Everything old eventually becomes new again. It’s why in 2026, it can sound refreshing to have an artist channeling the stadium hooks and melodic bombast of 80’s rock n’ roll. And D.D.R. (aka Stephen Paul) does it so well on his single “Never Forever” you’ll think you’re living back in Wayne’s World.
You know the artist’s influences from the very first guitar riffs. The tone of these riffs goes from metallic crunch to slippery smooth, hitting a perfect solo leading up to the vocals. And man, these vocals are perfect for the genre – melodic with edge, and the perfect amount of emotion as heart-broken lyrics like “It was never forever, I was just living on borrowed time” strike out at you.The bridge brings in some lush piano for a moment, before a wrecking ball of drums and guitar virtuosity plow in.
If you miss the days when White Snake and Warrant were blasting through the radio, then press play on our Bangers of the Week Playlist to hear this hard rock gem.
The Indy Review 