“Rock Candy” is the second album that Orianthi releases in 2022 after “Live from Hollywood” that was out in July. The new studio album is produced by the eminent multi-instrumentalist Jacob Bunton (Mariah Carey, Steven Tyler, Pop Evil and others), who additionally plays the guitar, the bass, the keys, the piano, and the violin. Drummer Kyle Cunningham rounds out the line-up for “Rock Candy”.
The opening instrumental track, “Illuminate (Part I)”, sets the tone for the rest of the album with its driving guitar riffs and catchy hooks. It’s followed by the upbeat “Light It Up”, which features a catchy chorus and impressive guitar work and the pop-rocker “Fire Together”. The album continues to deliver with tracks like the atmospheric & catchy “Where Did You Heart Go”, which showcases Orianthi’s impressive vocal range, and the fast-paced “Red Light”, with the amazing guitar leads. Another highlight is the acoustic emotive ballad “Living is Like Dying Without You”. The energetic “Getting to Me” ups the ante, and the album concludes with the magnificent instrumental “Illuminate (Part II)”.
One of Orianthi’s main benefits is her great blending of hard rock, pop/rock, AOR, and melodic rock, as she knows how to deliver fine melodies throughout the album. Hence, O is not only a skillful guitarist, but a great songwriter as well. Also, her powerful and confident vocals, convey the emotion of each song with remarkable effectiveness. The production is full and clean, with the instruments and vocals all sitting well in the mix.
I can’t say whether “Rock Candy” is Orianthi’s best work to date, but I’m pretty sure that it is among her best. Either way you see it Orianthi is a Greek Rock Goddess…
