Tag: john norum

This is solo album number three for the Europe axeman, and the sound is a lot more heavy and edgy this time around. He’s joined on vocals by Kelly Keeling who originally came to prominence singing with Baton Rouge on their debut, but has since seemed to have been the hired gun for everyone.

We get things under way with Inside, a kick ass melodic groover with a strong hook and chorus, and a very tasty riff. Resurrection Time is a whole different beast with a fat huge riff and a kick ass groove with an added killer solo. Superb track! Strange Days is next and it’s a cover of the Humble Pie tune. A slow, dark, heavy blues groove and Norum’s playing is just off the hook on this track, so much feel. Spirit World is up next and the vibe has taken a turn for the funk. Killer hook and chorus and that solo… damn! Shimmering Highs closes out Side 1 and the jaw hits the floor. A slow instrumental that builds, and builds, and it’s all guitar. Freakin’ Awesome! Definitely my favourite track!

Side 2 kicks off with an absolute face melter: Whose Side Are You On. The intro is killer and the groove and riff are superb. Next up is the Cream classic Sunshine Of Your Love. It’s a decent enough rendition, pretty close to the original until the solo then…BOOM! And, that ending is so heavy. Catalina Sunset is next up and John shows his chops on the acoustic with a nice chill out moment. Next up is Half Way Home, a kick ass uptempo rocker with yet another ripping solo. Next to last is Healing Rays. The song starts with some epic guitar and a killer off-tempo groove, and the guitar is off the charts. Onto the last track Jillanna, another acoustic piece. You know, I don’t mind a ballad if the guitar is playing the vocal melody and this is really cool.

If you’ve read a few of my reviews you will know by now that I am a guitar nut, and this album hits all my favourite spots all at the same time. Great record!

10/10 from The Grooveman.

This is the second solo album from the Europe axeman, and was released back in ’92. It’s more of a full on rock album than his first, and sees Glenn Hughes singing on several tracks. One of these is opener Face The Truth, a superb heavy blues groove with a killer vocal and superb solo. Night Buzz is more of an LA eighties glam groover with a nice riff and hook, and a ripping solo. Interesting to hear how Glenn’s voice has changed over the past thirty years since this was recorded. Third track in and it’s ballad time with In Your Eyes. Normal service is resumed with Opium Trail a cover of the Thin Lizzy tune. A great homage to a great tune with John handling lead vocals. Side 1 closes out with We Will Be Strong ,which sees John’s band mate Joey Tempest on vocals and it’s also ballad number two.

Side 2 kicks off with Good Man Shining, another heavy blues groover which reminds a little of Whitesnake. Then it’s, Time Will Find An Answer. A great opening guitar solo that leads into a gallop groove. I love the main riff. Counting On Your Love is a straight up melodic rock groover with a great hook and chorus. Enidca is the only instrumental on the album and this is where John really let’s it rip, not in a total shred fest but with a lot of melody and feel. Still The Night was written by Hughes and Thrall, I think for what was to be their follow-up album and it definitely has that groove. We close out the album with Distant Voices, a fast uptempo rocker and my favourite on the album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.