Head On Straight

09/24/2002 10:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Rob O'Connor

If you study history you'll discover that many world-changing events were really the results of only a few men. History is littered with the names of great and not-so-great men who imposed their will on the masses: Copernicus, Magellan, Napoleon, Washington, Mellencamp. When the history of hard rock circa 2000 is written, the bands will be inconsequential. But its producer--Bob Rock--will be pictured and defined as the svengali behind the entire movement. Tempting bands with his Hawaiian studio and his uncanny ability to make automatic radio hits, Bob Rock shapes the sound of a nation.

Tonic's third album has been three years in waiting. The L.A. trio has tasted multiplatinum success in the past and is looking to taste it once again. Head On Straight is filled--no, brimming--with songs that feature tight harmonies, massive guitars, and hooks that make radio programmers nod their head and smile: "Take Me As I Am," "Count On Me," "Believe Me." The year-end bonus is secure. Radio will continue as it is for another year. Should he be proud?