One can’t help but love Michael Monroe for just being who he is. But more on that later.
This is the eleventh studio album in a long solo career that run for the most part when Hanoi Rocks was not a going concern, but for a wee bit, concurrently with it… this true rock ‘n roll veteran is one of the last true rockers left out there, with no sign of really slowing or turning down.
The edgy, often punky, high-octane melodic rock ‘n roll, which doesn’t posture but is a living, breathing embodiment of the music, is delivered unrationed and raw, for everyone to revel in.
“Rockin’ Horse” is a balls-out punk rock anthem with a dark edge but a melodic bridge that Monroe takes ripping and screaming to its conclusion as a chorus. Classic solo MM vibe, and really if you don’t dig this, you’re a sucker.
“Shinola” has a bit more of a Hanoi sheen, lots more swagger, lots more melody…. an awesome riff that won’t quit and is tons of fun, even if it’s a diss and not long overall. Nasty, but nice at the same time!
“Black Cadillac” drops speed down to the mid-lows, but exchanges it for groove. It’s a dark rocker with a shouted, irresistible chorus that goes on and on. Sleek.
“When the Apocalypse Comes” has some neat Beatles overtones while at the same time being a bit of a story on its own, with its 70s cool vibe. Lookey here, the apocalypse was here and gone, and a good time was had by everyone!
“Painless” has an intro that leaves you uncertain of what to expect but really delivers with a massive riff that builds a sombre atmosphere, only countered by a beautiful melodic undertow that runs through its entirety. One of the better MM tracks in some time. Actually THIS – I could consider it an apocalyptic soundtrack that would however be something I’d be looking forward to. The song – not the apocalypse. Mega…
“Newtro Bombs” is a singalong oi-sh punk rocker that’s simply irresistible. Also, its lyrics drip with sarcasm towards modern politics and where they have led our society.
Same pretty much holds true for “Disconnected” but in mid-tempo. A sing-along chorus to this nifty rocker that pretty much pokes fun but also chastises how lonely and disconnected we’ve become in the era of high-speed connections.
“Precious” feels as if it’s based on a somewhat repurposed part from an older song – can’t really put my finger on which one, and in rock ‘n roll, it wouldn’t be a first… but it has an awesome chorus and an even more awesome harmonica solo.
“Pushin’ Me Back” was written for a previous album but gets to shine here and is one of those really ponderous, melodic, mid-tempos that leave you longing – songs that really have some magic dust sprinkled over them… dare I say my favourite track? If not a close second.
“Glitter and Dust” shows that you can clean up the rough n’ ready MM, write a sad introspective ballad, basically, add strings and some ambiance, and create a masterpiece, of sorts. And what a nice solo…
“Rode to Ruin” apart from the clever wordplay, has other charms it proceeds to unfurl while keeping with the same urban poetry and rocking vibe.
Last but not least, “One More Sunrise” has the same mellower vibe of the songs that precede it while maintaining the same bittersweet melancholy…. and when that sax solo takes off, it really steals your soul… with how much soul it has… and then it melts into a guitar/sax swinging epic conclusion that feels out of this world…. And when you thought it was all over, a piano interlude later, the feel-good chorus hits again for more of the same goodness and a pretty bombastic, celebratory conclusion.
Necessary. I was going to say recommended, but no… obligatory purchase.
