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Artist: Whitesnake |
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Three years ago, when the rumours surrounding the release of Whitesnake's 'Good To Be Bad' as possibly being their final album, many a heart sank in despair at the thought of losing one of our best loved bands and its charismatic frontman. Fast forward to 2011. What happens? How does "Oh ... My ... God ..." sound! Yes, Dave & the Snake are back, and what a way to banish those so-called rumours with what will be the rock album of the year, 'Forevermore'. Forget any tales you may have heard regarding Coverdale's voice, as he's on great form here, albeit not trying our that many of those high notes he once did, but hell, he does sound up for it here. First up, 'Steal Your Heart Away' is a raging rush of bluesy rock that wakens all your sense in one blow, its thumping drums and startling guitar solos proving that yet again, Mr. C. instinctively gets the right band members for the job he wants. what he wants here though is love, and he wants it now, so no doubt he's gonna get it! Not content with that, on the uber rocker 'All Out Of Luck' he begs to be taken home tonight and be made alright. OK, we get the message Dave, just let's have more of those glorious solos that steam through this song first, eh!! The first single taken from the album, 'Love Will Set You Free' is that typical Whitesnake sound we've all grown to love over the years. The powerful combination of huge guitar riffs, anthemic chorus that the fans will catch on to, you name it, it's there. Without any doubt of course, you get those power ballads only this band can come up with, so for your please they come first class as always. 'Easier Said Than Done' is a long lost relative to 'Is This Love' , that mid-paced bass line instantly familiar here, no doubt to bring nods of recognition to that huge 1987 hit. Better still, 'Forevermore' is just in a league of its own. The acoustic intro and Coverdale's spine tingling vocals are worth the price of the album alone, but when the song burst into rock momentum, you know you're listening to something special. 'Tell Me How' finds the band at their harmonious best above the rock blues performance, whilst 'I Need You (Shine A Light) follows up in similar fashion, again with one of those "everybody go for it" choruses. The band take a step back from their hard line approach and present their laid-back persona on the acoustic led 'One Of These Days', something not heard often from Whitesnake, yet still a welcome addition here. 'Fare Thee Well' is in that same mould, Coverdale doing a fine rendition of 70's Rod Stewart at his best, the song surely a sing-along favourite on their tour this year. The pounding riff that kicks off 'Love And Treat Me Right' is once more what you'd expect from this lot, Coverdale lacing the song with his words of love and what he wants in between time, so no change there then! 'Dogs In The Street'? well, the title says it all really, doesn't it. Three guesses what its all about?? Oh yeah, there's a cracking guitar solo half way through as well! The exhausting pace is delivered throughout 'My Evil Ways' should have been enough for those detractors to be proven right about our Cov, but he wipes that smug attitude off their faces, away in one instant with a scream he's not going to be doing too often now, but when he does, stand back in admiration. Equally as frantic, 'Whipping Boy Blues' only goes to prove that there's plenty of life in this band to keep on going for a little bit longer in whatever manifestation Coverdale decides on, so let's make the best of it while we can. Just a wee note to those DJ's and so-called music journo's out there who claim heavy rock music is now dead. Listen to this album now, go and see the band live and take notice of how many fans are out there. Then come back, tell the truth for once and accept that due to albums like 'Forevermore' and bands like Whitesnake, rock is alive and kicking and will be for many yeas to come, thank the lord. Review by: Bob Baldwin |
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Tracklisting: 1. Steal Your Heart Away |
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