Here we go with the latest by this mega-band that is back with their original '85 line up except vocalist Mark Free replaced by the iconic Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, The Cutt, Quiet Riot, Bad Boyz). This is an old school album with a total King Kobra's flavor but adds nothing new. The album rocks hard with a typical 80's Heavy Metal groovethat shines specially in cuts as "Screaming For More" or "Turn Up The Good Times". First highlight of the album is "Live Forever", a melodic cut with some keys and melacholic lyrics that make this a beautiful track. And the second highlight is "Top Of The World" a classic Hard Rock song with vocals that sometimes reminds of Mark Free but with some kind of background distortion that could make you sick. "CryinTurns To Rain" could be another song to detach.
In summary, great musicians doing a fantastic work but weak songs.
Special mention to Shortino's voice.
Best Tracks (in order of preference):
"Live Forever"
"Top Of The Worls"
"Screaming For More"
Herewe go with the second album by this band from Los Angeles, California. Members are Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), DJ Ashba (Guns N' Roses) and James Michael and with this cast of musicians the product could only be a great album. Their first album "The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack" was a surprise and this second album "This Is Gonna Hurt" is even better. The first song is the title track and is an electric and powerful shot of energy, perfect opener and a sure shot to play live. "Lies Of The Beautiful People" is the first single and is a fantastic Modern Hard Rock piece with all the style of the band that will rule the rock charts. "Are You With Me" is a beautiful song with a catchy chorus and "Live Forever" is another explosion of energy with nice lyrics. "Sure Feels Right" is a soft song that reminds to "6th Avenue Heartache" by the Wallflowers with a touch of Train so this cut is out of the vibe of the album. The rest of the album keeps the quality with good rock songs but the absolute highlight of the album is "Oh My God". This in crescendo song is a work of art with astonishing guitar solos, awesome vocals and a melancholic touch that make this track a sure single, this song is a 5 out 5 ROCKS!!!
Here we go with the latest by Journey. Journey has been my favorite band since i remember so is sad for me to say that this is a fantastic album for any band in the world but not for Journey. Compositionally this album has lost the magic, hollow songs, well executed but without Journey's vibe. No doubt this is a rock record but this is not in opposition to one of Journey's signs, power ballads... no ballad in this album. "City Of Hope" the first single is a good rock track with Neal Schon at his best and Arnel Pineda's voice shining more than in any other cut of the album but i fear this track won't hit the charts. "Tantra" or "Venus" has a progressive touch that reminds the early Journey back in 70's and early 80's. "Human Feel" is another highlight with a fantastic drum work in the hardest vein of Journey and with Neal Schon, once more, showing he is one the references of guitar world. "Chains Of Love" is not a bad song but the only thing that reminds of Journey are Jonathan Cain's keys. "Anything Is Possible" is the only mid-tempo in the album but not a catchy song and "She's A Mistery" is a soft half-acoustic cut. "Ritual" is a cut that reminds of "Be Good To Yourself" with special attention to Cain's keys.
The rest of the album are rock songs, as i told before, extremely well executed but without Journey's trademark.
In summary, an album that could be signed as a good album by any band but is weak for Journey. Part of the problem, probably, is the low weight of Jonathan Cain's keys and Ross Valory's bass in the album because all the music is focused on guitars losing that way part of the melody inherent to Journey.
Here we go with the latest by the greatest New Wave band. We are Hard Rock lovers but many of us grew up listening to other styles too so we still enjoy with bands like Duran Duran and others that are part of our lifes.
The come back of Duran Duran is the album "All You Need Is Now" and this is such a fantastic and astonishing album but with only one problem... "The Red Carpet Massacre", the infamous previous album by DD that did lose interest in this band to many people.
Back to "All You Need Is Now", from the begining to the end this album has this 80's vibe that made DD sold more than 100 millions all around the world. "Girl Panic!" that probably will be the next single, is a fresh and funny track that with no doubt would had been a success in the 80's. Another highlight is the album title track and first single "All You Need Is Now", this song has a catchy chorus with great keys. The only thing with this song is the modern and strident sound at the begining and in certain parts of the song, something similar was tested no so long ago by Depeche Mode and didn't work... anyway is an awesome song. "Blame The Machines" is another good track that could have been part of "Duran Duran" or "Rio". "Being Fooled" is totally New Wave with touches of Ultravox and a totally 80's use of the Hi-hat. "Live A Light On" is a mid-tempo gem while "Mediterranea" is a beautiful and relaxing cut. Other songs to note are "Runaway, Runaway" and " Other People's Lives" in this two cuts Roger Taylor shows his hability at drums and with cymbals and with Hi-hat. Notable is too the bass of John Taylor all over the album giving to it consistency. And finally let me say that Simon Le Bond is at his best, his voice is spectacular while Nick Rhodes keys are magnificent. This four guys are excellent musicians and composers as shown in this album.
And finally only one question, waht is doing the record label to promote this album? With just a little interest from the label this album would be a worldwide success.
In summary, Duran Duran is back with an awesome album with all the 80's flavour.
"All You Need Is Now" official video:
Best Tracks (in order of preference):
"Girl Panic"
"All You Need Is Now"
"Leave A Light On"
"Runaway, Runaway"
"Blame The Machines"
Chats:
USA # 29
UK # 11
GER # 39
SWI # 28
CAN # 52
AUS # 79
ITA # 10
AUT # 62
IRE # 78
Here we go with the latest by another Swedish band, The Poodles. Performocracy is an album with so many ups and downs and sometimes, i would say, overproduced. The frist single from this album is "Cuts Like A Knife" a good song with the pure flavor of The Poodles with powerful chorus and beautiful backing vocals. Another highlight of the album is "I Want It All" that undoubtfully should be the second single despite i don't like the arabian vibe of this cut, this is a good and different track. "Bring Back The Night" and "Love Is All" are good songs too... but nothing special.
Special mention to backing vocals.
In summary, more of the same by The Poodles for a weak album.
Here we go with the second album by this Swedish band. This guys represent the new generation of Hard Rock and this album is a shot of energy straight to you brain, just take a listen to "Mr. Money" or " Get It On". This album is full of solid guitars while the way of singing of Nils Molin goes a step forward from the previous album despite i think his voice needs to grow a little bit more. No doubt "Hunger For Love" should be the first single, is a strong song with a catchy chorus while "Too Much Is Not Enought" represents the softer part of Dynasty, this song is not exactly a ballad but is a beautiful soft acoustic song. The only Ballad is "Stand As One" but you'll only find it in the japanese release.
The rest of the album is as consistent as the mentioned songs with special attention to "Throne Of China".
The only thing i don't like in this album is backing vocals, should be better.
In summary, great album with a fantastic production... totally recommended.
