NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

GUNS N' ROSES "USE YOUR ILLUSION I" 1991 RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO HELL - A riotous Punk rocker, akin to Sex Pistols and The Damned etc, its raw speedy energy surely gave the pogo dancers a bit of a surprise! DUST N' BONES - Mid tempo Blues Rock number that has a very slight Country tone but also midway through Axl Rose does his best horror snarl that reminds me of Ozzy, Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson! LIVE AND LET DIE - This cover of the Paul McCartney and Wings song blasts away the original in my opinion.  Just absoultely brilliant.   DON'T CRY - Lush original version of this Rock ballad which is similar in vein to "Patience", nice.     PERFECT CRIME - Reminds me of Iron Maiden, its manic and its two and a half minutes of energetic Rock with a hint of pure Metal. YOU 'AIN'T THE FIRST -  A goodbye to a lover who obviously was not a favourite when you listen to the lyrics! Basically the girl was a temporary lov

GUNS N' ROSES "USE YOUR ILLUSION II" 1991 CIVIL WAR - The second album in the "Use Your Illusion" twinset opens with this fourth single that reached number 11 in the UK chart.  A melancholic, poignant yet powerful Rock track is a brilliant peace anthem. 14 YEARS - A hard rockin' Blues track with Izzy Stradlin and singer Axl Rose sharing the vocals at times.  A guitar driven track merging with piano in a blistering partnership, YESTERDAYS - Yet another anthemic ballad from the band with some lush, emotive guitar from Slash.  The third single released from the album reaching number 8 in the UK chart.  Classic and one of my favourites to sing along to. KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR - Released as the second single from this set it reached number 2 on the UK chart.  Once again (like "Live And Let Die" on the "...Illusion I" album) the cover sounds better than the original.  Brilliant track. GET IN THE RING - Apparently "notoriou

ABBA  "VOYAGE" 2021 I STILL HAVE FAITH IN YOU - The lead track from the band's first album in 40 years has Anni-Frid  Frida) Lyngstad taking lead vocals.  It is unmistakeably Abba but takes time to grow on you.  It seems to me more like a musical number but its a nice opener.  This reached number 14 in the UK chart. WHEN YOU DANCED WITH ME - This is more like the Abba we know, a bright and breezy almost Folk Europop track with a catchy melody.  The girls Agnetha and Frida in perfect unison. LITTLE THINGS - A lilting lullaby style song that is a sweet track but not really grabbing you.  This only reached number 61 in the UK singles chart when released. DON'T SHUT ME DOWN - Released as a dual single with the album opener but this reached number 9 in the UK chart.  Sung beautifully by Agnetha this is a return to Abba gold.  A catchy chorus and a more upbeat Pop style. JUST A NOTION - Reaching only number 59 in the UK singles chart this is a new favourite of mine. 

PRINCE AND THE REVOLUTION    "PARADE" 1986 CHRISTOPHER TRACY'S PARADE - This album is also the soundtrack to Prince's second movie "Under The Cherry Moon".  This opening track is a whimsical almost fairgound sounding intro to his character.  It pretty much carries on the Psychedelic style of the previous album "Around The World In A Day" NEW POSITION - A mainly percussive track with Prince basically saying his woman needs a "new position", which we can all guess in what manner! As with a few of these tracks this is experimental and would appear fleetingly over scenes in the film. I WONDER U - A repetitive vocal fronts a strange percussive backing with a little guitar twinkling sporadically.  For some reason this album is a lot of Prince's fans' favourite, but it lacks quality songs in my opinion and is a soundtrack album with a few gems. UNDER THE CHERRY MOON - The title of the film and actually I quite like this

ADAM ANT "ADAM ANT IS THE BLUEBLACK HUSSAR IN MARRYING THE GUNNER'S DAUGHTER" 2013 COOL ZOMBIE - As with the album this only single from the album was self-promoted and released.  The album teased at being the "Kings of the Wild Frontier" Adam back from the dead, the "marrying..etc" in the title is an old naval term for a punishment of flogging, seemingly how music stars are treated today! This first track is similar to the "Kings.." era, but I am still disappointed he went "back", as Adam was the only star in the 80s who looked forward and moved on, re-creating...oh well.  This was a decent tune with its half bluesy feel. STAY IN THE GAME - This is an eerie, dark track in the style of Iggy Pop and like the majority of this album seem to go back to the early Punk days of the Ants of the "Dirk Wears White Sox" era and late 70s. MARRYING THE GUNNER'S DAUGHTER - This is a merging of some dirty Blues with Rock 'N Ro

MADONNA "RAY OF LIGHT" 1998 DROWNED WORLD/SUBSTITUTE FOR LOVE - This opening track on Madonna's 7th studio album reached number 10 on the UK singles chart.  The album as a whole has a much fuller pure vocal from Madonna and this song has a very eclectic mash up of sounds.  There is a little Trip Hop, Pop and Techno hints while keeping the beautiful melodious backing keeping a mysterious ambient air.   SWIM - A very open Trip Hop style similar to Morcheeba with some great vocal changes happening through the song, another great melody and some nice Acoustic guiitars too.  The production on this album is superb, in headphones you can hear every little sound spinning around your head.  RAY OF LIGHT - The title track and a Madonna classic, although very different from her 80s Disco tracks.  This is a brilliant frenetic Pop, Club, Disco, Rock, Electronica crossover.  Should have been number 1 but reached number 2 in the UK chart.  Love this track and a real favourite of mi

A-HA "TRUE NORTH" 2022 I'M IN - The opening track on the band's 11th studio album was also the first single released.  This is an orchestral style, piano led Pop ballad that is full of hope and positivity despite its melancholic sound.  Morten's vocal is as impeccably emotional as ever.     HUNTER IN THE HILLS - This kicks off in some musical based sounds evoking a "thriller movie" imagery.  Has a very orchestral jazzy feel to it.  Unusual for the band but it works. AS IF - This ia a mid tempo 80s New Wave ballad that almost sounds like Folk with a little Americana thrown in for good measure.  Was the third single released from the album. BETWEEN THE HALO AND THE THORN - This is almost reminiscent of the band's debut album's slow songs but with a huge orchestral twist.  Still waiting for the rocky quicker song to liven the album up, although a nice relaxing listen so far. TRUE NORTH - A more familiar sounding A-ha on this title track. The rock

TEARS FOR FEARS "SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR"   1985     SHOUT - The epic 6 and a half minutes version of the single that reached Number 1 in many countries globally.  One of the best and most well known songs from the duo.  This second album was more mature and heavier in sound starting with this song with its power chords and synths, guitar solo and a more rockier drumbeat.  Awesome and memorable track. THE WORKING HOUR - A more soulful, melancholic song with piano and saxophone parts.  Similar to Spandau Ballet's soul style on "True" in 1983.  A really nice relaxing, mellow song, maybe a little long at over 6 minutes but nice all the same. EVERYBODY WANTS TO THE RULE THE WORLD - Probably one of two most memorable songs by Tears For Fears along with "Shout".  Ultimate Pop New Wave, lots of instrumental parts, a catchy sing along chorus, a mega hit all around the world.     MOTHERS TALK - One of my favourites, a fun

ALEXIS "THE DEBUT ALBUM" 2018 SWEET ANGEL - Opening like a soft ballad but building into a Bon Jovi style crescendo after the one minute mark.  Great Rock Pop with a little U2-esque instrumental break in the middle.  I can definitely hear a Goo Goo Dolls influence, being a fan of the band.  Its about unconditional support and love from his parents throughout his life, everybody needs a sweet angel to stop them from falling. FACE THE CROWD -  Kicks off with a pumping plucking guitar and drumbeat which for some reason reminds me of Van Halen.  Then it powers into a great Pop Rock track similar to the likes of Glass Tiger and Goo Goo Dolls with a little Berlin thrown in! It builds up to a blistering catchy chorus that I have to say, I was soon singing along to! HOLD YOU CLOSE - Alexis' promise to his own children that he will never break and hopefully give the same support and guidance his parents gave to him.  This track is a sweet, liltin

JOHN HEINRICH "3 FACES" 2015 LEAP INTO THE STORM - The opening track of the album is a light, mid tempo Rock song. It very much reminds me of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers with that laid back, cool style.  It is a Country Rock Pop track which includes a great guitar solo interlude at around the 3 minute mark!It is a fine album intro! ANSWERS - This is an unusual and strange track.  The music is Alternative 80s Pop Rock and that is fine by me.  I am never negative in my reviews but the singer Billy Anderson's vocals seem a little out of place in the song.  The monotone Bob Dylan style drops the song into bland territory.  It seems to just meander along and the vocals just don't work for me, but it is just my opinion.  The music is great but is dragged down by the voice.  However, the big redeeming feature is the 20 seconds or so Rock guitar near the end but its a little too late to save it.  More of the guitars and a different singer m

BILLY CRAIG "SONIC TUNESMITH" 2018 FADE AWAY - Opening the album is a Blues Country track with great Slash/Prince like guitars throughout.  Its laid back Bon Jovi style vocals make this sound like a cool Rock ballad.  Great track to ease you in to the set with a positive and optimistic lyric. NOWHERE TO GO - A Rock N' Roll foot stomper similar to rocker Dave Edmunds with the quirkiness of The Cars and Tom Petty.  The familiar Country twang is perfectly intertwined with the Rock sound without overpowering the whole feel of the song. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME - This could be a song on a ZZ Top album.  That great chug-a-chug Blues sound collaborating with Texan drawl.  Big and bold Country Blues Rock, it is raw, keeps pumping to the end and has a nice Classic Rock music interlude at 2.20.  Add the throaty vocals akin to Billy Gibbons and you have a fabulous track. SUPPOSED TO BE - Slow tempo Pop Rock ballad with a hint of Country Blues. 

HUE AND CRY    "SEDUCED AND ABANDONED" 1987   STRENGTH TO STRENGTH - The band's debut album, considered to be "sophisti-pop" saved my music listening pleasures along with fellow Scottish counterparts, Deacon Blue, Texas, The Proclaimers and Del Amitri.  Amidst the onrush of Acid House and boybands etc this was bliss.  This opening track criminally was ignored after the success of "Labour of Love".  It is an unusual orchestral Pop Rock track with old style crooning vocals.  Great harmonies and melodies. HISTORY CITY - This track is a mix of Jazz Blues with a little Funk and some awesome vocals from Pat Kane backed ably by his brother Greg on various keyboards.  Its punchy and bright and you can't help but move your feet! GOODBYE TO ME - A pure Pop Soul track with a Country twang.  The band have a great ear for lush melodies and this is no exception.  The lyrics are sometimes highbrow but the sound id incredibly engaging. HUMAN TOUCH - A gentle

SAMANTHA FOX  "TOUCH ME" 1986   TOUCH ME (I WANT YOUR BODY) - Sometimes making a huge switch in careers can be troublesome.  Samantha Fox started as a 16 year old glamour model and became the most sought after pin-up girl in the 80s.  However in 1986 she turned to music and released this great Pop album.  Opening with this massive debut hit, number 3 in the UK chart its a great slice of Synth and Dance Pop with hints of Rock.  Catchy, saucy, sexy and memorable.  I'M ALL YOU NEED - The fourth and final single from this album only reached number 41 in the UK chart.  This is a really nice, quirky Synth Pop track epitomising the early to mid 80s Electronic music boom.  Catchy chorus and some lovely vocals from Samantha. SUZIE, DON'T LEAVE ME WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND - A kind of Motown/ R n' B simple track.  Doesn't really go anywhere to be too engaging on the ear.  Not one of my favourites and definitely a filler here. WILDA KIND OF LOVE - The intro shouts of "

  FLEETWOOD MAC   "RUMOURS" 1977 SECOND HAND NEWS - The opening track of the album is a bouncy, quirky Folk style Rock song, reminds me of the 60s duetted sounds of The Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel.  Sung by Lindsey Bucking ham who was also the composer.  Great melody and harmonies and a neat guitar solo to finish which could have been longer but a great song. DREAMS - The second single from the album reached number 24 in the UK chart and is one of my favourite "Mac" tracks.  It was covered brilliantly by another favourite band of mine, The Corrs as well. This lilting Soft Rock ballad is beautifully sung by Stevie Nicks and is a notable classic. NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN - This song is a merging of Country Pop and Folk Rock with some stunning pure Acoustic guitar and vocals from writer Buckingham.  Really lovely song.  Was a B-side for a handful of singles in various countries.  DON'T STOP - This track criminally only reached number 32 in the UK char

  GEORGE MICHAEL "FAITH" 1987   FAITH - Reaching number 2 in the UK chart, this minimal Rockabilly styled track opens this debut album, although it is debatable (or obvious) that Wham! was essentially George's baby albeit accompanied by Andrew Ridgeley in some small way. This was a short, sharp funky track with just guitar, bass and basic percussion (apart from the cathedral organ at the intro) and allowed George to carry the song with the vocals. FATHER FIGURE - This single reached number 11 in the UK chart and is a Pop ballad of sorts with a slight drumbeat and had some mystical Asian infuence in parts and Gospel in the big chorus.  An emotional song and shows the more mature side of George, making the "Young Guns" days seem very far away.   I WANT YOUR SEX (Parts 1 + 2 ) - This Funk infused Disco track is a gem and reminded me much of my idol Prince in its sexy rhythm and almost lascivious lyrics.  Banned in some media outlets but it is a great slice of Po