BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION - AFTERGLOW
**Introduction**
Supergroups have been around for decades and there are scant few that have lasted more than two albums. There are several reasons for this but perhaps the biggest reason is the time that is needed to concentrate on it away from the band members solo and other projects as we all know they wouldn't be able to be considered a supergroup without each individuals standing as a solo artist or as a musician. One supergroup has become my favourite new band and that honour goes to Black Country Communion who comprise of Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian and Jason Bonham. The foursome are expertly guided by record producer Kevin Shirley who was the brainchild of the band after a performance between Hughes and Bonamassa as well as having produced albums with all four. They formed in 2009 and released their first album in 2010 which was quickly followed in 2011 with a second and this year they have just released their third album which has just been released and is the subject of this review. Black Country Communion are a loud and brash mix of Blues Rock and 70s Classic Rock.
**Afterglow**
This is the third studio album from the Supergroup and has coincided with a difficult period for the Band in finding the time to go on Tour in support of the album. Joe Bonamassa has become a massive name and is embarking on a World Tour and there have been difficult discussions about the future of the Band as Glenn Hughes in particular really wants to tour the album yet schedule problems have scuppered plans. Afterglow was released on 29th October 2012 and features Glenn Hughes as the main songwriter with two collaborations with Jason Bonham, Hughes also had issues with the schedule conflicts as he was left to write much of the album where Joe Bonamassa had contributed more to the previous two albums. All members had a say in the Music though and Kevin Shirley co wrote the music for two tracks. That's the background but how does it sound?. Is it on a par with the first two albums?.
1.) Big Train
This is an excellent opener which has a crashing drum intro like a classic Led Zepellin track courtesy of John Bonham's son Jason who is the drummer. The track is vibrant, fast paced and so catchy. The excellent backing vocals compliment Glenn Hughes' powerful vocals well and the music is excellent and it leads up to some fantastic guitar work from Joe Bonamassa. There's some terrific musicianship from all four members here as they each have their moment to shine. This track is a wonderful opener to the album which shows exactly what you'll hear throughout the album. Damn good.
2.) This Is Your Time
This is a brash and very riff driven track which has a simple yet very effective drum beat and some catchy rock riffs from both Hughes and Bonamassa. Hughes is on lead vocals as usual and the song builds extremely well as the combined riffs from Hughes and Bonamassa blend with Sherinian's keyboards to create a fine soundstage backed by Jason Bonham's drums. I really like the way the song develops and Hughes vocals are excellent again. The track is topped off by another fine guitar solo from Joe Bonamassa in which he goes old school with a hardcore and heavier Eric Clapton like part.
3.) Midnight Sun
This is another excellent tour de force with some excellent riffs and a fast pace. I really love the way the song breaks down and then the pace picks up again. Hughes' voice is powerful and as good as ever and the bass riffs he provides are excellent too. This track is another which builds wonderfully, Joe Bonamassa comes in towards the end with some excellent rapid fire solo work which is backed wonderfully by the bass guitar from Glenn Hughes and the frantic drumming from Jason Bonham. Derek Sherinian also provides a great backing on the keys. Excellent stuff.
4.) Confessor
This track features crashing drums from the off and some very catchy bass and electric guitar riffs courtesy of Glenn Hughes and Joe Bonamassa respectively. The vocals are amongst the most catchy one the album and as a result this is one of the more sing along moments on the album. It's also one of the heaviest moments on the album with some fabulously up tempo riffs and melodies. I love the way they all pin together. As expected Joe Bonamassa comes in to put the finishing touch on the track with a fabulous guitar solo which takes the track to another level when followed by Derek Sherinian's great keyboard solo.
5.) Cry Freedom
One of the tracks which is very 70s influenced, Hughes vocals are very ACDC and Joe Bonamassa also comes in with vocals too. The two sing excellently together and their voices compliment each other. Joe's guitar work is again excellent and this is a fabulously worked return to the 70s Rock feel. Joe Bonamassa doesn't sing on this album as much as he did on the first two but what he brings vocally on this track is excellent as is his guitar work which runs throughout track. This is another excellent track which features a lovely break down which starts up again with Hughes' fabulous Rock vocals. Excellent stuff.
6.) Afterglow
We come to the Title track of the album here, It's a slower track than much of the album and has a lovely soft opening with a simple guitar melody from Bonamassa and some cymbals from Bonham. Hughes vocals are beautiful and show the fantastic range that he still has. I love the way the song develops and each member plays their part terrifically. Once the song is in full flow it's a riff laden special with some terrific breakdowns and gentle keyboard tones from Sherinian. One of the most ambitious tracks musically and a terrific track all round. Just superb. This track really shows the Beauty and range that they are capable of.
7.) Dandelion
At just over four minutes this is the shortest song on the album, Black Country Communion songs are usually around six or seven minutes or sometimes even more but this is another excellent track which gets in the fast paced riffs and crashing drums with Hughes' focused vocals being performed excellently and they sound different in parts to other tracks on the album which shows the range he has in his voice. This is another fine track which showcases the musicianship of the band and is topped off by a really fine guitar solo from Joe Bonamassa.
8.) The Circle
This is another track which has a slower opening and is a fantastic ballad which has an extended instrumental intro before the lovely vocals from Glenn Hughes come in. This track is another great example of how good they break down a track and then build again. Much of the track is at a slower pace but they then build to a heavier pace when Hughes' vocals soar. This is an excellent track which showcases the talent of the band musically. It's the longest song on the album at just over seven minutes and there's not one second of filler. I love the guitar solo from Joe Bonamassa which really just tops things off.
9.) Common Man
This track is another track which is firmly steeped in the 70s. There are some great riffs and expressive vocals from Hughes and he's backed well vocally by Bonamassa and Bonham. It's not one of the quickest tracks on the album but has a firm Rock feel with crashing drums and extended vocals. Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, Derek Sherinian and Joe Bonamassa all provide some terrific solo work on this track as they all get their chance to shine which is rare in a normal band but not necessarily in a supergroup. The standout on this track is Joe Bonamassa's guitar work.
10.) The Giver
This track has some nice melodies which work well with the relaxed feel. Glenn Hughes' vocals are relaxed and show great emotion. I really like the way this one develops too as the track continues along at a decent pace and Hughes' expressive vocals are detailed and are backed by some excellent relaxed musicianship. This is one of two tracks which Kevin Shirley co wrote the Music for. The track soars towards the end and is topped off with some excellent guitar work from Joe Bonamassa which firmly takes the song to another level. Excellent stuff.
11.) Crawl
The final song on the album is a very catchy affair indeed, It has a dark riff which backs Hughes' fine powerful vocals and Joe Bonamassa's licks are excellent as is the drumming from Jason Bonham which features many cymbal crashes. Derek Sherinian provides some excellent keyboard work which acts as a build up to the final part of the song which features some fine solo work between Joe Bonamassa and Derek Sherinian which is backed wonderfully by Bonham's crashing drums and Glenn Hughes' Bass. This is a fine end to the album which really shows off their fine musicianship. Terrific.
**The DVD**
The album also includes a Bonus DVD which features a forty five minute documentary about the Band and the process of recording the third album. It features interviews with the Band and actual studio footage of the Band putting the album together with Kevin Shirley who does a great Job producing the album and working things out. The DVD also includes four music videos of the Band. These are "Afterglow", "This is your time", "Confessor" and finally "Midnight Sun". This is a decent addition to the album and shows how they went about the process of recording the album. It also shows how much respect they have for each other as Musicians which is ultimately why they came together as a Band. Maybe more artists should include a Bonus DVD like this to show their recording process.
**Overall**
This is a fine third album from Black Country Communion. They have become my favourite current Band and I hope they continue despite question marks over the Bands future due to schedule conflicts. When you put together musicians of the quality of Joe Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Derek Sherinian and Jason Bonham you don't always get the final product but They really are a special band. Afterglow represents another excellent album which takes the tally to three albums in three years for Black Country Communion. I have seen Joe Bonamassa twice now and would absolutely love to see Black Country Communion live. It will be special so I hope they can work out enough time in their schedules to hold a Tour. It would be such a shame if they split because of that as they really are something special together.
**Introduction**
Every so often a duo come along and produce music which takes the best elements from each artists. One such act were the Australian pop Duo Savage Garden. Comprising of Darren Hayes (vocals) and Daniel Jones (keyboards, sequencing, guitar the duo carved out a memorable couple of albums with songs which touched hearts, made people think and also delivered Music of a toe tapping catchy affair. Though they formed in 1994, they met the previous year after Daniel Jones placed an advertisement in Brisbane newspaper Time Off seeking a vocalist for his five-piece covers band Red Edge which he had formed with his brothers, Hayes was the only one who replied to the ad and he joined the band.
**Savage Garden**
It wasn't until 1997 that an album was released though but the release was met with acclaim from fans and reviewers. The album has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide and remains one of the biggest selling debut releases from a duo. Remarkably ten of the twelve songs on the album were released as singles although there was a new version of "I want you" from 1998 that was released as only a single. The structure of the duo was key to their success. Darren Hayes was the vocalist and Daniel Jones was the multi instrumentalist. Hayes later embarked on a successful solo career whilst Jones is currently a record producer and musician.
SAVAGE GARDEN - AFFIRMATION
**The Album**
1. "To the Moon and Back"
This was the second single from the album, It starts with a short intro then the drums and guitar comes in. Darren's vocals come in with a detailed emotive feel. I like the way the song builds as the music slows then builds up again. In it's normal flow the music is catchy and Hayes' vocals are well performed. The song deals with feelings of alienation and the longing to find love. It has a nice classic guitar solo which really tops things off well. Good stuff.
2. "I Want You"
This is one of the catchiest tracks on the album. It starts relatively softly then as Darren Hayes' vocals develop the drums and percussion comes in with the smooth vocals and catchy guitar licks. Hayes' showcases flowing vocals with a real skill. The song is about the attraction of someone, the song is best explained with the lyrics "Ooh I want you, I don't know if I need you But ooh I'd die to find out" which make up the chorus. This is an excellent song which has a sing along chorus and a real toe tapping feel. Good stuff.
3. "Truly Madly Deeply"
This is one of their best songs, It's a lovely ballad which is one of the biggest hits on the late 90s. The vocals from Darren Hayes are interesting in that the way he performs it is like he's singing the two parts of a duet. It's a wonderful song with a great subject about when you fall for someone and want to spend time with them. This became a huge hit when it was released as a single and the lovely classic guitar solo really tops things off. This is a beautifully worked ballad.
4. "Tears of Pearls"
This track takes the album to a different more uptempo sound which features catchy beats and some excellent guitar work. I like the way the song develops. Hayes' vocals are on excellent form as he shows his vocal range with effortless falsetto parts which seamlessly move back into other vocal tones. It features some excellent organ work towards the end which really tops things off beautifully. An excellent up tempo track which has a strong feel.
5. "Universe"
This is a beautifully sedate ballad with Hayes' vocals in fine form. One of the slower moments on the album, this features some excellent lyrics which are sung beautifully. The chorus is of a sing along nature and there are some nice touchy musically. When I bought the album this was one of the songs on the album which I listened to most and it still brings back memories to those times listening to the song. Hayes' falsetto here is particularly beautiful.
6. "Carry on Dancing"
One of the more uptempo moments on the album, This has a dark orchestral feel which is joined with a melodic rock feel. I love the way that Darren Hayes' vocal is joined by the strings which create a lovely soundstage. It's a real toe tapper of a track and is one of the best uptempo tracks on the album, It features an excellent instrumental breakdown in the middle which shows the musicianship of Daniel Jones and the other musicians involved. An excellent track all round.
7. "Violet"
The track opens with several knocks on the door before the door opens and what sounds like a party is heard. This is a funky slice of Funk Rock which features some excellent licks and hooks. Hayes' vocals flow really well as he moves seamlessly through the lyrics. This is another excellent uptempo track which shows the range of the group musically as well as vocally. An excellent track.
8. "Break Me Shake Me"
Perhaps the most exciting track on the album in musical terms. It's opens with a catchy bass hook which is joined by Hayes' vocals then the crashing drums come in and the electric guitar soon joins the party. This is the heaviest track on the album and features some fine rock guitar and crashing drums. It shows a different heavier sound than much of the album and works extremely well. There's some excellent guitar work which strays even into Metal which is a real surprise from the rest of the album but works so well. Brilliant stuff.
9. "A Thousand Words"
This is another excellent song, It has a flowing pop rock feel with some excellent electro sounds which blend well with the funky guitar licks and drum loops. Darren Hayes' vocals are again free flowing and sound on fine form. It's another song which develops wonderfully well and is excellent musically too. It's one of the best tracks on the album and has an excellent flow.
10. "Promises"
This is a catchy song which features some funky guitar and bass licks, It's another track which develops wonderfully. It has a lovely chorus which is memorable and reminds me of a Prince like sound. This is one of the best songs on the album and showcases the talents of both Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones too. I love humming or singing along to the chorus which just completes the song so well. Beautiful stuff.
11. "Santa Monica"
This is the final track on the album and is a truly beautiful song about life in Santa Monica, California. The track was Darren Hayes' observations about living in Santa Monica. It is a beautiful song which showcases the beauty of his falsetto which is dripping with emotion and hits all the notes superbly well. The musical setting is relaxed with a dimple drum beat and some lovely keys and gentle guitar. This is one of the best tracks on either Savage Garden album and stacks up to Darren Hayes' best solo work. Superb stuff.
**Overall**
This is one of the best debut albums I own in my collection. It has a wide range of musical influences and has some really heartfelt lyrics. It's an album that when you hear it has sold over 18m copies worldwide you aren't surprised. It's just a shame that they only released one other album after this. I love Darren Hayes as a solo artist too but would love it if he teamed up with Daniel Jones again to reform Savage Garden after their different projects. This album deserves it's place in Music History as a huge seller.
ANGIE STONE - UNEXPECTED
**Introduction**
I have been a fan of Angie Stone for a while now and she is one of my favourite female singers in the Neo Soul sub genre. Her second album "Mahogany Soul" remains my favourite album of hers but she has more good music on her other albums and has released five studio albums with another one on the way sometime later this year or early next year. Her latest release is the subject for my review today. It's the latest of her five albums.
**Unexpected**
This was released in the UK on 8th February 2010 after being released in late 2009 in America. The album features collaborations with Ricco Barrino, Diamond Stone and Juanita Wynn and also "Dose". There are twelve tracks on the album and Angie Stone produced much of the album with the likes of Missy Elliot & Jazze Pha amongst others. The album was largely well received by fans and critics alike as another strong album from Angie Stone. Here's my review.
1.) Unexpected
This is a catchy opener to the album, It features a quick catchy beat and some smooth backing vocals, the bass guitar comes in with a nice catchy hook and the song is soon into it's flow. It's a short introduction to the album and hints at what's to come on the album. Nice little introduction.
2.) I Ain't Hearin?
This is a catchy old school moment here with taut beats and an upbeat disco/soul feel which reminds me a little of Chaka Khan. It's a strong track with some excellent backing vocal parts which take the song to another level. It's not as good as the best tracks on the album but is an enjoyable up tempo moment which shows something a bit different to the slower ballads on the album. Good transition.
3.) Free
This is the first collaboration on the album, It features Ricco Barrino who I hadn't heard of before the album but he does a decent job on vocals with Angie Stone. The electro R&B musical style is reminiscent of Usher's recent material which works well here. I like the vocal delivery from Angie Stone and the flow of the song feels good. This is one of the better songs on the album and has a lot going for it. Nice vocals and a nice progression and of course decent subject.
4.) Maybe
This is a lovely chilled song with Angie's vocals on form. The simple beat combines with some lovely piano and smooth backing vocals. The track is about wanting to know for sure about whether a relationship will last rather than maybe all the time. I love the way the song sounds and Stone's vocals on this track are amongst the best on the album. It really is an excellent track which showcases her great voice and also the brilliant way she puts the song together. Great track.
5.) Hey Mr. DJ
This is a catchy moment on the album, It's a nice song with a smooth feel. Angie's vocals are on form as are the backing vocals. This is a feel good track about having a good time at a Club with your friends. It has a good message about letting your hair down and having a good time now and again to get over stresses you may have. I like the way the song develops and it has a nice feel.
6.) Kiss All Over Your Body
This is a more raunchy moment here in which Angie Stone sings about getting it on with that someone special, thinking about them when you are away from them. I love the music here which consists of some lovely keyboard tones and a nice percussion and beat mix. The smooth backing vocals really add a nice touch alongside the vocals from Angie. The song is up there with the best on the album and really showcases her lovely voice.
7.) I Don't Care
This track features Diamond Stone and Juanita Wynn, It's a catchy ballad which moves along well and Angie's vocals blend well with both collaborators to make a decent song with strong vocals from all. The track is about feeling good about yourself despite what others may say or do to try and bring you down. One of the best messages on any of the tracks on the album and it's performed very well too which is important to get the message across to the greatest effect.
8.) Why Is It
This is a lovely slow ballad which starts wonderfully with some nice keyboard tones and a simple yet effective beat. The backing vocals are lovely and Angie's expressive vocals are on fine form. The track is about when you loved someone but they didn't want you at the time but as soon as you are in a new relationship they seem to want you. This is one of the best songs on the album and features some fine vocals from Angie Stone and also her backing vocalists who provide lovely smooth vocals.
9.) Tell Me
This is one of the more uptempo cuts on the album, It features some electro style hooks combined with some hip hop style beats. Angie's vocals are put through a vocoder to create an interesting sound which combines with her normal vocals. there might be too much use of vocoder here but this is a pretty decent Club track which has the beats and hooks to dance to and is a decent enough addition to the album. "Dose" provides a decent enough collaboration.
10.) Think Sometimes
This is a nice soulful track which features lovely backing vocals which give the song a 70s soul feel. It's a very pleasant soulful ballad with decent vocals from Angie Stone and her backing vocalists of course. The track features some of the nicest and laid backed vocals on the album and has a lovely feel which is replicated on a few of the other tracks too.
11.) I found a Keeper
No this is not a Football Manager saying that he has found a decent Goalkeeper but Angie singing about finding someone special who you want to spend the rest of your life together, It's a lovely track which features strong lead vocals and again some fine backing vocals. It has a good message about finding that someone special and being in love. Good stuff.
12.) Unexpected (Reprise)
This is a short reprise of the opening introduction, It features the same musical feel with the excellent bass hook and some fine backing vocals. It's a nice end to the album and showcases the best bits about the album in a short package. Good ending.
**Overall**
This is another excellent album from Angie Stone, her vocals are in fine form and there are some excellent emotive tracks which really show off that voice and the backing vocalists really earn their fee with some lovely smooth vocals which compliment Angie's lead vocals. This is a strong album which shows she's still got it. Some of the tracks on here are amongst her best tracks and I have given the album five stars as even though I don't think it is quite worthy of all five it is worth more than the four. It's an excellent album that would suit any Neo Soul fan.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR - WHITE SUGAR
**Introduction**
I usually write my reviews on Dooyoo first and then paste them onto ciao but seeing as the request had not yet been accepted on Dooyoo and the item was already up on Ciao I decided to review it on there first. I first came across Joanne Shaw Taylor when I was looking for some new music on myspace. I had a listen and was amazed. Although in the early days of Blues there were a few talented female blues performers I had not heard any nowadays that were any good. UNTIL NOW. Here is my review of Joanne Shaw Taylor's debut album "White Sugar"
**Her Story**
Aged just 16 years old Joanne Shaw Taylor was discovered by Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics. his reaction was as follows...I have played with all sorts of blues musicians all over the world such as R.L.Burnside and Jesse-Mae Hemphill. I heard something I thought I would never hear....a British white girl playing blues guitar so deep and passionately it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end!!! Not only was I in total shock but it took me a good few minutes to ask her how long she had been playing like that ? "A few years" she replied "how old are you now" I asked "sixteen she said. I woke up a few seconds later on the floor.
**White Sugar**
Now 23 years old Joanne Shaw Taylor released her debut album White Sugar. The album was recorded in Bluesman Jim Gaines studio in Memphis, He brought in the experienced sessionmen Steve Potts (drums) and Dave Smith (bass) and the recording began. There are ten tracks on "White Sugar", some written during the flight from the UK to Memphis and some over the last ten years that she has performed in her live performances.
Going Home
Just Another Word
Bones
Who Do You Want Me To Be?
Time Has Come
White Sugar
Kiss The Ground Goodbye
Heavy Heart
Watch 'em Burn
Blackest Day
Joanne get's things started with "Going Home" which opens with a gut wrenching "Sea Sick Steve" like blues riff. the bass comes kicking in and then the drums crash in before you get the real guitar brilliance, For someone of 23 her vocal is all the more remarkable, her raspy smoky vocal belies her age and has all the power and grace of someone nearly twice her age. The track moves along brilliantly and then her solo kicks in and just stops you dead in your tracks. BRILLIANT
Next up is "Just another word" which has more of a Blues rock feel akin to Chris Rea. The catchy drum beat and gentle bass guitar joins the plucking guitar for a very pleasantly flowing melody with some fine guitar tones creating nice melodies. Her voice is again smoky and expressive. This track is not as instant as the opener but don't let that fool you as this is another very impressive track which has fine musicianship and a different solo which shows her guitar range.
"Bones" has the grit and feel of a catchy Buddy Guy standard mixed with Stevie Ray Vaughan. This track has some great guitar tones and the catchy riff that runs through the track is a real toe tapper. She shows more of her vocal power here to with a really strong, raspy tone. then she lets loose on the guitar with a really powerful guitar solo that really showcases her talent. This is such an impressive track.
"Who Do You Want Me To Be?" is the fourth track on the album and is more Blues rock than "Just another word" It features smooth backing vocals and driving guitar melodies from Shaw Taylor. This continues the catchy feel of the album so far whilst still keeping the message relevant. When she kicks into the songs main solo you are left in no doubt of the power of the song. Brilliant stuff yet again.
"Time has come" opens with a down and dirty blues feel, her vocals then come in with her guitar which shows more of a bluesy feel than the previous track. Joanne again shows off her guitar skill with some great work on the solo which gets better and better the further it progresses. The drums and bass drive right through the song making the impact of the guitar all the more special. She really lets loose on this track. Wow!!!! when it leads into just the music she lets loose incredibly.
"White Sugar" is the title track from this album and is the only instrumental on the album and has a great jam session feel with the bass and drums getting moments to shine in the three musician setup. Whilst the guitar work is not as damn right powerful as some of the other tracks it still has bags of emotion and is still wondrous. What power it has is superb!!!
"Kiss the ground goodbye" opens with a melody that reminds me a lot of John Mayer's "What until tomorrow" and then the song develops into it's own feel and runs through with this very catchy feel until she lets loose with an exceptionally good guitar solo which again really shows off what she can do with the guitar. Her vocals are again superb on this one too.
"Heavy Heart" this is another John Mayer like track which opens with a deep bass hook and then her bluesy "wah wah" notes come in. This opens very gently and her vocals are laid back and smoky with the smooth backing vocals. The simple guitar melody that runs through the track until just after the middle where her guitar comes in with a very Mayer like guitar solo which progresses.
"Watch em Burn" is an unmistakably Jimi Hendrix like track which moves along with verve and vigour, with features some great guitar work and the Bass and Drums add a great touch here as well. This is another very effective slice of Blues which is another toe tapper and also frenetic guitar track with the solo towards the end which is fast paced and very melodic with a great bass backing.
"Blackest Day" was a track written when Joanne was just 14 years old, This track opens with a gut wrenching blues melody and very emotive guitar from Shaw Taylor. This long musical intro sets you up for what's coming later. Her vocals come in with years of experience and pain. The guitar licks come throughout the track until the solo when she really lets loose on, this solo has a very progressive feel and just gets better and better until it is just awe inspiring.
**Overall**
This album would be considered great if it was by someone who was twice or more Joanne Shaw Taylor's age but considering she is just 23 and sings and plays like that!!!!! it is a remarkable album of beauty, virtuosity and grace in aplomb. This young woman from Birmingham, England is an awesome talent who if there's any justice will be around for some time making quality Blues, She has just released her debut album but I cannot wait for her second album to be released. SHE IS THAT GOOD!!!
ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - WHERE IT ALL BEGINS
**Introduction**
I love Music from many genres and also from many decades. I liked the Allman Brothers Band even before I got into Government Mule but as I became a fan of them I looked back on the more recent and maybe lesser known releases from the Allman Brothers Band. I should mention for those that were unaware, Government Mule were founded from Allman Brothers Band when Allman Brothers Band members Warren Haynes, Allen Woody joined forces with Matt Abts and began to record as Government Mule. Warren Haynes became a member of Allman Brothers Band in 1989 and in 1994 the third studio album with Warren Haynes on was released. This was a year before Haynes and Woody started Government Mule during a break from recording with Allman Brothers Band. From 1997 Warren Haynes took a four year break from Gregg's band and was replaced by the nephew of drummer Butch Trucks who is of course Derek Trucks.
**Where it All Begins**
The album was released in May 1994 after being recorded in January of that year at BR Ranch Studios, Jupiter, Florida. The band line up as of then was as follows Gregg Allman - organ, lead vocals
Dickey Betts - lead guitar Warren Haynes - lead guitar, Allen Woody - bass guitar, Jaimoe - drums, percussion, Butch Trucks - drums. Along with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers Band have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the Southern Rock field and for me this is a strong example of why they have been so highly treasured.
1.) All Night Train
This is an excellent opener with some catchy guitar work and a flowing drum and bass hook which brings a catchy feel to the song. There's some excellent guitar work from Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts. The track was written by Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes & Chuck Leavell. Gregg Allman's vocals prove to be in good nick as he showcases power and poise on this excellent track which sets up the album well.
2.) Sailin Cross the devils sea.
This track was written by Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Jack Pearson & Allen Woody. It's another flowing track which has some excellent rolling guitar riffs and Allman's vocals are strong too. The track features some excellent guitar work, especially courtesy of Warren Haynes with some excellent slide solos which give the track a Bluesy feel.
3.) Back where it all begins
This is an excellent track which reminds me a little of The Grateful Dead, There's also a fabulous Lynyrd Skynyrd like duel guitar part to it which comes in after the song builds well. This track is one of few solely written by Dickey Betts and he joins with Warren Haynes to create an excellent guitar sound which really takes the Band to another level. This is a long track at over nine minutes but it's worth listening to in it's entirety for the excellent duel guitar sound.
4.) Soulshine
This may be familiar to some people, It's well known as a Government Mule track but was originally recorded with Allman Brothers Band. This Warren Haynes penned track was featured as a different version on "The Deep End". which is a little longer and in my opinion better but this is still a fine version. This is still a damn fine original though and the guitar work is superb with some fantastic and emotive solos and Allman's vocals are on form too. Great stuff and arguably the best track on the album.
5.) No One to run with
This has a similar feel to a Bo Diddley track as it moves along with a catchy feel. It sounds like an ideal outdoor concert opener and would be at home at Eric Clapton's Famous Crossroads Festival. It's an impressive track which showcases excellent musicianship from all of the band and it's one of the best tracks on the album. Good stuff.
6.) Change my way of living
This is a catchy Southern Rock track which sees Gregg Allman showing a different side to his voice with a vocal performance that sounds different to his usual tone but still good. The track is about trying to change yourself for the better knowing that things won't work out for you if you carry on the way you're going. The guitar work is stellar yet again from both Betts and Haynes. Another very strong track.
7.) Mean woman blues
This is a fantastic track which has a vibrant toe tapping sound with some excellent Robert Johnson influenced Southern Rock Blues. This song really sounds good and is one of the best on the album. It shows the great talent of Warren Haynes in particular and is similar in style to the harder edged Blues Rock from Government Mule.
8.) Everybody's Got A Mountain to Climb
This track demonstrates the Country style in Southern Rock. It's a very good track with some laid back guitar licks and tones and a lovely sing a long chorus which works a treat. The song build well and the guitar work is again very strong as both Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts showcase their musicianship. The breakdowns are key to the effectiveness of this song. Good stuff.
9.) What's done is done
This is another excellent track, It has a lovely flowing bassline from Allen Woody's bass. Gregg Allman's vocals are expressive and the catchy Blues Rock feel builds the track well. There's some excellent organ work from Allman and then Warren Haynes takes over with some great guitar work. This is another one of the top songs on the album.
10.) Temptation is a Gun
This is a Deep Bluesy Rock track that has a great Bass and Drum backing which reminds me a little of Alannah Miles' fantastic "Black Velvet" which is also a song I really like too. Gregg's vocals are emotive and strong and the music builds wonderfully until Warren Haynes just lets loose on the guitar solo which is performed with aplomb. Great track.
**Overall**
This is a very strong album indeed, It showcases the vocal ability of Gregg Allman when he's really on it and the undoubted Guitar class of Warren Haynes and the also very credible Dickey Betts. There are some great tracks on here that are the standouts. These are "Soulshine" & "Temptation is a Gun". but to be honest there isn't one bad track here. This is a must in any Allman Brothers Band fan and indeed any Government Mule fan, That's why I got this album. Great stuff.
CARLOS SANTANA - SHAMAN
**Introduction**
When it comes to Guitarists there are many that I admire and one of those is Carlos Santana. He has consistently adapted his style and has spanned many genres in creating Music which is unique and very influential gaining him many friends and followers in Music. In 1999 he released Supernatural which received critical and commercial acclaim selling over 27m copies worldwide and starting a format for Carlos Santana albums which has been to include a wealth of collaborators, Shaman was the follow up to the Supernatural album and included many collaborations of it's own.
**Shaman**
The album was released three years after the Supernatural album and again featured several collaborations which Carlos Santana has replicated on all of his subsequent albums apart from his latest release "Shape Shifter". Back to Shaman though and the album includes collaborations with artists such as Michelle Branch, Chad Kroeger, Seal, Macy Gray, Musiq Soulchild, Dido and others. The album wasn't quite as successful as the previous album yet still sold pretty well and featured hit singles. The album contained a similar style of the rock, hip hop, and pop of Supernatural.
1.) Adouma
This is an excellent opener which features relaxed vocals and some vibrant music which has the feel of a Jam session, there's a nice vocal harmony part which works well and as the track develops it's soon in full flow. There's some excellent guitar playing here with some fine solos which Carlos Santana just showcases his talent with. It's an excellent and catchy track to open with that showcases the musicianship of the band and of course the excellent guitar work from Carlos Santana. Great start.
2.) Nothing At All
This track features the R&B/Neo Soul singer Musiq Soulchild. It's a lovely ballad which opens gentle with Santana on an electro acoustic guitar and Musiq's laid back vocals shine. This track is about looking back on things once your partner has left you and looking at what you had and what you have now. I love the way the song develops and for me this is a superb collaboration. Musiq's vocals are emotive and the backing vocals add a lovely feel which combines with Santana's guitar to create a lovely sound. This track One of the best tracks on the album.
3.) The Game of Love
This was a successful single from the album and is a duet with Michelle Branch, she takes on the vocals with an emotive and strong vocal performance on this excellent ballad about all the different emotions involved in a relationship. I love the way that the song develops and when Carlos Santana just lets loose for the guitar solo it's a terrific moment. This combines two styles wonderfully well and is one of the best tracks on the album. Great stuff.
4.) You are my kind
This is a track featuring Seal and it opens like an Enrique Iglesias song but soon develops it's own identity with some lovely laid back vocals from Seal and a slower pace more akin to a ballad than electro pop. This is an excellent track which has a lovely feel and the catchy feel works well. I love the way the song develops and Seal sounds at his best here. This is a very strong track which has a lot going for it, most notably the excellent guitar work throughout the song.
5.) Amore
This track features Macy Gray and is an excellent slice of Hip Hop with a Rock sound. Gray's laid back vocals combine well with the vibrant guitar work from Santana to create a nice sound which combines well with the beats and hooks to create a fine all round sound. This is not one of the best tracks on the album but still has lots going for it. The horns add to the overall sound well and it's another strong track which again develops well. Good stuff.
6.) Foo Foo
This is a catchy & vibrant track which again has some decent backing vocals which go well with the overall sound. This is one of the tracks that showcases the South American influence and it works rather well with the electric guitar of Santana. This is not up there with the best tracks on the album yet it has a lot going for it and is still a rather decent track although compared to the others is a little too repetitive for my liking. still a good track though,
7.) Victory is Won
This is an exceptional instrumental track which just has a beautifully relaxed feel. It starts with some gentle electric guitar from Santana, backed by the gentle bass and some lovely soft keys. The track develops with a nice flow and I like the punch of the drums which sounds good alongside the other instruments. There's an excellent organ solo which blends extremely well with the other sounds going on. The track is finished superbly well with the excellent guitar work from Carlos Santana. I love the way the track takes on a heavier sound with crashing drums and the fine guitar work from Carlos. Great stuff and one of the best tracks on the album.
8.) Since Supernatural
This is a fabulous slice of Hip Hop. The track is the sort of cut that you play in the car with the windows down and the speakers up. The collaborators are Melkie Jean & Governor Washington. This track has an excellent progression and the combination of the hip hop beats and hooks with the fabulous electric guitar from Carlos Santana really works well and creates a new kind of sound. This is what you can do when you experiment with different genres. Great stuff.
9.) America
This is back to the Rock style with a collaboration with the Rock band P.O.D. It has a fabulous feel which is vibrant and deserves to be played loud. once in full flow you hear how well they track was recorded with the punch of the drums and the intricacy of the guitar work which runs through much of the album too. Some of the guitar work here is sensational and really showcases what an incredible guitarist Carlos Santana is. An unexpected collaboration but it certainly works extremely well. Superb. The guitar work towards the end is just truly outstanding.
10.) Sideways
This track features Citizen Cope and slows things down a bit from the previous track. gentle acoustic under a vibrant electric guitar part which comes in from the off. Citizen Cope's vocals are emotive and relaxed whilst Santana's playing is superb and vibrant yet still relaxed. I love the way this song develops and some of the guitar playing is just beautiful and the simple yet achingly effective drum and percussion part works superbly well. This is a truly brilliant track with some sensational guitar work that sounds so simple.
11.) Why Don't You & I
This is an excellent track featuring Nickelback's Chad Kroeger. The single version was with Alex Band of the Calling. The album version is an excellent track too with a vibrant rock feel and Chad's vocals sounding decent alongside the guitar from Santana and the excellent backing music. I love the way the song moves along through each part. The way they lead into the final guitar solo is excellent and the solo itself is another terrific solo. Great stuff.
12.) Let me love you tonight
This is an excellent track, It opens with a Bluesy feel then the beat comes in soon backed by the vocals which come courtesy of Andy Vargas. This is a lovely ballad about pledging your love to someone in the hope they'll love you back. I love the way this sounds and it has such a lovely feel. perfect pace for the song and some fantastic guitar work from Carlos Santana takes the track to the next level, This track is up there with the best on the album. Great stuff.
13.) Aye, Aye, Aye
The track opens with some deep bass licks then the South American feel comes in. The catchy guitar licks combine well with the backing and the vocals to create a decent sound. This track has a catchy feel which keeps a relentless South American style. The guitar work on this track is superb and really compliments the rest of the music. In some parts he just lets loose with some superb tones. One of the best solos on the album comes towards the end of this track.
14.) Hoy Es Adios
This has a very Latin feel with some excellent Spanish guitar with a flamenco style which is interestingly backed by a Hip Hop style beat and the vocals come from Alejandro Lerner who does a decent job on this catchy track which progresses well. It's a change from most of the album but like so many of his tracks, Carlos Santana makes it work. This track really shows the range of his music. Maybe not for some but it still has a lot going for it and is worth a listen.
15.) One of These Days
This is another Hip Hop style track but with a different and more laid back feel. It has it's vibrant Latin feel with some great horns and some exceptional guitar work. The vocals come from Ozomatli who does a decent job of things and is backed well by the backing vocalists. I love the guitar work here which progresses really well and soars at the right moments. There are certainly Some excellent parts to this one. Good stuff.
16.) Novus
This is an interesting track to end the album with, It opens like a Vangelis track and has a lovely intro which builds with a vibrant guitar part. The great vocals come from Placido Domingo. The combination of the lovely music and the Operatic vocals of Domingo really makes this track stand out from the others in terms of it's uniqueness. Carlos Santana shows that he can play alongside any type of Music. The guitar work on this track is rather good indeed.
**Overall**
This is another excellent album from Carlos Santana and follows on so well from Supernatural. He again showcases a wide range of different artists and styles yet somehow makes it work. The best stuff is really superb and really showcases his incredible guitar ability. This is undoubtedly a very good album indeed and deserves more recognition.
JOE BONAMASSA - SO IT'S LIKE THAT
**Introduction**
I have become a huge fan of Joe Bonamassa in the past few years and have reviewed nearly all his albums on here. After reviewing a string of Joe Bonamassa albums recently I have come to now review yet another of his album "So It's Like That" which was his second album release and was released in 2002. The album was released on the J&R Adventures label and was recorded at Unique Recording Studios in New York. The album was produced by Joe Bonamassa, Clif Magness, Matt Chiaravalle, Richard Feldman & Dave Bassett. Joe Bonamassa was joined on the album by the musicians Eric Czar - bass, fretless bass
Kenny Kramme - drums & Matt Wilcox - keyboards.
**So It's Like That**
Interestingly this is the only album from Joe Bonamassa that features no cover versions as all his other albums although not cover albums do feature a handful of cover versions. The album was released on 13th August 2003 and it topped the US Billboard Blues Albums Chart. It received mixed reviews with mostly positive comments.
1.) My Mistake
The track opens with a catchy electro acoustic part and then as the drums and bass come in the song develops well. It's a nice catchy track with some very strong melodies and nice breakdowns. Joe's vocals are tender and emotive and the guitar blends well with the drums and bass to create a decent soundstage. It's not as strong as the best work he's done but what it is is a decent song which gives you a good example of the talent of Joe Bonamassa, most notably how he builds a song and his musicianship which is evident on the guitar solo which comes in half way through to top things off.
2.) Lie, No 1
This track features a good drum intro which then is joined by an excellent guitar riff which soon gets into full flow. This song is a decent live track and is showcases Joe Bonamassa's talent for building a song. The vocals are strong and the music is good too. The track is about confronting your ex partner after they lied about how they felt and didn't show their love as they were supposed to feel for you. I like the way the guitar solos build and come in. This is a very good track.
3.) No Slack
This track takes the album into an interesting Sound, Opening with some Jimi Hendrix like riffs and then there's some excellent Waah waah like guitar riffs which develop the song well here and Joe's vocals are clear and emotive. There's some great guitar work here as you would expect as he showcases his guitar talent with some excellent solos. I like the way that the song builds.
4.) Unbroken
The opening is a simple electro acoustic part with some gentle bass guitar hooks. The drums come in well and then as the song develops into full flow you get some excellent guitar work along with some excellent organ sounds in the background which compliment the song well. I like Joe's expressive almost story teller like vocals on the song and this is one of the more radio friendly tracks on the album. There's some great guitar work that builds well and tops things off well. The guitar work is Eric Clapton like.
5.) So, It's Like That
Here's the title track from the album and it's a fantastically catchy old school Blues tune which sees Joe's vocals performed strongly and some vibrant guitar work combined with a catchy and very effective bass hook which is something to tap your feet to. Joe's guitar work is again excellent as he goes off with some fantastic hooks and solos. This track not only shows the great musicianship of Joe Bonamassa but also his band who perform very well indeed.
6.) Waiting for Me
This is one of the more gentle tracks on the album, It's a lovely relaxed ballad with some nice piano and gentle keys and percussion. Joe's vocals are again emotive and the track builds well as the volume level slowly rises as the track progresses. This is not one of the more instant Joe Bonamassa tracks you'll ever hear but what it is is a very strong track which is another strong one on the album. The track builds well until the relaxed solo tops things off. Good stuff.
7.) Never Say Goodbye
This is a gentle catchy track about pledging your love for someone and saying that you will always love and be there for them. This track shows a slower side to the album and works rather well. The chorus is a sing along affair and the song builds well before an excellent guitar solo raises the pace of the track a little with slightly more aggressive bass and drums too. This is one of the better tracks on the album despite not being one of the most well known Joe Bonamassa tracks.
8.) Mountain Time
This track starts off gently with an acoustic feel and then as the drums come in it develops with a simple yet effective guitar part. Joe's vocals are emotive again and this is a strong track which has elements of Southern Rock leaning on the Country style. This track is another with a strong sing along chorus that would go down well at concerts I'm sure. It's a catchy track with a nice pace and is topped off well with some very good guitar work from Joe.
9.) Pain & Sorrow
This is probably the best track on the album, It's a ten minute epic which really showcases Joe Bonamassa's vocal and guitar playing ability. It opens with some guitar twangs and then develops with a meandering melody and some shuffling drums. Joe then continues with some great riffs and licks with his raspy vocal which shows a different vocal feel than his usual voice. The guitar solos on the track are really excellent and are built up to very well indeed. This track is probably the one that stands out and deserves qualitative comparison with his more recent material.
10.) Takin' the hit
This is a fluid up tempo track with some great musicianship. Joe's vocals are strong and the music is catchy and has some nice changes of pace and breakdowns which work well. The guitar work is superb as usual as the riffs are so listenable throughout the song and when his solos come in you are treated to some great stuff which showcases what a great musician that Joe Bonamassa is. This is one of the songs of the album for sure.
11.) Under the Radar
This is a relatively fast paced track which has some excellent guitar parts with acoustic and electric combining well with each other to create a nice soundstage. This is another radio friendly effort which has a decent chorus and a catchy feel. This is one of the shorter tracks on the album at 3 minutes and 20 seconds but it gets in enough to leave a strong sound. The guitar solo builds well and compliments the track. Good stuff.
12.) Sick in Love
This is an interesting track, It has an excellent feel and has a fluid feel. The guitar work reminds me of Slash which is great as he is another Guitarist that I hugely respect. This track has an excellent up tempo Rock feel with some strong vocals and a good subject about being in love with someone. It's up there with the best on the album even it is a little short as only a little longer than the previous track "Under the radar".
13.) The Hard Way
We end the album here with a track which is over seven minutes long and is a fine showcases of Joe's guitar ability. The first part of the track is about building the sound with catchy riffs and a nice drum sequence and as the song builds you get the sense of a fine guitar solo coming and you are duly rewarded with a sequence of solo guitar which has several parts and sounds to it. Great stuff which really ends the album off well.
**Overall**
Whilst this is not one of Joe Bonamassa's biggest or most instant albums it does however prove to be an excellent album which shows that Joe Bonamassa at 25 was an exceptional Musician and artist. If you have recently discovered Joe Bonamassa's work then I would recommend delving deeper and purchasing this album as it features some great material and shows how he progressed over the years. Whilst not as good as his best albums this still beats many rival artists and it's not even close with most. Oh and remember this is the only Joe Bonamassa album which features all original material.
LIANNE LA HAVAS - IS YOUR LOVE BIG ENOUGH?
**Introduction**
Over the years I have discovered many artists through Later with Jools Holland. One of the more recent artist discoveries has been Lianne La Havas who is a 22 year old folk soul singer who hails from London. In 2010, Lianne signed to Warner Bros. Records though she wouldn't release her debut album until 2012 after spending two years writing songs and touring on a couple of EPs. Her first EP was "Lost & Found" and was released on 21st October 2011, she followed that with a Live EP called ".Live From LA" which was available as a free download on her website. As I had seen her on Later with Jools Holland I was really intrigued to hear the two EPs so downloaded both and became a fan of her music. I was really looking forward to her first album release and started to promote her music to some of my followers on Twitter who were also rather impressed.
**Is Your Love Big Enough?**
This is of course the debut studio release from Lianne La Havas and It was released in the United Kingdom on 9 July 2012 through Warner Bros. The album was produced by Matt Hales and La Havas wrote or co wrote all of the songs on the album except "elusive" which was penned by Scott Matthews. The album has been well received critically and also commercially with a highest chart position of four in the UK. I was counting down the days until the album was released and downloaded the album from amazon a couple of days after it was released.
1.) Don't wake me up
This is a lovely opener which features some excellent backing vocals which combine well with Lianne's lead vocals to start things off. The dark piano comes in after a minute or so and then the song develops with a slow drum beat which combines superbly with the lovely vocals and gentle guitar. This is a lovely soulful ballad which showcases the effortlessness of her voice and also the talent she has for putting a song together to the best effect. I like the way the song develops and the way the backing vocals blend with her lead vocals. An excellent opener.
2.) Is your love big enough
This is the Title Track from the album and has an interesting guitar and beat opening with Lianne's excellent emotive vocals coming in. This is one of more well known tracks on the album after being released as a single in May. It's a lovely meandering up tempo track which slows then builds again well. There's a joyous moment towards the end when her vocals soar and she shows off her vocal range to great effect. The music also gets louder and also brings something to the song.
3.) Lost & Found
This is a lovely ballad with gentle percussion and lovely piano playing, Lianne's vocals again shine on this lovely stripped down track which really showcases her vocal purity and beauty. She really showcases her vocal talent on this one with some lovely runs and gentle intonation. I love the way that the song develops and the lyrics come across really well with a lovely sincerity. This is one of the best tracks on the album and has a really nice sound.
4.) Au Cinema
This is a lovely smooth track with gentle guitar and percussion with her gentle expressive vocals shining again. She's backed well by the catchy beats which soon kick in and also the backing vocals which blend well with her lead vocals. The track has some lovely subtle moments along with being one of the catchiest tracks on the album with some nice guitar licks and punchy beats. I really like the way the song develops and moves along with a unique feel. Really good stuff.
5.) No Room for doubt
This track features Willy Mason who co wrote a couple of tracks on the album. It's a lovely duet which features gentle guitar and Lianne's vocal purity is beautiful to hear alongside the distinctive laid back vocal from Mason who does pretty well. This is one of the slower tracks on the album and one of the best too. I love the way the guitar stays slow and subtle alongside the lovely vocals from both but Lianne La Havas in particular. This is a lovely song.
6.) Forget
This is one of the more up tempo moments on the album, It opens with a raw electric guitar sound then the beats come in after Lianne's lovely voice. The track again features backing vocals but they don't work as well as on the other songs as they are a bit too near the edge for my liking but Lianne's vocals are still good. This track showcases the range of Lianne La Havas as an artist which in my opinion is an important thing for any quality artist. This track is certainly something different from the other tracks on the album but somehow works.
7.) Age
This is a very pleasant track which has an old school feel with elements of Jazz which combine well with the Folk feel. She combines elements of Colbie Caillat with Jason Mraz to create a nice sound which works rather well. The gentle melodic guitar plays along with her vocals and the old style feel is brought into the modern day extremely well. I love the way she moves through the song with her vocals in such a fluid, relaxed manner. Another strong track.
8.) Elusive
Here's the only track from the album which doesn't include any songwriting credit from Lianne La Havas. It's still an excellent track though. the writer was Scott Matthews and his lyrics are well emoted by La Havas. The gentle guitar and keys combine well with the beat and the vocals from Lianne. I love the way she moves through the lyrics keeping the emotion of the song wonderfully well. The track is about a lover going missing from you and wanting them back. Good stuff.
9.) Everything, Everything
This track follows on from much of the sound of the album with lovely vocals and emotive musical backing which underpins things well. It starts gently with some gentle guitar and Lianne's superb blunt vocals come in with great effect. I like the way that the song builds as the other instruments come in, first we have the drums which come in gently and then the keys which are subtle in the background. This is one of the best tracks on the album and showcases her relaxed and extremely emotive delivery. Good stuff.
10.) Gone
This was the track which made the biggest impact on me, It's a beautiful ballad which has a stripped down feel with just Lianne on the piano with her extremely emotive vocals on this wonderful track about looking back on a relationship that has ended. Her voice is superb on this one in particular and many will relate to this track if they've had a tough breakup when they still loved that person. This has got to be one of the greatest songs of 2012 and shows what a talent she is. I love that the song features just her vocals and the Piano. It results in an extremely emotive, extremely sincere moment. Quite superb.
11.) Tease Me
The track is about temptation and how it works out in a relationship. Lianne's vocals are excellent again on this track which has some catchy guitar parts which combine well with the vocals and the song is just the catchy guitar and her vocals which are backed by the backing vocalists who do a decent job on this on. This is another excellent track from the album. Good stuff.
12.) They Could Be Wrong
This is the final track from the album and is one of the more up tempo moments on "Is your love big enough". The track is about being in a relationship when people around you say that you aren't right for each other. It shows the troubles in any relationship where things aren't always so good. It's a catchy track with some excellent guitar parts which combines well with the drums to bring a nice flow to the overall sound. Good stuff.
**Overall**
This is a very good debut indeed which reaffirms my belief in her as an artist. She has a great voice and her songwriting is deep and personal and of course many people can relate to the words in her songs. This album will undoubtedly be one of the best debuts of 2012 and will hopefully mean that she becomes a very well known artist indeed. I would love to see her live and can't wait to hear new material from her in the next couple of years. She is a great talent. One to certainly watch out for in the near future. "Is your love big enough" is a very strong debut album.
MTV UNPLUGGED MAXWELL
**Introduction**
Having reviewed all of Maxwell's studio albums I thought one thing was left and that was to review his excellent MTV Unplugged Live album. I am a huge fan of Maxwell's music and he is one of my favourite male R&B artists. I have had the album for nearly four years and it started my big love for Maxwell as an artist. The album was recorded in New York City as part of the hugely popular MTV Unplugged series which has seen an array of well known artists perform. This particular show was recorded in 1997 and features eight live performances from Maxwell. He performed two covers which were extremely well received, these were the Kate Bush track "This Woman's Work" and Nine Inch Nails "Closer".
**MTV Unplugged Maxwell**
Having released one album there wasn't much material for Maxwell to perform though he combined six songs from the debut release "Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite" with two cover versions, one of which he would later record on the album "Now".
1.) The Suite Urban Theme
This is an excellent opening track for the Live show, It is one of the heavier moments from the show but still keeps a lovely smooth neo soul sound. There's some lovely strings in the background which bring the emotion. As does the lovely horn section. Maxwell's vocals are effortless emotive and he showcases the fine falsetto which gets even better on the exceptional "This Woman's Work". The track gets catchier and more up tempo around the middle and the crowd sway along to the music, this part is a real toe tapper and showcases a different side to his music. Good start.
2.) Mello: Sumthin (The Hush)
This is a lovely track which starts instantly as he goes straight in after the end of the opener. The vocals are terrific, not just from Maxwell but also the backing vocalists who are really on form. There's some excellent horn parts here and the music is smooth and soulful. The gorgeous falsetto is there from Maxwell and the crowd integration is a nice feature of his live performance as he interacts with the audience to see if they are enjoying the show so far. This track hints at much more to come and delights with some excellent vocals and musicianship.
3.) The Lady Suite
Another excellent live performance here, this again showcases some fine vocals from Maxwell and shows more of his fine falsetto before the next track which he sings almost all of in falsetto. The music is excellent on this track with some lovely keyboard tones and saxophone. The track ends abruptly and then there is a spoken part leading into the next track where he talks about the track.
4.) This Woman's Work
There comes a time every so often where you hear a cover version of a song you didn't like before but the new version is one you really love and this is one such example for me. I am not a fan of the Kate Bush original but when I heard this version I was instantly hooked. This was my introduction to the wonderful music of Maxwell. The falsetto is amazing and he takes this song into an incredible emotive territory which is just beautiful. This is one of the greatest songs I've ever heard and is also one of the most masterful cover versions too. The live performance is breathtakingly beautiful and one day I hope to witness it in person. Simply stunning and the clear standout from the performance.
5.) Whenever, Whatever, Wherever
This is another beautiful performance, It opens with some lovely strings and then Maxwell's emotive voice comes in which brings a huge round of applause from the audience. His vocals are excellent on this one too and he really builds the song wonderfully well with excellent emotion. This is a real contender for second best track from the performance as the clear best track is the previous track "This Woman's Work". This however is also a beautiful song and the performance is excellently done which ends with a lovely falsetto part and the music fades out wonderfully.
6.) Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)
This track features a short introduction and interaction with the audience. This is another excellent performance which features some decent backing vocals and the music flows well throughout. It's another strong track which showcases the talent of both Maxwell and of course his band which includes the backing vocalists who add a decent part to the overall feel of the track. Good stuff.
7.) Gotta Get: Closer
This is a catchy mid tempo neo soul track which has a good vibe. This is an interesting cover of Nine Inch Nails original "Closer". you wouldn't expect a neo soul artist like Maxwell to cover a band like NIN but again you probably wouldn't have thought he would cover Kate Bush either and look how good a job he did of that. amazing. This is a vibrant version of the Nine Inch Nails track which works rather well and gets the audience up and onto their feet to dance and sway. Good stuff.
8.) Till The Cops Come Knockin
This is a fine ending to the performance and is a lovely sensual ballad about making rather a lot of noise whilst "getting it on". Maxwell's falsetto shines yet again and this track really gives a great example of his talent and the beauty of the music. This is another contender for second best track from the performance as "This Woman's Works" is clearly the best track. I like the way the album ends with this one and the audience response is one of great enjoyment and respect.
**Overall**
This album may only have eight tracks but there's more than enough here to get a sense of what a great Live performer Maxwell is and just how good a singer he is too. The best tracks on the album are amongst the best of his career and this live album is a fine example of his talent and also a fine installment of the well known and very successful MTV Unplugged Live album series. If you like Maxwell then get this album and see what you could be witnessing if he ever comes back to the UK, He's releasing his sixth studio album sometime soon and if it's any good as his five already then it will be an excellent album. I'd love for him to produce another live album too with songs from his whole career.
PURPLE RAIN
**Introduction**
Prince has been one of the most prolific artists of the last 30 years with an incredible total of 27 studio albums in 34 years. He has recorded a wide range of styles from Funk, R&B, rock, pop, New Wave, Minneapolis sound & synthpop. He has a reputation for eccentricities and hardly ever does Interviews but one thing is undoubted, That is his influence in Music over the past few decades. He's one of the more underrated guitarists around and is an excellent multi instrumentalist. He has had some weird moments over the years but when he gets it right he makes some exceptional music.
**Purple Rain**
This was the sixth studio album from Prince and is perhaps his best known work. It was released in 1984 and was the soundtrack of the film of the same name. The album was hugely well received by critics and fans and has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. The albums musical style mixes R&B, pop, rock & New Wave. This is one of his more diverse albums and undoubtedly his most successful.
1.) Let's Go Crazy
The track opens with a Funeral like Organ part which leads into the catchy drum machine beat with electric guitars in the background. This is a very catchy track which is about living for the moment and living a good life. It is a real toe tapper and features some excellent Musicianship from Prince and his band "The Revolution". It gets the album off to a decent start and hints at more to come. The track ends with some excellent guitar work from Prince which showcases his ability.
2.) Take Me With U
This track slows things with a more mellow feel, The track features vocals from Apollonia Kotero who is backed by Alison Coleman who was part of Prince's backing band The Revolution. The track is about being with someone you love and not wanting to leave them. The Music runs along well in the background with a soothing nature. The female vocals combine well with Prince's vocals particularly when he sings in falsetto. Good stuff.
3.) The Beautiful Ones
This is one of my favourites on the album, It was later covered by Mariah Carey ft Dru Hill. This is a lovely slice of 80s soul/r&b and features some punchy drum beats and lovely piano tones. Prince's vocals are excellent here. The track is about emotional longing and unrequited love. This is a lovely ballad which builds wonderfully until the fabulous musical part brings things to a intense moment which then slows back down and fades wonderfully. This is a Beautiful track which showcases a great falsetto from Prince and some excellent backing from the band. The Musical and vocal eruption is certainly worth listening to.
4.) Computer Blue
This track features Wendy & Lisa who were part of The Revolution. This is one of the raunchy tracks on the album with suggestions of a dominatrix-type relationship between the two. This is one of the more musically vibrant tracks on the album with some great riffs and hooks. The guitar from Prince is excellent and the musical changes blend well with each other. There are some great elements of Rock & Funk on this track that combine well to create an excellent and unique sound. One of the more experimental tracks on the album.
5.) Darling Nikki
Another raunchy moment here when Prince sings about a night in a hotel room viewing a Porn Magazine with a photograph in there of a woman called Nikki. The suggestive lyrics led to a campaign to have parental advisory stickers on albums with explicit content. The campaign was led by Tipper Gore, Al Gore's Wife. The actual song is a Rock Opus which features several musical changes and directions. The track has a Live feel and is one of the more musically aggressive tracks on the album but it still has the more gentle moments which build up to that.
6.) When Doves Cry
This is another up tempo track from the album. It's an excellent slice of Pop rock, funk, synthpop. This was the last track recorded from the album. There's no actual bass guitar line so the beat is the bass part. There's some excellent guitar work and the drum machine works well throughout the track. The musical part of the track showcases the musicianship of Prince and The Revolution. It has become one of his most well known tracks and is an excellent Live track.
7.) I Would Die 4 U
This track is of a dance/Synth pop/Funk nature and the track has some excellent Music moments and in some parts Prince sounds like Michael Jackson with some oohs and ahhs. There's actually a 12 minute version of this song which is a studio jam which continues the song from it's normal length of just under three minutes.
8.) Baby I'm a Star
This is a vibrant, up tempo track which has elements of Funk rock & New Wave. The song features some catchy drum machine sequences and rapidly played synthesizers. The song also contains an unusual backmasking at the beginning and end of the song which says forwards
"Like what the fuck do they know? All their taste is in their mouth Really, what the fuck do they know?
Come on, baby Let's go crazy".
9.) Purple Rain
Now here we have the closer of the album and what a closer it is. This epic ballad features lovely emotive vocals from Prince and a fabulous build up which are two parts of making this the incredible song it is. There's also the incredible guitar solo which just completes the song so well. I love everything about this song, The vocals, the music, the subject and of course the wonderful build up to that incredible guitar playing which just tops off the song. This is undoubtedly one of my favourite songs of all time and is rightly in many greatest songs of all time lists. Awesome track which is the perfect ending to the album. Superbly Outstanding.
**Overall**
This is one of the greatest albums of all time, It has everything about it, beauty, grace, power and progression. The two best tracks on the album are "The Beautiful Ones" & the utterly brilliant "Purple Rain" but there's not one bad track on the album. All the others have something great about them and that is why I hold this album in such high esteem. Through all the mad eccentricities Prince will always be remembered for his Musical Genius and that is a great example of that Genius. So finally I'll end with this Purple Rain what a great album.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster
TANK - THIS IS HOW I FEEL
**Introduction**
I have been a fan of Tank for a while, I first heard of him online a few years ago and after hearing a few of his tracks I decided to download his first album called "Force of Nature". His voice is for me one of the best in the R&B genre and many of his songs have touched me in someway. He has released a total of five studio albums as a solo artist and is also part of the supergroup TGT with fellow R&B Legends Tyrese and Ginuwine although they haven't released anything yet.
**This Is How I Feel**
This is How I Feel is the fifth studio album from Tank and is his latest release having come out on 8th May 2012. The album features a number of collaborations from Chris Brown, T.I and Kris Stephens and finally Busta Rhymes. Tank produced the album along with Vincent "Invisible" Watson, Troy Taylor, T-Minus, Kevin McCall, Danja & Eric Hudson. The album was released on Atlantic Records. "This Is How I Feel" is the follow up to the 2010 release "Now or Never".
1.) How I Feel (Intro)
This is an excellent little introduction to the album which showcases Tank's great vocal ability with a fine falsetto which comes in to start things. The gentle beats combine well with his lovely voice to give a smooth emotive sound. The track could be a great one if it was full length instead of the introduction to the album. It gets things off to a good start though.
2.) Lonely
This track sees Tank Collaborate with Chris Brown. This is a flowing R&B track with some elements of Hip Hop from the beats to the hooks and the rap later on. Tank's vocals are extremely strong on this track and Chris Brown shows some fairly decent laid back vocals. This is a decent collaboration that is an ideal wind down track at the end of a Club night.
3.) Your One
This is an excellent track which has a slow opening and then gets into it's flow after a minute or so. Tank's vocals are relaxed and flow well. The track is about committing to someone and telling them that you are theirs. He showcases his fine vocals here with some laid back tones which work really well. This is one of the best tracks on the album and an example of what's to come.
4.) Compliments (Interlude)
This is a short interlude with an excellent female vocal part from Kris Stephens, in which she sings about how she feels after Tank's compliments. The seductive vocals are backed well by some subtle music which compliments the vocals well. Good little interlude that leads well into the next few tracks.
5.) Compliments
Kris Stephens also appears on this full version with the rapper T.I., This is an excellent track which takes the content of the interlude to the next level. Tank's vocals are emotive and when T.I comes in with his rap vocal he adds another dimension to the track. This is an excellent collaboration which was the first track released as a single from the album when it was released in October last year. An all round strong track.
6.) Don't Give Up
This is an excellent ballad with some fine vocals from Tank with beauty and detail in equal measure. The track is a raunchy one with some gentle keyboard tones and gentle beats. I love the way that Tank moves through the song and puts as much into each verse as the other. This is yet another excellent track which is rather romantic.
7.) Nowhere
This is a track featuring Busta Rhymes and opens with Tank's gentle vocals and some catchy drum parts and electro hooks which build well. I'm not really a fan of Busta but when his part comes in he keeps the feeling of the song and adds a little something to the track but he still sounds like he's about to "punch your face in!!". whatever he's actually rapping about. haha. This is a good collaboration though.
8.) Off your hands
This is an excellent track which has some gentle beats and Tank's vocals shine again. The track is about when you are into someone who has a partner who doesn't treat them all that well and you want to be with her instead of her being with him. A common idea for a song but when done well like it is here it's still a decent song subject and always will be. Good stuff.
9.) This is How I Feel (Intro)
This is a short and relaxed little introduction to the full song of the same name. The gentle beats combine well with electronic sounds to create a nice soundstage and then Tank's vocals shine superbly well with his expressive tone. This leads well into the full version.
10.) This is How I Feel
This is an excellent track which features some excellent vocals and a perfect drum sequence in the background and some delightfully subtle guitar licks, This is one of the best tracks on the album and features Tank's fine vocals and a decent subject matter about telling your partner just how you feel. There's a little influence from Brian McKnight here with some great vocal parts and the overall sound. This is one of the best songs on the album for sure.
11.) Next Breath
This is one of the softest tracks on the album, It opens with some lovely piano parts and then Tank's expressive vocals come in. The guitar comes in with some gentle beats and the song develops superbly well. This might just be the best track on the album and is a real apology to how you have acted in the relationship but proving your love for them and how much they really mean to you. Always a great track when done well. This is a great example of Tank's vocal ability and overall talent. Superb.
12.) Better than me
This is another track which draws influences from Brian McKnight in my opinion. It opens with a lovely keyboard intro which is very reminiscent of McKnight and as the song develops Tank's vocals are quite similar in structure. This is another excellent ballad about your regrets and how you gave into those issues. I love the string background which takes the track to another level and really compliments the other musical parts. Great track.
13.) Lost It All
This is a gorgeous ballad that musically reminds me of a cross between Purple Rain and "Love can build a bridge" by Cher, Chrissie Hynde & Neneh Cherry With Eric Clapton. The song soon gets it's own identity though and Tank's vocals are superbly emotive on a track about losing a relationship and looking back on what you've lost. This is a truly beautiful song which shows the overall talent of Tank. Another contender for best track on the album and arguably one of his best tracks. Great end to the album.
**Overall**
For me This is one of the best albums of 2012, It has some great ballads which are really emotive and performed superbly well. It's arguably his most consistent release to date and may appeal to a wider base than usual. This is an excellent album which deserves to raise the profile of Tank as an R&B artist. Some of the best songs on here are right up there with anything he has done so far. This is an excellent all round album.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster
BON JOVI - THESE DAYS
**Introduction**
The New Jersey band Bon Jovi have had many signature sounds over their twenty plus years in the Music Industry and The late 1980's era was undoubtedly the "hair metal" period of Bon Jovi's career, they hinted at a more ballad like sound in the early 1990's and that was confirmed with the phenomenal success of "Always" in 1994 which was a number one and sold more than three million copies worldwide. After the "Keep The Fath" tour they fired Bassist Alec John Such and unofficially replaced him with Hugh McDonald who has never been the fifth official member.
**These Days**
During the recording process for the album Sambora and Bon Jovi had a prolific writing streak which meant the album's release date was pushed back to account for the writing. These Days was released in 1995 and was the sixth studio album from the Band. This album was a massive hit thanks in part to the success of their greatest hits album led by the Ballad "Always". which was released months earlier in the latter part of 1994.
Around the time when "These Days" was originally due for release.
1 Hey God
2 Something For The Pain
3 This Ain't A Love Song
4 These Days
5 Lie To Me
6 Damned
7 My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms
8 (It's Hard) Letting You Go
9 Hearts Breaking Even
10 Something To Believe In
11 If That's What It Takes
12 Diamond Ring
13 Bitter Wine
14 These Days
**The Album**
1.) "Hey God"
This is a fantastic track to open the album with, It's a flowing Hard Rock track which has elements of a Lynyrd Skynyrd like sound. This track really flows well and once Jon's vocals start with a distinctive tone you know this song has it's value. Every Instrument has it's great time to shine on this track and the guitar work is brilliant from Sambora as usual.
2.) "Something for the Pain"
This track has a longer opening than the previous track but then develops the fantastic melodic part and the pounding drumming from Tico Torres really adds a great touch especially on good Hi-Fi equipment. This is another great track which has a fine chorus, This is another great track to start the album with. Great stuff.
3.) "This Ain't A Love Song"
It's fair to say that given the success of the Ballad "Always" there was always (pardon the pun) going to be a similar style Love ballad and here it is, This is a really touching song about putting the pieces together and looking back and realising where the relationship was going wrong after a lost love. This is beautifully sung, has superb lyrics and is one of their greatest songs ever, Period. Great guitar solo towards the end.
4.) "These Days"
Here comes the title track and this is the longest track on the album at six minutes and twenty seconds. It features a lovely Piano intro from David Byrne which then moves into the emotive vocals from Jon come in, This is another fabulous track which moves along superbly and once in full flow it's a very very good track indeed.
5.) "Lie to Me"
This track starts slowly with tender vocals from Jon backed by soft keyboard and guitar and then Tico's Drums come in. This is a lovely slow Rock Ballad which builds wonderfully and has a lovely chorus which is sung in harmony by the band. It's not one of their most well known tracks but it's certainly not one to be missed.
6.) "Damned"
This is a great rock out track which blends 80's style full on rock Bon Jovi with 90's More developed Bon Jovi. This is a very impressively catchy track which has some great instrumentation and the immense guitar solo from Richie Sambora is a highlight of this track. You really must listen to that solo. It's brilliant.
7.) "My Guitar Lies Bleeding in My Arms"
If "This Ain't A Love Song" was "Always" Mach 2 then this is "Always" Mach 3. This is another epic Ballad which starts gently and then build beautifully with a dark moody Blues feel. This is another superb ballad and another example of Richie Sambora's guitar talent. His solo on this track is superb. Brilliant track all round.
8.) "It's Hard Letting You Go"
This opens with a lovely keyboard opening from David Bryan and then the beat comes in softly from Tico. Jon's voice comes in emotive and gentle and the song builds beautifully and has a much different sound to the rest of the album, the beat is R&B like for instance. This track shows the variety of the band as they don't have to do the big sound stuff to get their message across.
9.) "Hearts Breaking Even"
This is a fantastic track that gets going from the off, It has some lovely Bluesy guitar work from Richie Sambora and the song really develops well. Sambora lets loose with a great guitar solo in the middle which has been hinted at for most of the first part of the track really. This is another great track which finds the band on fine form.
10.) "Something to Believe In"
This track opens with a fantastic drum intro from Tico Torres and then the Bass guitar, Keyboard and vocals come in with Richie's guitar gently strumming in the background. This is another track which showcases the great way Bon Jovi's songs develop. This is another track that has some rather great moments musically.
11.) "If That's What It Takes"
This is another track than comes in from the opening bar. It has a slightly similar sound in places to U2's "One" well certainly the guitar part Which thankfully develops here. This is a lovely ballad about doing whatever it takes to make someone happy. This track is another one with a very fine flow.
12.) "Diamond Ring"
Here we come to the penultimate track and this is another one that builds, It starts with a dark bass lick with Jon's vocals shining, Once the other instruments come in you hear the song develop beautifully, This is a really sincere love song and is one of the best tracks on the album and it certainly again shows the range of the band.
13.) "Bitter Wine"
This is the final track on the album and it's a lovely piano led ballad which is again another indication of the range and variety of the band. Jon's vocals really shine on this track and the sound of the Piano really works well in this song. This is a great closer to the album and another great track. Very good stuff.
**Overall**
This is a surprisingly overlooked album when you are looking for Bon Jovi's greatest studio album I would offer up "These Days" for it's range, quality and emotion. It really is a great album and has many great ballads and more up tempo Rock tracks. There is not a single bad track on the album and I would listen to every one of these thirteen tracks again and again. Look back at the bands earlier stuff and their most recent and you can't really say that about those can you?. If you have Crossroad then get this too.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster
EVANESCENCE - FALLEN
**Introduction**
Every so often a band or artist release an album that really gets your interest and this leads you to thinking about the future for that band or artist and what they make release next. One such band for me was Evanescence who released their debut album back in 2003 to some great commercial success and critical acclaim. I remember I was looking forward to what they would come out with a couple of years after but was largely disappointed so the debut is currently the only Evanescence album I own and this review will explain why.
**Fallen**
1.) Going Under
This is a catchy track with crashing drums and aggressive guitars. Amy Lee's vocals are a contrast to the music and show a beauty to them, The track is about your feelings after a bad relationship has ended and you realise you have to move on and get your life back on track and avoid making the same mistake. The music builds well and the metal guitar solo comes in to complete the overall track. Good stuff and a great opener which showcases Amy Lee's vocals.
2.) Bring Me to Life
This track opens with some lovely piano alongside Amy Lee's vocals, the mood changes and a dark sound comes in. The track features guest vocals from Paul McCoy of the band 12 Stones. His vocals combine well with Amy Lee's on this excellent track which builds well and has a catchy metal feel to it. There's a great meandering orchestral part in the background which adds a little something different to the overall package and takes the track to another level.
3.) Everybody's Fool
This is an excellent slice of melodic Metal, The guitar melodies are so catchy and sound really good. Amy Lee's vocals are strong and angelic at times. The Millennium Choir performed background vocals for the song, Their vocals really add more depth to the track and compliment both the lead vocals from Amy Lee and also the Music from the band. It's an excellent uptempo track which shows the musicianship of the band as a whole.
4.) My Immortal
This is without a doubt one of my favourite songs of all time, It's just a beautiful song which is one of most simple on the album, just gentle piano and vocals from Amy Lee with a sumptuous string backing. The sentiment is just so beautiful and the Piano parts are reminiscent of the best work on the Titanic Soundtrack. Nine years on this is still one of my favourite songs of all time and still gives me such a good reaction, it just stops you in your tracks. Beautiful arrangement and beautiful vocals combine to make a very memorable song that is an instant classic.
5.) Haunted
This takes the sound to a more aggressive feel now with more of crunchy guitars and the pounding punch of the drums. The awesomely catchy Metal guitar tones come in with a memorable chorus from Amy Lee which builds the song wonderfully well. The guitar solo combines with the angelic choir to really shine. This is a great track with some great musicianship and a wonderful part from the choir which really takes the song to another level. Superb stuff.
6.) Tourniquet
Despite being co written by Amy Lee & Ben Moody this is actually a cover of a Soul Embraced track. This is an excellent track which has some excellent metal riffs and hooks and the song builds well. Amy Lee's voice is strong and emotive as the song talks about bad times and gaining strength to move on from things. There's a lovely orchestral part to end the song with that fades out wonderfully and holds the emotion well. Beautiful.
7.) Imaginary
This track opens with a fantastic orchestral part and then the simple drumming comes in with Amy's voice. The vocals are again emotive and fluid. This is another track which builds well and as it builds it becomes heavier and the piano parts from Amy blend well with the orchestra and guitars. She really showcases some great vocals here and the guitar solo comes in well to complete the track. Another very good track indeed.
8.) Taking Over Me
This track opens with some gentle Piano then the orchestra comes in with the catchy drums and guitars to create an interesting soundstage with metal sounds and a catchy flow. Amy's vocals are again strong and emotive on this track about how much you are in love with someone and want to be with them as much as possible. This track again has an excellent build up and there are some excellent catchy riffs and hooks which compliment Amy's vocals well.
9.) Hello
This is another stripped down track which has it's own wonderful slice of beauty. Amy's vocals combine well with her Piano work to craft a beautifully emotive track which was solely written by herself. There's some lovely orchestral parts which show tremendous beauty and grace and compliment Amy Lee's vocals superbly well. The song is Not quite up there with "My Immortal" but certainly a great track which has a lot going for it.
10.) My Last Breath
Another fine Up tempo Metal track here with some crashing percussion and Amy's beautiful vocals opening things, this track develops with crashing guitars and some excellent melodies which really build the song well. It's not as memorable as the best tracks on here but is certainly a very strong track with lots going for it. Amy Lee's vocal in particular.
11.) Whisper
This is the final track on the album and is another fine up tempo Metal track, It benefits from some excellent breakdowns with slower parts which bring the emotion. The choir are again a great feature of the song as are the catchy guitar riffs and melodies that are scattered around the album. This is the longest song on the album and has some excellent moments from Amy Lee and also the band as a whole. This is an excellent track to end the album with. There's a fantastic chant which ends the album.
**Overall**
This is a fantastic album which showcases the bands musicianship but more importantly the Voice of Amy Lee and the Beauty and Brute force of the band in equal measure. This album has sold more than 17m copies worldwide since it's release in 2003 but sadly the material from the band since has overall been a let down and has not had nearly the sales or acclaim as this their debut album. So whilst this is undoubtedly a great first album it is disappointingly their only great release to date. I will treasure this album for it's beauty and quality but will hope for a change in the Band's fortunes and hope for a repeat to this album one day. "My Immortal" is just an incredibly beautiful track.
Also posted on dooyoo as Lakerfanster
BETH HART & JOE BONAMASSA - DON'T EXPLAIN
**Introduction**
I Have been a big fan of Joe Bonamassa for a few years now and my respect and admiration for him as a Musician is growing all the time. When I heard that he was recording a duets album with Beth Hart decided to delve deeper into her music as although I had heard of her and listened to some of her Music I didn't really know much about her and wasn't all too familiar with her Music so in early 2011 I went to Spotify and listened to some of her previous material which I was quite impressed with and she became yet another of my favourite artists to which there are many. When the album was released I listened to it rather a lot and was rather impressed.
**Don't Explain**
Don't Explain is a Cover album which was Produced by Joe Bonamassa's Longtime Producer Kevin Shirley in what was their seventh straight album collaboration. "Don't Explain" was released on 27th September 2011 and the album covers a wide range of songs from Blues and Soul. Both Bonamassa and Hart perform vocals on the tracks and whilst Joe plays the Guitar on the tracks, Beth Hart plays the Piano. They're backed up by the fantastic Anton Fig on Drums and Percussion and Carmine Rojas on Bass of Joe Bonamassa's touring and recording band as well as Arlan Scheirbaum on Keyboards and Blondie Chaplin on additional guitars.
1.) Sinner's Prayer
This is a cover of the Ray Charles track and works extremely well. Beth Hart opens the vocals and is backed by vibrant guitar from Joe Bonamassa and a great bass and drum combination from Rojas and Fig. Beth Hart's vocals are strong and passionate. They make it their own with a different sound to the original and also to the other versions of the song. Joe Bonamassa lets loose just after the middle of the song with some excellent guitar work which meanders it's way through the song. Great opener and a fine reworking of the original with some excellent Bluesy breakdowns.
2.) Chocolate Jesus
This is comfortably the shortest track on the album, It opens with Beth Hart's Piano intro which reminds me a lot of Regina Spektor, the guitar then comes in gently with Hart's flowing vocals. The original was by Tom Waits and for me the Hart/Bonamassa version is vastly superior in every way. Beth Hart showcases her fine powerful vocals and Joe Bonamassa's guitar tones are soft yet effective. It's a decent reworking of the song but there are better original songs on here.
3.) Your Heart Is As Black As Night
This is a fine cover of Melody Gardot's excellent track. This is one of the most emotive tracks on the album and starts as a simmering Soulful ballad that you just know is about to come to life and it does with a fantastic guitar solo from Joe Bonamassa that shows the Eric Clapton Influence. Hart's vocals are excellently emotive here and the backing music works a treat and as Joe Bonamassa's guitar work is superb this is another fine recording of this great track.
4.) For My Friends
This is a dynamic cover of the Bill Withers original. The rocking Guitar and Bass combine well and Beth Hart's vocal power is undeniable. This is one of the catchiest tracks on the album and is a real toe tapper. Like the previous track you just know that it will build towards an excellent guitar solo which really tops off the song. The guitar solo from Joe Bonamassa is one of the best on the album and really showcases his guitar ability. Superb stuff as the band show their dynamism too.
5.) Don't Explain
This is a fabulous cover of a Billie Holiday track, The simmering Bonamassa guitar is joined by a gorgeous orchestra when Beth Hart's beautiful vocal comes in to show her grace which shows another side to her. The emotion is dripping on this track and Joe Bonamassa's extremely emotive solo keeps the emotion wonderfully. This is one of the best tracks on the album and works out as an inspired cover version. Both Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa truly shine on this one.
6.) I'd Rather Go Blind
This is one of the cover songs which has been recorded many times, It's original was recorded by Etta James. Beth Hart's vocals are again superbly emotive and very well performed and the music builds wonderfully and the string backing makes a wonderful touch. I love the way the song moves along and then Joe Bonamassa's fine guitar work comes in towards the end to just complete the song. This is one of the best tracks on the album. Just a superb song.
7.) Something's Got A Hold On Me
This is the second of the two Etta James tracks and features a snarly vocal from Beth Hart which showcases her raw vocal power. This is a much more uptempo track than the previous track and has a catchy feel with some excellent bass and guitar hooks. It's another excellent track as far as I'm concerned and is one of the best up tempo tracks on the album. Joe Bonamassa comes in with another fine solo which sounds the oldest of any on the album blending in with the time of the original version.
8.) I'll Take Care Of You
This is a beautifully recorded cover of the Bobby Bland original. Beth Hart's vocals are superb on this track that's dripping with emotion. Joe Bonamassa's guitar work is again brilliant and the way the music builds is a credit to the band as a whole. I love the way Hart's vocals become stronger as the song builds and then relax with the verses. This is an outstanding cover version. The final solo from Joe Bonamassa is long and highly emotive and really showcases his ability. Superb.
9.) Well, well
This track was originally recorded by Delaney and Bonnie who were good friends of Eric Clapton back in the day. This track is one of the few on the album which features vocals from Joe Bonamassa and is a catchy mid tempo Acoustic Rock ballad which has an Eric Clapton feel with some parts which remind me of Lay Down Sally. The guitar solo reminds me a little of Lynyrd Skynyrd too. This is an excellent track which works very well indeed as a cover version as it takes the original and makes it a new song.
10.) Ain't No Way
This track was originally recorded by Aretha Franklin and was a big hit but not many people know that it was actually written by her younger sister Carolyn. This is one of my favourite Aretha songs and I think that Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart have done a fantastic job here. Hart's vocals are superbly emotive and somber to start and as the song builds her vocals become louder and stronger and Joe Bonamassa's guitar does the same too. This is a superb final track on the album.
**Overall**
This is a fabulous album which brings together two great talents to make an album of real Quality, Beauty and range. Although this is close to a flawless album I have a couple of minute gripes which are that Joe Bonamassa doesn't sing enough on the album and that there are just ten songs and all those are covers. They have talked about being open to recording together again and if they did I'd love to see them record a totally new record of original songs and to have a more balanced album vocally in terms of Joe Bonamassa's vocals being heard more. Apart from those gripes this is a truly fine album.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster
JOE BONAMASSA - DRIVING TOWARDS THE DAYLIGHT
**Introduction**
As you may know, I am a massive fan of Joe Bonamassa and have over the past few months reviewed many of his solo albums and also his work in the American-British Rock Supergroup known as Black Country Communion. Here is the latest review in my Joe Bonamassa series and it's his latest release which was released earlier this year. Interestingly it's the fourth yearly release in a row from Joe Bonamassa who is one of the most prolific artists around at the moment having released a total of 14 studio albums including the work in Black Country Communion and also his duets album with Beth Hart which was released in 2011 to great success and acclaim.
**Driving Towards The Daylight**
Driving Towards the Daylight is Joe Bonamassa's eleventh solo studio album and is an album that draws influences from the past to create a Blues Rock album that covers several well known tracks with also a few new originals. The album is the seventh collaboration with Kevin Shirley on Production. The album was recorded in three studios. These were The Palms, Las Vegas, NV; The Village Recorder, Los Angeles, & finally The Cave, Malibu, CA. The album which was released on 22nd May 2012 was extremely well received by Music critics.
1.) Dislocated Boy
This is an excellent track which opens the album well, It's sound is reminiscent of the sound on the album "Dust Bowl" and has a good flow with some great melodies and hooks. The song is about moving around and not finding your own place you feel at home. The track has some excellent breakdown parts which slow the song well and then the guitar solo helps build the rest of the track wonderfully well. Some of the guitar work on the track is exemplary as is much of the album too.
2.) Stones in my Passway
This track was originally written & recorded by Blues Pioneer Robert Johnson, It's an excellent shuffling slice of Blues. This is one of only three tracks on the album that is under four minutes long but it certainly gets enough in. The track is not quite as instant as some of the other tracks on the album are but it has some great honky tonk Piano parts and a nice catchy feel which works rather well. This is an excellent cover version of one of Robert Johnson's lesser known tracks.
3.) Driving Towards The Daylight
I have seen Joe Bonamassa in Concert twice now and on the second occassion he performed this track as he talked about the then upcoming new album. This is a really lovely ballad which showcases his vocals to great effect. This is an excellent ballad which builds wonderfully and is up there with the best tracks on the album, I love the way the song builds as the music gets heavier and then the guitar break comes in to lead to the fine solos which really complete the song wonderfully well.
4.) Who's Been Talking
This track is a cover of a Howlin Wolf track and features a spoken intro from the original with Wolf talking about the sound he wanted in the track. This is an excellent up tempo track which has a great vibrancy to it and is a real toe tapper. The track is the second shortest on the album but has more than enough time to get across it's value. It's one of the catchiest tracks on the album and works really well. Joe's vocals are excellent here and the guitar work is great too, particularly towards the end when he lets loose.
5.) I Got All You Need
This track opens with a catchy guitar riff and then the shuffling drums and bass hooks come in to create a catchy and vibrant sound. This track was originally recorded by Koko Taylor and works rather well. Joe's vocals are expressive and his guitar playing very fluid. There's some excellent organ work on tap and this is a very enjoyable listen with a lovely progression which takes the track to the next level. It's an excellent track and features some fine guitar work.
6.) A Place In My Heart
This track was originally recorded by Bernie Madsen but for me it has more than a hint of Gary Moore. This is a lovely Blues track with intimate vocals which are superbly emotive and the guitar playing is also superb. I love the way the song develops and Joe's vocals become more expressive and the horn section comes in to prepare the sound for the outstanding guitar work which just completes the song in a wonderful way. Just a brilliant couple of solos here.
7.) Lonely Town Lonely Street
This is an interesting cover, It was originally recorded by Bill Withers but on this version Joe Bonamassa performs a dynamic Blues Rock sound which works extremely well. The drums are an excellent feature of the track and build the song really well in each part. Joe's vocals are fluid and the guitar riffs and catchy and so melodic. I love the way this one builds too and when the guitar solos come in to complete the song you just have to admire the great sound.
8.) Heavenly Soul
This is one of the three originals on the album and is a lovely meandering ballad with crashing drums and a nice vocal harmony. It's a while before the guitar kicks in properly but when it does it works extremely well. The sound is rather catchy and Joe's vocals work well too. This is another very melodic and catchy track which compliments the other musicians and of course demonstrates Joe Bonamassa's impeccable guitar work to great effect.
9.) New Coat Of Paint
This track opens with some punchy drumming with nice percussion and a fantastic organ sound. The track was originally recorded by Tom Waits but Joe Bonamassa really takes this version onto another level with a lovely build up which sounds excellent and his expressive vocals work well with the guitar work and the melodies from the organ and bass. I'm not a fan of Tom Waits but I certainly love this version by Joe Bonamassa. There's Some superb guitar work throughout.
10.) Somewhere Trouble Don't Go
This is an excellent track which has vibrant crashing drums and a nice subtle bass hook, Joe's guitar work has an old school sound brought into the present day. This is an excellent shuffling track which was originally recorded by Buddy Miller who also wrote the song. I'm not all that aware of the original but this version from Joe Bonamassa is certainly excellent and has some great guitar work which you would expect from Joe Bonamassa.
11.) Too Much Ain't Enough Love (w/ Jimmy Barnes)
This is a fabulous reworking of the original which actually features the original vocalist from the track. Jimmy Barnes shows he's still in fine voice. This is a real contender for best track on the album and the combination of Jimmy's strong vocals and Joe Bonamassa's amazing guitar work is just perfect. This reminds me a lot of the style of the material in Black Country Communion with Glenn Hughes as another powerful vocalist. This is a truly outstanding song which features some of the best guitar work on the album. Listen towards the end and you will be blown away by the quality of Joe Bonamassa's playing.
**Overall**
This is a fabulous album from Joe Bonamassa which should further enhance him as a Guitar Legend. It's no longer a debate whether he's one of the greatest of all time, what is left is just whether he will eventually pass Eric Clapton as the Greatest of All Time and if he carries on the way he is then he could do that by the age of 40. Another superb album from a fine guitarist and also an excellent vocalist too. If you like his previous stuff then check this one out. You shouldn't be disappointed.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster
YOU & ME - JOE AND YOU
**Introduction**
This review is the next installment of my reviewing of Joe Bonamassa albums, I have been a fan for a few years now but have recently dug deep into his music and I'm becoming a bigger fan all the time. What's more striking about his talent is the sheer prolific rate at which he produces great music. Having recorded twelve studio albums in twelve years as Joe Bonamassa with one of those the duets album with Beth Hart and of course the two albums as part of the supergroup Black Country Communion plus a host of guest appearances on other artists albums.
**You & Me**
The album was released in 2006 and is the fifth studio release from Joe Bonamassa, it was produced by Kevin Shirley who is Bonamassa's long time producer. The album has received a lot of praise by critics for it's Blues feel and also the many guitar solos that are a feature of his work. The album is a mix of covers and original songs and the album teams Joe up with long time band members Carmine Rojas - bass
Jason Bonham - drums who is in Black Country Communion and Rick Melick on piano, organ and tambourine.
1.) High Water Everywhere
This is a cover of a track by early Blues Musician Charlie Patton, Its subject is the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 which devastated Louisiana. Joe Bonamassa builds this song wonderfully and the lovely soft vocals add a fine touch before the impassioned guitar playing comes in to really emote. This is an outstanding track to open with and has some of the best guitar work on the album. The backing vocals work really well with the overall feel of the music. A really emotive song reproduced extremely well.
2.) Bridge to Better Days
This is a fine Blues track which has a Live feel with crashing drums and some excellent guitar effects. This is one of the Joe Bonamassa originals and is recorded extremely well. His vocals are expressive and strong and the guitar work is again a highlight with some Eric Clapton like moments intertwined with some of Joe Bonamassa original sounds. I love the way the drums and bass play a part towards the guitar solo with a lovely introduction as though travelling through a tunnel and the guitar comes in at the end of the tunnel. This is another excellent track to open with.
3.) Asking around for you
This is one of the most emotive tracks on the album and showcases his vocals as much as his guitar playing, not only is he a great guitarist but he is a very good singer indeed. This is a lovely Blues ballad with a sweet string background and a simple yet very effective drum beat. Joe Bonamassa wrote this one with Mike Himelstein. The track is about when you are in love with someone so much that you think they are an angel. superb track.
4.) So many roads
This is a fabulous reworking of the Otis Rush original which was written by Marshall Paul. It's a Blues track which gets you deep. The music is absolutely superb and Joe's vocals are extremely good too. The greatest moments of the track are the guitar solos which are just outstanding and are backed wonderfully by the band who build up and warm down wonderfully. This is one of the outstanding tracks on the album and one that really shows you what Joe Bonamassa can do both vocally and on the Guitar. This is a truly special version.
5.) I Don't believe
This is a cover of a Bobby Bland track which was written by Manuel Charles & Don Robey. It's a very catchy and flowing affair with some great bass hooks and an old blues style. It's not one of the best tracks on the album but still has plenty of things going for it. some excellent piano with some relentless bass hooks and drums with some excellent breaks from Joe's guitar. This is not a bad track at all and shows the strength of the album when this is one of the weaker tracks.
6.) Tamp em up solid
This is a short track which covers the Ry Cooder original, It's a gentle acoustic ballad with some gentle vocals and guitar which is completely different to much of the album. It has a great simpleness to it and gets the emotion across well. This is a very Good but not great track and again showcases the strength of the album when this is one of the weaker tracks from the album you know it's a great one.
7.) Django
This is another excellent track, It has a slower pace than much of the album but has some really excellent moments. The plucking of the guitar is evident early on and as the track builds you realise that it's an instrumental track. I love the way the track develops and some of the guitar playing is superb and it's really well complimented by the drums and bass which give an ideal backing. This is an excellent instrumental track and shows that you don't need lyrics to emote.
8.) Tea for One
This is an absolutely superb cover of Led Zepellin's classic "Tea for One". It features Jason Bonham on drums who is the son of former Led Zep drummer John. He does a great job on this awesome version. Joe's vocals are superb and really build the emotion wonderfully well with the laid back guitar and dark emotive drums and bass. This is Joe Bonamassa at his best and some of the guitar work is just exceptionally good. This is up there with the best Joe Bonamassa has done. It's an absolutely extraordinarily good track. Just listen to the guitar work. It's magical. This is over nine minutes of genius.
9.) Palm Trees Helicopters and Gasoline
A slightly odd title for a song you may think, I certainly did but this is another instrumental track, this time it's a fast paced acoustic affair. It's under two minutes long but it does enough to justify it's inclusion on the album and showcases something different in Joe Bonamassa's repertoire.
10.) Your Funeral and My Trial
This is a cover of a Sonny Boy Williamson original. It's a vibrant up tempo number about finding out your partner has been cheating and not being too pleased to say the least. This track features some excellent guitar work which differs from some of the album and the excellent blues backing works extremely well. This is an excellent cover version.
11.) Torn Down
This is the final track on the album and one that has a sound that draws you in. The simple drum beat and bass hook combines well with the guitar and Joe's vocals. It's a catchy affair and there are some excellent slide moments here. This is a good track to end with and one that showcases the vocals and guitar ability of Joe Bonamassa well.
**Overall**
You & Me is one of Joe Bonamassa's best albums. It's covers are very well done with some excellent reworkings which showcase the awesome guitar ability that Joe Bonamassa has but also the Musicianship of his band who all pitch in with some excellent parts. The best tracks on here are amongst the best of his career and really show what a talent he is. His vocals are sometimes over looked in favour of his Guitar work but they are very good too with Power, grace and emotion on tap.
ORDER SOME SLOE GIN
**Introduction**
Over the past couple of years Joe Bonamassa has become one of my favourite artists, He's an incredibly prolific artist and has released eleven solo albums in 12 years and has released another two in the Supergroup Black Country Communion and also released an album with Beth Hart. His rise to Child Prodigy to Guitar Great has been an incredible story of success and he's widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of them all with major praise coming from his peers. I have already reviewed a number of his releases already but this review is of his 2007 release which was his sixth solo album.
**Sloe Gin**
The album is mostly of covers but also features four original songs, the covers are mainly of lesser known Blues and Rock tracks and the album was produced by Kevin Shirley who has produced many of Joe Bonamassa's albums including those with Black Country Communion, the band that Shirley helped put together. Sloe Gin was released on 21st August 2007. The album features a familiar touring line up of Carmine Rojas - bass, Anton Fig - drums, percussion & Rick Melick - keyboards, tabla. Bogie Bowles also appears as drummer on "Seagull" and also plays the Hammered Dulcimer on some tracks.
1.) Ball peen hammer
This is an excellent opener, it's a cover of Chris Whitley and has a catchy feel and as the drums kick in with the guitar melodies it's a very good track with Joe Bonamassa's vocals coming through well and the band also take on a decent amount of responsibility with some good drumming and backing. I like the way the song progresses and the backing strings really add a nice touch alongside the guitar and keyboards. This is a very good song which slows and builds very well indeed.
2.) One of these days
This track covers the Ten years after original, It has a great Blues Rock feel with some excellent and vibrant guitar parts as well as an aggressive bass and drum part which adds to the feel. There's some excellent guitar work here from Joe Bonamassa who also showcases his fine voice too. This is one of the best tracks on the album. The song is actually a cover version of one that Joe Bonamassa co wrote with Alvin Lee. I love the progression and the solo towards the end is superb stuff.
3.) Seagull
This is a cover of a Bad Company song and starts gently with some electro acoustic melodies and slide guitar with Joe's tender vocals expressing well. The song is one of the more relaxed tracks on the album but still has it's excellent progressive moments where it gets louder and the drums build with the electric guitar. The track has an excellent ending which starts with a nice piano part then the guitar comes in to complete things. Good stuff.
4.) Dirt in my pocket
This is an excellent Blues Rock track which is one of the four originals on the album, It's a vibrant up tempo track with some excellent slide guitar parts and a lovely progression between verses where the song builds then slows and then picks up again. Joe's vocals show an excellent progression from his earlier work, he's not only a great guitarist but also a very polished singer too. It's one of the best originals on the album and a nice addition.
5.) Sloe Gin
I did not realise that this was indeed a cover. The original was by Tim Curry and was released in 1978, Having listened to that version I have to say that Joe Bonamassa's Cover version is far superior. The styles are different and although Curry's original isn't a bad song I am a massive fan of Joe Bonamassa's version which is mesmeric live and has some great vocals and some trademark guitar brilliance from Joe. It's one of his best songs and is such a live favourite that the Arena goes almost silent when he performs it. A Superb version indeed. The track was written by the hugely well known Bob Ezrin & Michael Kamen.
6.) Another kind of love
This is another vibrant up tempo track, Joe's guitar work is on display here with some fine licks and hooks. The track is a cover of a John Mayall song and I have to say that Joe Bonamassa is a much better singer than John Mayall. I love the way the song progresses. It's a real toe tapper and has some really excellent guitar work which you just want to keep going for a little bit longer. This is One of the best tracks on the album for sure. Great stuff.
7.) Around the bend
This track sees Joe Bonamassa take on more of a story teller role here, It's a lovely acoustic track with some tender vocals and it shows another side to Joe Bonamassa's music with people linking him to the incredible guitar solos, here's a subtle yet very effective acoustic ballad with emotive vocals and meaning. this is the sign of his overall talent. Of course there's a lovely sedated slide solo towards the end which just tops things off wonderfully well.
8.) Black Night
This is a fine cover of the original by Charles Brown. It's a dark meandering Blues Rock track which has a real bite. Joe's vocals are emotive and very strong and the guitar is wonderfully with some fine building of the song. This is another track vying for best on the album. It builds wonderfully well and the guitar work on the track is just sensational, so much so that like all the best guitar solos of this kind it makes you want to move your mouth to the sound of the guitar.
9.) Jelly Roll
This is another different side to Joe Bonamassa with a riff heavy electro acoustic joy with some fine guitar melodies and expressive vocals. The original was by John Martyn and although this is not up there with the best tracks on the album it still shows the variety of Joe Bonamassa as a musician and singer. It's certainly a very good track.
10.) Richmond
This is the penultimate track of the album and also the third of four original songs. There's gentle electro acoustic and Joe's vocals are expressive about longing for Richmond. I really like the way the song builds and it really tells a story. It's a well laid out track and one that doesn't need an amazing solo to have an impact. It's a very strong and laid back track.
11.) India
This is the final track on the album and it follows a similar path to the previous track, It's another laid back electro acoustic track which builds well and has an interesting beat which combines well with the plucks of the guitar strings. The playing becomes more aggressive and faster and this results in an interesting sound which is unlike much of the album, This works really well and shows something different again from his usual stuff. The only instrumental on the album.
**Overall**
This is an excellent album from Joe Bonamassa who is without a doubt one of the most brilliantly prolific artists of all time. The amount of great stuff he has done in the last twelve years is extraordinary and all the more so considering he's just turned 35. Sloe Gin contains some outstanding work and the best on here will be amongst his best works when he hangs up his Guitar, The pick of the album has to be the fine title track which is just astonishing live. This is a great album that showcases the range, ability and vocal talent of Joe Bonamassa in spades.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster.
THE RETURN OF TYRESE GIBSON
**Introduction**
Tyrese is arguably the biggest Music and Movie star around today with a string of hit movies and albums under his belt. His previous album release was back in 2006 when he released "Alter Ego" which was a double disc collection of his usual ballads but also a new Tyrese know as "Black Ty" which was his rap name. Since then he had concentrated on Movies but had always wanted to come back to Music when his movie schedule was over. He began work on his fifth album which was later confirmed as "Open Invitation" and would be released in 2011, approaching five years on from his last album.
**Open Invitation**
Work began for this new album in 2010 and the project was completed in early 2011. Open Invitation is More Tyrese than "Black Ty" and features a number of star studded collaborators. The album features Jay Rock, R Kelly & Rick Ross as well as Ludacris and also newcomer Candace appears on a track. There are fourteen tracks on the album and the production comes from Kendrick Dean (exec), Brandon "B.A.M." Alexander, David Banner & finally R. Kelly. The album is his highest charting album to date when it debuted at number nine on the Billboard Charts.
1.) I'm Home
This is a decent track to open with, It has a mellow opening and then the beats and hooks kick in with Tyrese's tender expressive vocals. This track is about reassuring your partner in telling them that you are there for them. The beats work well and the collaboration with Jay Rock works quite well as his expressive rap vocals add a decent touch. Not the best track on the album but it has things going for it.
2.) I Gotta Chick
This track opens with a seductive track in the background with a horny woman in Tyrese's bed. The beats kick in and Tyrese sings with R Kelly and the rap vocals from Rick Ross. The track is about feeling good about the woman you are with and that she loves you. Tyrese shows off some excellent expressive vocals here and R Kelly sounds excellent in his parts too. All round a decent collaboration.
3.) Stay
This is the first track I heard from the album when I saw the excellent video on Youtube. It's about finding your partner is thinking of leaving you after overhearing her on the phone to a friend and pleading them to stay and work things out. Tyrese really showcases his vocal talent here with some extremely emotive vocals. This is right up there with the best on the album and is a great example of his talent both vocally and in the way that he crafts the song. This was the first single from the album.
4.) Best of Me
This is another excellent ballad, It is about when you are in love and how it brings out the best of you. Tyrese again shows off his superb vocals and the taut beats and gentle keys create an excellent soundstage for the song to hit the spot. The chorus is excellent and the male and female backing vocals add a nice touch there. This track progresses really well and is up there with the best tracks on the album.
5.) Nothing on you
This is a lovely track which opens with gentle keys and the beat and vocals the come in. Tyrese's vocals are superbly emotive and flowing here. I believe this is the second track I heard from this album and It's one of my favourite cuts from the album. It's about reassuring your partner that they are the one for you and you aren't interested in anyone else. I love some of the vocals here and the track progresses very well.
6.) One Night
This track reminds me a lot of Trey Songz as it sounds a lot like some of his stuff in parts. I like the way the beats progress and the vocals are laid back then develop. The track is about having a good night with that someone. It's a raunchy track which Tyrese really does well and there are some excellent moments here.
7.) It's all on me
This track has some catchy electro hooks and some catchy beats, Tyrese showcases his vocal range here and his vocals sound different to much of the album. This is still a laid back track but his vocals are in a different way which works well here. The track is about treating your partner well and giving them what they want and making them happy.
8.) Too Easy
This is the track featuring Ludacris and is a return to the "Black Ty" style with some catchy rap vocals and the beats and hooks are more akin to Hip Hop beats than smooth R&B. This is an ideal club track with some excellent melodies and beats and a nice progression. Ludacris opens the rap vocals and this is a decent collaboration between the two Music and Movie stars.
9.) Takeover
This is a laid back track with a nice flow. It's about falling for someone and wanting to be there for them. Tyrese's natural flowing vocals are again on form here and this is a great example of his talent. It's a really nice smooth track with some excellent backing music which has a Soul vibe and the backing vocals continue the smooth feel. Good stuff.
10.) I Miss That Girl
This track opens with an interesting horn like sound and then the beats kick in. This has a 90s vibe and Tyrese really shine on the vocals with an expressive vocal which is apt on a track about how much you miss something after the relationship has ended. This is an excellent song and is one of the best on the album for sure.
11.) Interlude
This is a short interlude with Tyrese speaking in deep laid back tones. He tells a woman that he needs to see her and she says she can't meet up. Tyrese gets rather raunchy at the end. The interlude leads into the next track well.
12.) Make Love
This is a raunchy Love Song with some moans of pleasure and seductive vocals. This is Tyrese at his smooth best with some catchy beats and beautiful relaxed keyboard tones. Tyrese showcases his vocal power and grace throughout this track which is up there with the best on the album. It's an ideal track from a romantic night in with your partner.
13.) Angel
This is the track which features newcomer Candace, It's a lovely ballad with soft beats and gentle keys which back Tyrese well and the song was written by R Kelly and features gentle background vocals from him. Candace showcases a decent vocal performance which reminds me a little of Keyshia Cole. This is an excellent track with some really great parts.
14.) Walk...A Poem for My Fans
This is a lovely tribute to his fans which gives thanks for his success. This is the only track solely written by Tyrese and is a lovely moment to end with. Just gentle keys and soft beats back Tyrese in a spoken/sung track which really ends the album well with some really good moments. Great stuff.
**Overall**
This is an excellent return to Music for Tyrese Gibson and one that I hope means that he will focus on his Music as well as his Movie career for the foreseeable future as this is an excellent album which showcases his excellent vocal abilities as well as the talent he has for crafting a song to make it have the right emotion for it's subject. This is a fantastic return after five years. I just hope it won't be as long until his next album release.
Also posted on Dooyoo as Lakerfanster
WHITNEY HOUSTON - JUST WHITNEY
*Introduction**
Whitney Houston was blessed with one of the greatest voices of all time, she tragically died earlier this year, I was devastated to hear the news and thought back to when another all time great died before their time, Michael Jackson. I think when great talents die early it's important to look at their legacy and remember them at the height of their powers in their particular field. Looking back at Whitney's career the huge ballads stand out but if you listen to her most recent albums she still had a great voice and her songs were still full of feeling and the up tempo tracks were very catchy and had some great beats.
**Just Whitney**
This album was the first album on the biggest record deal in music history with Arista/BMG, She renewed her contract with the record label for an incredible $100m for six albums. Just Whitney was her fifth studio release and was released in 2002, a year after she had signed the record deal. The album featured four singles and collaborations with her then Husband Bobby Brown and also Carlos Santana. Babyface also featured on acoustic guitar and keyboards and also sang backing vocals on some tracks. The album featured stellar production from the likes of Babyface, LA Reid, Bobby Brown, Whitney, Missy Elliot and also Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs.
1.) Whatchulookinat
This is a track that was clearly directed at the media attention that Whitney got, some of the attention was of course warranted though with the way she was treating her body with all the drugs she had been taking but this is a catchy up tempo track with a thumping beat and some excellent hooks. It has a nice flow and gets the album off to a vibrant start but maybe she would have cleaned up her act if she had realised the truth in some of the media reporting.
2.) Tell Me No
This is a fabulous track, It's an up tempo ballad with catchy beats and some excellent string backing. I love the way that the song builds and her voice is really excellent and she deals with the high notes very well indeed. It also has a rocky feel which is topped off with the outstanding guitar solo from Carlos Santana which really compliments the track. This is one of the best tracks on the album for sure and a collaboration that works so well.
3.) One of those days
This is a catchy track which opens with some punchy beats and gentle keyboards, Whitney's vocals move along well and the funky hooks and loops add a nice touch as does the smooth backing vocals. It samples The Isley Brothers' song "Between the Sheets" which was released in 1983. This track is about when you are feeling good about yourself and you can just get away from your troubles and have a good time. It's a reminder of the good times of Whitney Houston. It was the second single from the album.
4.) Things you say
This is a rather lovely track, It opens with a bluesy organ part and then the beat comes in, this is a soulful R&B track which is one of the highlights of the album, Whitney's voice is on fine form with a laid back vocal which develops throughout the song. The track is about the things that your partner says to make you feel better when you are down or just saying "I love you" when you need to hear it. This is an excellent track and up there with the best on the album.
5.) My Love
This is the collaboration with Husband Bobby Brown, His voice is a pleasant surprise with a relatively powerful and emotive vocal. This is an excellent collaboration which shows their love at their best away from all the drug taking and violent arguments. This track features excellent vocals and is a very good tribute to when their relationship was good. It's got a great chorus and is one of the best tracks on the album, Worth a listen.
6.) Love that Man
This is a catchy tribute to Bobby Brown, the sweet female backing vocals are smooth and add a nice touch as does the catchy beat and bass hooks. Whitney's vocal is sweet and her vocal tone hints at a happiness. Again this shows the best of their relationship before the drugs and arguments overcame them. It's feel is the most like a Pop track on the album and works really well.
7.) Try It on My Own
This is a beautiful ballad which sounds like it was made for a Movie Soundtrack just like the great "I Will Always Love You". This is Whitney at her best it's a powerful ballad about having the self confidence to overcome any doubts or fears. This track was produced by Babyface and was co written amongst others by Babyface and Carole Bayer Sager who also wrote for Michael Jackson. Whitney's voice is superb here and shows all the power and grace of her best work of the 90s. It's an absolutely brilliant track.
8.) Dear John Letter
Back to the uptempo tracks here, this is a catchy track with some taut beats and some nice licks. This is a letter to a partner to tell them it's over. The female equivalent is a "Dear Jane letter". This track shows the ups and downs of the Marriage to Bobby Brown as she can't go through with actually leaving the letter. Whitney's vocals are flowing and expressive and this is overall a pretty decent track but lacks a little progression which would have taken it to the next level. Good track though.
9.) Unashamed
This is another catchy track, It's got some great taut beats and Whitney's expressive vocals work well on the track. This track is about doing things for yourself and not because someone else tells you too. It's about believing in yourself. It has a good message about being yourself and doing what you want to do. Unlike the previous track this track develops very well and Whitney shows off her amazing vocal ability. The female backing vocals are again very good.
10.) You Light Up My Life
This is a final ballad and is another excellent track, It is about longing for that someone special to come into your life and looking back on that when you have someone special. This is a classic example of the talent she had, Superb vocals and the structure is superb, she really knew how to build up to the final vocal soar. I love the sound of the drums and the backing orchestra which really build the emotive feel of the track. This is Whitney Houston at her best. Superb stuff.
**Introduction**
The album is one of her best works of her later years and showed clearly that she still had that amazing voice and her songs were still of an excellent quality. The best tracks on the album stack up with her best work and the tracks I believe warrant that comparison are the likes of "Try it on my own", "You Light Up My Life" and the fabulous collaboration with Carlos Santana "Tell Me No". This is overall a very good album and I would recommend any fan of Whitney Houston to get this album if they don't already have it. It's worthy of four stars from me.
No comments:
Post a Comment