WORDS BY ANSELM
One of the best things about writing reviews is you get to cover your favourite artists. Ian Hunter has been one of my favourite vocalists for the past decade, ever since I discovered Mott The Hoople.
'Defiance: Part Two-Fiction' is released today (April 19th) via Sun Records. This is the follow-up to last year's much appreciated ' Defiance: Part One ', which features the usual plethora of distinguished guests from the world of rock. The guest list runs like a who's who of the music industry with notable names including such close friends and lifelong fans as Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, and Tom Petersson (members of Cheap Trick), Brian May (Queen), Lucinda Williams, Dean DeLeo, Robert De Leo, & Eric Kretz (Stone Temple Pilots), Joe Elliott and Phil Collen (Def Leppard), Johnny Depp, Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew (The Boxmasters), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bob Dylan), Waddy Wachtel (Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne), David Mansfield (Bob Dylan, T Bone Burnett), Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith), Steve Holley (Wings), Morgan Fisher (Mott the Hoople), and – in what proved among their final studio recordings – the late Jeff Beck and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters).
I had the fortune of writing about the first edition, which featured Robert Trujillo of Metallica and guitarist Slash. Their adaptation to Hunter's singing style was impressive. The initial part was recorded during the 2020 Quarantine at Hunter's home studio in Connecticut, USA, with his long-time collaborator Andy York. This collaboration seemed to enhance the album's sound, uniting some of the finest in rock royalty. It has become a successful formula for the rock legend. However, this second edition presents a more pared-down approach.
The featured guests on this edition allow Hunter to embrace a more folk and singer-songwriter approach. The album kicks off with the '60s pop-rock anthem 'People', showcasing contributions from Def Leppard's Joe Elliott and Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, and Robin Taylor. The track resonates with Hunter's signature style, marked by catchy choruses and thoughtful lyrics set to a guitar-centric backdrop. The righteous and vibrant 'Fiction' is a track about the media's reaction to musicians in the limelight. Hunter's endearing vocals are supplemented by Mott The Hoople bandmate Morgan Fisher on piano and organ. The excellent string arrangement highlights the song's message.
The songwriting on this album is profound, and the selection of musicians allows Hunter to deliver more protest and political tracks, contrasting with the personal themes of part one. 'The Third Rail' is a beautiful tribute to Jeff Beck, whilst 'This Ain't Rock 'n' Roll' is a fun rocker with Def Leppard's Phil Collen. The album is an interesting insight into one of rock's finest vocalists, with an exploration of different genres like folk, blues, rock 'n' roll etc.
Nevertheless, the album grows in maturity with each track steeped in fun and wisdom. I can tell Hunter has a lot of fun with these recordings. 'Precious' is a crunchy rocker with the late Taylor Hawkins on the drum and Queen's Brian May offering his guitar chops with delicious licks. The album gets heavier with the infectious 'Kettle Fish' and the marijuana legalization anthem 'Weed' underlying Hunter's edgier side.
Finally, the second part concludes with the blues number ' Everybody's Crazy but Me' featuring Waddy Watchel and Benmont Trench. I think the issue for me is some of the tracks feel like a throwback to Bob Dylan and the sixties rock revival. These recordings are a delight to listen to, particularly for enthusiasts like me. Hunter's vocals remain warm and impactful, yet I believe this release doesn't quite match the excellence of part one, as it tends to evoke nostalgia for a time when life seemed better in one's youth.
Rating: 7.5/10
'Precious' FT Brian May and Taylor Hawkins
If you enjoyed this review, click here to read about Ian Hunter's 'Defiance: Part One'
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