Review GIANT “Stand and Deliver”

The Nashville-based melodic rock band Giant is back with a new album. The band, which launched with the great longplayers such as “Last of the Runaways” and “Time to Burn,” now presents “Stand and Deliver.” After listening to the songs on their sixth album, I must say that Giant stand and deliver.

“Stand and Deliver” features eleven songs, and I must admit that I didn’t expect such a strong performance. I was still fascinated by their ’90s album, but the band disappeared from my musical radar and now I was curious to find out what to expect from the guys.

The 2025 lineup of Giant features David Huff on drums and Mike Brignardello on bass. With David’s brother Dann’s blessing, the original Giant frontman and guitarist, the duo started recruiting a new singer and found Kent Hill, while Jimmy Westerlund supplies the riff power.

“Stand and Deliver” is the first album Giant recorded in this lineup, which might explain the brilliance of their latest release, starting with “It’s Not Right.” This upbeat song is a vivid and dynamic beginning that sets the tone for the 49-minute journey through melodic rock and AOR. This energetic opening is followed by “A Night to Remember.” The latter showcases the band’s exceptional sense of melody, featuring an addictive quality.

Dann Huff is also part of the album, though he is not the singer. He wrote the romantic, resonating “Time to Call It Love,” which he wrote with Mark Spiro. Although the song is filled with soulful moments, I wouldn’t call it a ballad. There’s too much power in it to be a simple tearjerker.

“I Will Believe” is another song that blends softer moments with a powerful chorus, while the pounding “Holdin’ On for Dear Life” showcases traditional hard rock. A strong riff kicks off the title track, and the howling guitar of Westerlund completes the furious start before a moving verse takes over. The power returns in the chorus, proving that Giant are masters at alternating touching moments with vigorous passages.

Another notable song is “Pleasure Dome.” Starting with a cinematic and rather dark intro, the tune evolves into a great AOR anthem, which is a wonderful conclusion to the album. Westerlund’s guitar plays an important role in this stunning finale, and the song’s great hooks make “Pleasure Dome” a very pleasing closer.

With “Stand and Deliver,” Giant deliver an album that connects to the strength of their early days. These superb rock hymns are great songs to listen to during the upcoming summer season. Giant stand and deliver.