A standard collection of standard ballads — what else is there to say? German guitar hero AXEL RUDI PELL has never been marked by the stamp of a great songwriter, and as a result, we have an hour-long disc of minor-key Bon Jovi-isms, as smooth and lyrical as it is tedious and sleep-inducing. Comparing "Ballads III" to Ritchie Blackmore's not-so-long-ago compilation "Beyond The Sunset," the latter wins noticeably thanks to its folk flavor and greater variety. In other words, while the BLACKMORE'S NIGHT compilation came at the right time and place, the counter-thrust from Mr. Pell never achieved the coveted touche. Recalling the maestro's last studio album, "Kings & Queens," the conclusion draws itself — pentatonic-laden melodic heavy suits him far better.
