"Fantasyland" which might fool fans into thinking it's "Rock and Roll Fantasy" or "Electricland" (both former FM Radio staples for Bad Company) is a stunning lead off track and would be bound for rock radio chart success if something like that wasn't prevented by the dominant radio-media class. "Cross The Border" flexes some guitar muscle from Morris who understands the tone and chords of a once great 70's rock band. Overland channels the vibe and we have an instant classic. I played this for a friend who then asked me if Bad Company had a new album out. Keep in mind, the mothership of rock and roll hall of fame omission has been telling its fans that a new record is in the works for like 20 years now. This is the 2nd offering from Lonerider. So the wait is over. The fact that Kirke is involved and playing solidly on drums is an obvious admission that this might be as close as you're going to get to a new album by the original Shooting Stars.
"Undefeatable" spews dust, dirt and grease right out of the speakers as Morris and Overland compete for who can be more in your face. The lyrics are maybe an ode to Mike Tyson or some other punch thrower. Tell the A&R guy that's the single. "Harder Love" betrays it's title with acoustic guitars and would fit nicely as an album track on Rock and Roll Fantasy or Burnin' Sky. The guitar solo is a mystical drive on the pacific coast highway. This is all so familiar and new at the same time. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This album contains a ton of flattery.
"When You Got Nothing" opens with Overland singing "yeah, yeah, yeah" in a way I thought only Paul Rodgers was capable of. The song then twists, turns and burns it's way into your highway driving playlist. The band nods at the Brian Howe era of the franchise on "Anyway The Wind Blows" which is a song either singer could have handled. It's a beautiful and very memorable power ballad with both acoustic and electric guitar parts. Steve Overland's vocal sounds both sympathetic with the storyline and true to the mission of this album, which is to not reinvent the wheel, but to recreate it.
"Prayer For The Lonely" is the most bluesy track on the record which will be a treat for British blues rock fans and for those who have really good stereo equipment. "Yesterday's News" is radio ready rock single material. An instant hook with Morris doing the dirty work on guitar and Kirke maximizing his output on the drum kit. But it can't be understated as to how damn close Overland gets to Paul Rodgers during this entire set.
"Badlands" has the word "Bad" in it so it has to be good. Morris finds a great guitar hook and repeats it as Overland tells a story about a bad-land that he belongs in. Yes a pilfer from Bad Company (the song) but who cares? The music kicks and the lyrics fit right into the old outlaw mentality the mothership band espoused for the better part of their existence. "Wild River" rounds out this collection as a slightly more radio ready rocker that embodies everything this band does well. It rocks. It's got lyrics. It sings. It dances. It fills the speakers with irresistable old time fresh blood grooves. Lonerider is a contender for throwback of the year. And a good throwback is all that is needed to make noise in this often bland and redundant musical landscape.
Album Rating 9.8
