GREAT WHITE - review added 21st May 2012
Album Review: Elation (2012)
For fans of: Bluesy Hard Rock
Great White is a band that has never really caught my interest. I know they generate a lot of love around the world, but I've tried numerous times to get into their music - even the big tracks like 'Once Bitten, Twice Shy' - but they just haven't hit the spot.
Well, for 2012 and their 12th studio album it's all change. Out goes lead vocalist Jack Russell, and in comes the superb Terry Ilous. Out goes the music that didn't do anything for me, and in comes a sound that (in places) blows me away. I can't compare this to the older version of Great White and I think it would be unfair to do so. Instead, much like the reincarnation of Giant a few years back, we should treat this as a new band which happens to be using the same name as an established one.
The sound on "Elation" is funky upbeat hard rocking blues mixed with a few slower moments. It reminds me of old Whitesnake with hints of Night Ranger, Smokey And The Bandit (yes, really) and more. The record has a great, really full sound with superb musicianship. Don't even get me started on how good Terry Ilous is. Vocalists don't come much more charismatic than him.
Of the songs, the best has got to be the slowish Voodoo Circle alike 'Promise Land'. The reminder of the album goes from good to great, and it really does demand one more listen every time.
In Summation:
Ignore comparisons to Great White of old and focus on this as something new. It works damned well and makes turning the blues into something fun look easy.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. (I've Got) Something For You
02. Feelin' So Much Better
03. Love Train
04. Heart Of A Man
05. Hard To Say Goodbye
06. Resolution
07. Shotgun Willie's
08. Promise Land
09. Lowdown (Bonus Track)
10. Just For Tonight
11. Love Is Enough
12. Complicated
Band/Performers:
Terry Ilous – lead vocals
Mark Kendall – lead guitar
Scott Snyder – bass guitar
Audie Desbrow – drums
Michael Lardie – guitar, keyboards
Other Info:
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Great White | MySpace | Facebook
