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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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