THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music review (Page 266 of 479)

JOURNEY – Raised On Radio

June 22, 2022 /

This was released three years after their last album, Frontiers, and both Neal Schon and Steve Perry had recorded solo albums, of which Perry’s sold really well and there were huge rumours that he might not return to Journey. We all now know that he did, but he had a lot more control over the songs and direction the band took.

This is very much a Steve Perry album as the songs fit more into an RnB format – much more than any other Perry-Journey album. Also of note here, the band are basically a there piece as both Ross Valory and Steve Smith had been asked to leave. In fact, rockin’ moments are in short supply on this record, there’s only Be Good To Yourself (which is killer and Schon finally gets to let rip), and the title track that feel like classic Journey tracks.

However, a rejuvenated Perry sings his ass off all over the record, especially on heartstring pulling tracks like Once You Love Somebody and It Could Have Been You, where the emotion in his voice is incredible. It’s not a classic Journey album, but it’s still a good record.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

DAN REED NETWORK – Slam

June 21, 2022 /

Dan Reed’s first album was a great record but it didn’t sell that well with the R’n’B soul crowd (which I think it was aimed at), but it did great with a rock audience, especially in the UK and Europe. So, when second album Slam dropped, it was no surprise to see the tunes rocked up somewhat. Of course the funk and groove were still present, but with the added heaviness it was winner winner chicken dinner.

A near perfect example of how to make a funk rock record, and I’m sure Max Martin used this as a blueprint for his songwriting. I saw them a couple of times and they were an amazing live band. Tiger In A Dress is a perfect example of how the funk and groove are still there, but add the fat huge riff into the mix and man what a killer song. It’s not my favourite though, as that goes to Cruise Together. A dark brooding synth driven piece with an amazing vocal from Dan, the main vocal line and melody gets me every time; add to that some great guitar and it’s definitely one of the Network’s best tunes. Everyone should own this album.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

RICHIE KOTZEN – Electric Joy

June 21, 2022 /

I’m sure we’re all familiar with Richie today; fronting The Winery Dogs, and a successful solo artist where he possesses one of the most amazing soulful voices of anyone. His style is very rock mixed with soul. Back in the midsts of time however, he was known for being a monster shredder and this is his third album released in ’91 through Shrapnel. If you love guitar as I do, then this is a must have. I’ve always found Richie different to most shredders of this period, as it wasn’t just about playing 10,000 notes as quick as possible, it was about adding melody and groove to the pieces.

Funk opens up Side 1 and this emphasizes my point perfectly; some great guitar, some serious groove, and tons of melody. Electric Toy has a quirky time signature to keep it interesting. Shufina is a blues beefed up blues shuffle. Acid Lips is pure shred with the Hot For Teacher beat and groove. Slow Blues does exactly what it says on the tin but with some incredible playing. High Wire has a strange dual harmony guitar, and has an entry for the fretboard olympics. Dr. Glee has a slight country feel to it, and again those dual harmony pieces are all over this track. Hot Rails is peddle to the metal slide, and you don’t see Richie do that too much. The Deece Song ends the album, and this song is all about technique. It’s one of those songs where you ask yourself “how the hell does he do that?” For guitar nerds.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

BUDGIE – Never Turn Your Back On A Friend

June 20, 2022 /

The one Budgie album that most people have heard of – well, if you’re a Metallica fan anyway, as they covered Breadfan on their Garage days EP.

This is the band’s third album released in ’73. They were a big deal in the mid seventies in their first reincarnation and were an influence on a lot of heavier bands as the riff was king. They also had a thing for having the most amazing song titles like You’re The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk that starts with a drum solo, and the amazing In The Grip Of A Tyre Fitters Hand which, along with Breadfan, are the best two tracks on the album. I haven’t played this in a while and it does sound dated, but if you love seventies blues rock you will get a blast out it that’s for sure, and they are a killer live band. Sadly Burke Shelley is no longer with us as he passed away last year.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

« Older posts Newer posts »

Archives

© 2025 THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑