Album Review: Paul Rodgers-Midnight Rose

-

Release Date: September 22nd        Record Label: Sun Records


Words by Anselm Anderson


For more than fifty years, English singer Paul Rodgers has been a rock icon, selling over 125 million records worldwide. He has blessed us fans with his soulful vocals, performing with legendary bands such as Bad Company and Free. Rodgers returns with his first solo release in 25 years on Friday, September 22nd via Sun Records.

The eight-tracker Midnight Rose was written by himself with the exception of "Livin' It Up".The album was produced and recorded by his long-time companion, Cynthia and renowned producer Bob Rock at Roper Recording and The Warehouse. I believe this is a lovely addition as it enables Paul Rodgers to compose an intimate and individual album based on his love for blues and soul. This is evident throughout the album, as Rodgers radiates on each track.

The upbeat drums in "Coming Home" resemble ZZ Top, with a man's soulful vocals expressing his happiness to return to his wife. Rodgers exudes confidence with slick guitar licks and an up-tempo rhythm, reminiscent of his prime. He has skillfully chosen a great rhythm section to accompany his vocals, resulting in a fresh and energetic sound. "Photo Shooter" is a modern-day "Shooting Star" with passion and reflection, whilst the title track is an ode to Rodgers' Wife.


Photo Credit: Victory Tischler-Blue


The album has a nice pace to it with no track feeling like a filler, as Rodgers is happy to experiment with different sounds and ideas. "Living It Up" is a tribute to Rodgers' adopted countries' USA and Canada. Rodgers currently lives there with his wife. This is a throwback to the singer's blues and hard rock roots. Midnight Rose takes a melodic route with gospel and soul elements thrown into the mix.


 As I may have stated, this album is an opportunity for Rodgers to celebrate his career and personal life by exploring the different sounds and cultures he has experienced throughout his career. The feel-good song "Dance in the Sun" will leave you smiling long afterwards, while the swinging rhythm and blues on "Take Love" is a timely reminder that life is not to be taken for granted.

Finally, "Highway Robber" is a roots song with steel guitar and accordion. It tells the story of a failed robbery and showcases the vocalist's versatility at age 73. Rodgers continues to defy belief with his breathtaking vocals and ability to tell a story through the blues.

"Midnight Rose" is a solid reminder of Rodgers' iconic status in rock, featuring well-composed tracks with roots in rock and blues.


Follow this link here to keep updated with all the latest news, interviews, and reviews from Rambling Man.


Pre-save and order the Midnight Rose album and special merchandise HERE.

Midnight Rose Track Listing
All songs written by Rodgers with the exception of “Living It Up.”
1. “Coming Home”
2. “Photo Shooter”
3. “Midnight Rose”
4. “Living It Up” (Rodgers, Ronning, Fedyk)
5. “Dance in the Sun”
6. “Take Love”
7. “Highway Robber”
8. “Melting”

You can listen to "Livin' It Up" below via the YouTube Music link.
















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EP Review: Saint Diablo Embraces the past on "The Reckoning"

-
Image
  Words from Anselm Anderson Nu-Metal is making a return with a bang. The latest band to embrace the genre that mixed down-tuned guitars with mixing desks and aggressive vocals about personal struggles and social anxieties is Virginia-based sextet,  Saint Diablo. Today, the Latin Americans release their latest four-track EP 'The Reckoning' via Eclipse Records.  The band consists of lead vocalist Tito Quinones, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Zach San Pietro, drummer Anthony San Pietro, and percussionist Awesome Ray Ray. It has released two full releases to date, including 2015's critically -acclaimed Devils, Horns and Halos. The Reckoning  is no exception as the band delivers four sizzling tracks of apoplectic rage, thunderous riffs and catchy choruses to set themselves loose on the metal world. Upon first listening, I felt the band reminded me of the 2000's Latin Nu-metal group Il Nino. Ironically, this EP  was mixed, mastered, and recorded by the band's producer
Read more

Eclipse Records News: IN WE FALL signs exclusive worldwide deal with the legendary Metal Label

-
Image
Photo Credit: Carlos Nemeth   New album Inner Self set for release on December 13th Iconic Record Label Eclipse Records  has announced its latest acquisition with the signing of In We Fall to a worldwide exclusive deal. An alternative metal band from Vila Real, Portugal, In We Fall, is known for creating a distinct and exotic sound through a mixture of alternative metal, progressive metal, and grunge. The band recently finished recording their debut full-length album entitled Inner Self which will be released on December 13, 2024. The album was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Daniel Moreira, at EvoluiSom Studios .    guitarist Carlos Carneiro says of the signing “We are really thrilled about signing with Eclipse Records and looking forward to the best work we can do with them!” says guitarist Carlos Carneiro. “Our debut album is ready to be released, so it really is great to be able to have this kind of support from them at this stage of our careers! Vocalist & guitar
Read more

EP Review: Paradis- Self Titled

-
Image
  Words by Anselm Anderson Metalcore act Paradis released their hotly-anticipated self-titled debut EP last week, The quintet combines the raw ferocity of the genre's vocals with the dark atmospheric music of black metal, which is a unique approach to the revived genre, once maligned by metalheads all over. Formed in London, England, the multicultural group consists of vocalist Johnny Weaver, guitarists Pedro Silva and Federico Di Biase, bassist Mark Kuchmenko and drummer Flynn Everard. The band commented on how this was a team effort, reflected over five intense, headbanging tracks. Photo Credit: Michael Williams One notable aspect of this EP is the diversity of the tracks. Paradis delivers powerful and ominous metal with impactful orchestration and bone-shaking breakdowns. The band's creative ideas allow the music to take on a life of its own, showcasing a contrast between aggressive, angst-filled vocals paired with heavy riffs, and melodic vocals set against gothic underton
Read more