the band, check the album out.