NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"FOR YOU"   1978 FOR YOU - The very first track on any Prince album is a little over a minute long and showcases the astounding vocal range of the then teenage artist.  Harmonising with himself, using his voice as melodies and adding a Gospel and church choir like style.  Brave for a first track to bare himself like this but then Prince was to be no ordinary performer! IN LOVE - A Pop Soul track that has very slight hints of Funk.  It is essentially a mid tempo ballad.  Showing the early talent this guy had for hearing unusual sounds that merge together brilliantly.  All tracks here composed, performed, arranged and produced by this teenager on his debut, that in itself is remarkable. SOFT AND WET - The first introduction to the now famous (or infamous to some) sexual innuendo laden tracks that he composed during his reign.  A Disco Funk track with a little Soul, was released as a single on his 20th birthday as the first from this album.      

  "SO RED THE ROSE" 1985   ELECTION DAY - This one-off album featuring Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor kicks off with this great track.  I loved this so much I bought the 12" and that was even better.  A mix of synth pop, funk, new wave and various effects and saxophone this was a move away from the Duran Duran sound and probably influence the "Notorious" album.  This was the lead single from this album and reached number 7 in the UK chart.  Also features Grace Jones on vocals! KEEP ME IN THE DARK - A very poppy sounding track and even though the chorus is not really "catchy" it is a decent song with loads of pips and squeaks and some nice synth and bass sounds.  Most similar to the the early Duran Duran sound. GOODBYE IS FOREVER - This has some funky bass and is a great New Wave Pop song, reminds me of some of the tracks on "Seven And The Ragged Tiger" with its atmospheric leanings.  Only a release as single

 "SOUR" 2021   BRUTAL - Olivia Rodrigo's debut album opens with a scorching 90s Brit Pop Punk track, reminding me of Elastica and Sleeper in its female angst ridden vocals. It also has me thinking of Wendy James and Transvision Vamp in its brash style.  The former Disney star shows she has left that way behind with great Indie Pop Rock album with a few expletives thrown in for good Punk measure! TRAITOR - A slowed down tempo for this track, a beautiful, soft and melancholy Indie Rock track similar to Avril Lavigne in style with maybe a little nod to Kate Bush or Tori Amos in the atmospheric vocals? Love this track.  Reached number 5 in the UK chart. DRIVER'S LICENSE - Perrfect Pop break-up ballad, Taylor Swift, Sophie B.Hawkins and Michelle Branch spring to mind on listening to this.  Beautiful heartfelt vocals over a sparse, orchestrated style moody backing.  Really nice and accomplished composition from 18 yr old Olivia and her debut single.  This first outing a

"REBORN" 2017   KEEP THAT FIRE BURNING - The first track is a little New Wave Punk with the power and angst ridden vocals of The Clash.  Awesome Hendrix-like guitar parts at around the 2 minute mark.  A rockin' Punk masterpiece to open the Irish band's second album.  Its brain busting maddening pace give you a mindblowing intro to this album.  Parts also remind me of Foo Fighters and Green Day.     HAYLEY - A throbbing drumbeat reminding me of Iggy Pop, with vocals from lead singer "Paulie" sounding very much like Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump.  A frenetic pace continues throughout the song with slight hints to Foo Fighters and snippets of Classic Rock.  A little funky Rock Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queens Of The Stone Age influences too I suspect too.  Brilliant track with super guitar solos.         INNOCENCE - New Wave Punk, sounding a little like Goo Goo Dolls.  Well crafted track that is becoming a favourite of mine sinc

 "JUNGLELAND" 2021   JANE GOODALL - The opening track is presumably about the renowned primatalogist and anthropologist noting the "queen of the jungle" reference.  It's a booming Gothic/Punk hybrid with a pounding beat that conveys a "jungle" background to your ears.  It's a plethora of sounds converging as one to make a cool first listen on this album.   THE STRUGGLE - I love the relentless drums on this track and the accompaniments remind me of The Jam and The Clash if they played together.  It has that almost funky rhythm with jangly guitars that were reminiscent of Bow Wow Wow (although with more "oomph") with some low toned and chanted vocals. Atmospheric at time, sounds really cool in earphones! MERCY - A nice slice of laid back bluesy Rock, a little like Van Morrison or Joe Cocker in style.  Ticks along at a mid tempo pace with a great chorus and powerful Rock vocals. SAINTS - This track is one of my favourites, a Rock track

"REGGATTA DE BLANC" 1979     MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - One of the first songs I heard of The Police as an 11 year old lad.  One of those songs that stay in your head.  Great guitar Pop Rock with a repetitive engaging drumbeat and pumping bass.  Add to that a catchy chorus and this couldn't fail to be a hit.  The guitar melody throughout is similar to that of Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear The Reaper".     REGGATTA DE BLANC - The title track is a mostly experimental instrumental Ska/Reggae/Rock crossover with various tribal chants by Sting.  It is almost Punk sounding in parts too. IT'S ALRIGHT FOR YOU - This is a punchy pumping Punk/Mod Rock hybrid based on a repetitive drumbeat and guitar riff.  A foot tapper if nothing else. BRING ON THE NIGHT - A New Wave/Reggae Pop track, it is quirky bu pretty unremarkable. DEATHWISH - A funky Ska based track that bounces along nicely until the drums kick up a beat at around the 2