NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

CHRISTINA AGUILERA "STRIPPED" 2002     STRIPPED INTRO - Exactly what it says, its an intro.  A few effects, almost like radio searching and Christina vocals. CAN'T HOLD US DOWN (Featuring Lil' Kim) - Funky Hip Hop with some R n' B thrown in for good measure.  It reached Number 6 in the UK charts and is considered by some quarters as a "feminist anthem". WALK AWAY - Piano led ballad, emotional vocals from Christina singing about an abusive relationship, really nice laid back song with a message. FIGHTER - One of my favourite tracks, a more rockier sound which suits Christina's booming vocals really well.  Elements of Classic Rock with slight hints of R n' B, clever.  Catchy and memorable chorus.   Brilliant song.     PRIMER AMOR INTERLUDE - 50 second Spanish interlude, a filler but not really sure why its here. INFATUATION - Very similar style to "Genie In A Bottle".  Pop song but not as catchy as the afore

DEF LEPPARD "HYSTERIA" 1987   WOMEN - All the classic Rock elements are here, singer Joe Elliott's throaty vocals, screeching guitar solos, simple repeated chorus, pounding drums and almost Acoustic parts.  Throw some special effects in and this is a thunderous opening track to one of the best albums of the 80s. ROCKET - Epic 6 minute track opening with a seeming rocket launch leading into a burundi tribal drum section.  A midtempo Classic Rock track with Joe exercising his vocal screams.  Cleverly includes hints to other songs on the album "love" and "bites" from "Love Bites" and "we're fighting with the gods of war" sung backwards from "Gods Of War"!.  Lots of effects, great production, gives an eerie addition to the track. ANIMAL - This awesome track became the band's first top 10 hit in the UK and its a classic.  One of my favourites from the band (quite a few from this album too!).

JOANovARC "JOANovARC"   2019     BURNING - An almost Iron Maiden style opener to this second album by the female Rock quartet.  The vocals are akin to an angry Pat Benatar, it meanders along a little and doesn't have the great melodious Rock that previous songs have hinted at. WAITING FOR - This is more like what I expected from the band, a pumping Rock masterblaster, great riffs, elements of Classic Rock and a very slight leaning to Pop Rock, this is just awesome. DOWN BY THE RIVER - A slower tempo, almost Progressive Rock to start, before entering into a great chorus, reminding me of Joan Jett and a little early Heart.  Searing guitars and great vocals, another stomping rocker. PEOPLE COMING UP - The girls give us the Funk. simple in composition with a "whoah" chorus repeating but it hits the mark, you can't help but sing along and enjoy! TAKE IT OUT - This reminds me a little of early Bangles tracks.  It's catc

  IRON MAIDEN "THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST" 1982 INVADER S - This third album by the band features singer Bruce Dickinson for the first time and this opening track is a rip roaring, frenetic guitar and drum festival! It is almost like a Punk Metal song with searing guitar parts and Bruce exercising his vocal chords to full effect. CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED - This track opens like a Gothic/Progressive Rock track.  It epitomises the sound of Dickinson's Iron Maiden in the future.  The metallic operatic style is more powerful than that of previous vocalist, Paul Di'Anno.  Classic Iron Maiden. THE PRISONER - A track in the chug-a-chug guitar style of Black Sabbath and inspired by the TV series The Prisoner.  It includes spoken parts from the series but the awesome searing guitar solo after the 4 minute mark makes up for it. 22 ACACIA AVENUE - This is a retro 70s Classic Rock style track that is a decent song but is nothing unusual that you've not heard before. THE NUMBER