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Artist: John Waite |
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Ex Babys and Bad English singer John Waite has been one of Britain's under valued singers, but in the U.S. of A, he's made a name for himself and deservedly so. With such classic songs as 'Missing You', 'When I see You Smile' and 'Isn't It Time' under his belt, surely it's time we woke up to his ability over here. Hopefully with 'Rough & Tumble' there's a strong possibility that will all happen and especially as he is touring over here in the Spring. The album kick off with the title track, the riff and guitar reminiscent of the Eagles style, it's plain and simple sound being the heartbeat of the song throughout, as only Waite's voice seems to be the only distraction from it. 'Shadows Of Love' is this cd's 'Missing You', the picked strings very similar in its use to the 1984 hit. No doubt this would do the same on both sides of the pond if things were the same now as they were back then, but unfortunately ... Get your remote ready, because when you hear the instantly catchy 'Evil' you'll want to replay it over and over again, it's so damn good! The combination of light rock and dance groove shows Waite and co. aren't afraid to mix things up a bit to help hit the mark and they certainly do here. It's one of those songs you'll never get sick of hearing and that's a credit to all concerned. 'If You Ever Get Lonely' shows that Waite's voice is so easy to listen to, comfortable in it's texture as he breezes through this ballad, it's not hard to see why he's still got musicians who want to make albums with him after all this time. Hats of to Matchbox 20 guitarist Kyle Cook for his creative input and also the long list of people involved with this album. The equally gorgeous 'Skyward' gives way to the more upbeat 'Sweet Rhode Island Red', where the raunchy guitar battles with the drums to see who comes out on top as the "main man" behind the vocals! Another nod towards the eagle, whether it was meant to or not, is 'Better Off Gone', a laid back rocker that will have you tapping your steering wheel in the car throughout your journey, as this is the perfect place to hear the track. Just think, top down, not a care in the world as the wind blows through your hair (well that's me out of that equation then!), enjoying the sun and music. It's that damn good. Some fine finger-picking introduces 'Further The Sky', where you can visualise the band being in a small smoky room, playing to a crowd in their dark surroundings, such is the feeling of intimacy given off by the group. It doesn't get any better than this when all you want to do is chill out n' relax. Or maybes it's a bit of funky, grooved up rock to strut along to? If so, Waite emits as he narrates the lyrics that begin 'Peace Of Mind' and continues in bursts during the track. It's probably one f the most off beat songs he's ever done, yet makes it sound so simple you'd think he'd been doing this all his singing life. Good on yer John. There are two bonus tracks on the album, 'Mr Wonderful', full of a flashy, bluesy-caked guitar performance that is brilliant, and will put a smile on many a face when heard, as there's just something alive in it's use. ending on 'Hanging Tree', the cowboy story of being part of the infamous James Gang and over interweaving slide and baritone guitars, its all lovely stuff to finish with. 'Rough & Tumble' comes across as the new soundtrack to America as we know it today music-wise. That blue-collar rock movement is emerging again as it did when Springsteen and Petty held all the aces, so with the likes of John Waite and the mega hit album from Train in recent months, we're starting to get some decent music finding its way to out shores once again. Long may it last. Review by: Bob Baldwin |
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Tracklisting: 1. Rough & Tumble |
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All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated. |
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