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Let’s
get this outta the way first, Robin Beck may be best known for that Coca
Cola ad but there’s more to this girl from Brooklyn than TV jingles.
With a pedigree that reads like a who’s who in the music industry,
Desmond Child, Chaka Khan, David Bowie, Cher, George Benson, Joe Lynn
Turner and even Leo Sayer, she’s worked with them all and created some
memorable songs during a career that stretches over 25 years.
This new cd, follow-up to 2006’s 'Do You Miss Me', shows a tougher,
edgier side, songs with memorable hooks and outstanding musicianship.
Co-produced by James Christian and Tommy Denander with House of Lords
members Jimi Bell (guitar) and BJ Zampa (drums) providing backbone to
these songs.
Kicking off with the title and standout track, 'Livin’ On A Dream',
the guitar kicks in and Ms Beck leads us into a huge rockin’ song that
you can’t get out of your head and you’ll find yourself singing the
chorus for days after, try it and tell me I’m a liar!
'Show Me The Way' and 'Love Me Like A Man' are reminscent of a lot of
songs from the 80’s, the former basking in a glorious Bon Jovi style
hook.
'Always', is a big ballad with impassioned vocal lines leading us into,
'Nothing’s Gonna Change Your World'. This was apparently the
first song written for the cd and is a midtempo tune with a huge chorus
and another excellent vocal performance.
Another standout track is 'Seventeen
Forever', and if you
listen closely it has a touch of country in it but it just pulls you in
and rocks you along. 'Can’t
Get Enough of Your Heart', has a huge vocal line for the chorus and
sounds like it was made for Cher.
'Runaway' and 'Wrapped Around Your Finger' lead us into a big favourite
of mine, 'Magic', a very contemporary intro leads into an uptempo
rocker, Jimi Bell riffing like the riffmeister he is and another catchy
chorus hanging around your head for days again.
'I Can’t
Walk The Line' slows things down and Ms Beck gives another emotional and
passionate vocal performance.
'Till The Last
Teardrop Falls' features a duet between Ms Beck and hubby James
Christian and soaring vocals pouring with emotion.
'Love Lies' finishes
off the cd and another uptempo rocker with a signature catchy chorus
with a killer vocal performance.
Every song on this cd is performed with passion, honesty and enthusiasm.
The vocals swoop and soar throughout, the production is first class and
the playing exemplary. The songwriting is strong and has a direct
and energetic approach. Go and buy it just for 'Livin’ On A Dream',
'Seventeen Forever' and 'Magic', but you’ll be singing along to every
song, you will not be disappointed.
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Review by Brassy.
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