Smith/Kotzen
Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen are two guitarists that need no introduction. Between them, they have played some of the worlds biggest stages and written some incredible songs over the years. Now, they have teamed up and written an album together that harks back to the hard rock bands of the seventies. This album is a guitar lovers dream with absolutely awe inspiring riffs and solos running throughout.
Opening track ‘Taking My Chances’, is one of the heaviest tracks on the album. I absolutely love it, crunchy guitars and the opening riff is reminiscent of the early 70’s metal bands that we all know and love. Adrian and Richie not only share guitar parts, but they switch between lead and backing vocals throughout. It’s a real treat to hear two vastly different guitarists playing on the same record and being unified by one stylistic idea. This song will grab you and the album will not let you go until the end of the last song.
Up next is ‘Running’ and the thing that sticks out on this track is the sheer power of the drums. I later learned that this is one of five songs that Richie is behind the kit for. I love the slightly subtle harmonies on this song too, and then, mid way through, a face melting guitar solo that will have you air guitaring with the best of them. A real belter! Following ‘Running’ is ‘Scars’, one of the longer songs on the album, coming in at just over six minutes. It starts off slow and slowly builds momentum. Definitely one of my album highlights, the guitar is blisteringly hot and the vocals have echoes of southern blues rock.
Another absolutely incredible track is ‘Glory Road’, the chorus will stay with you for days after and the bluesy guitar licks that run through the tracks will leave you open mouthed in amazement. This track especially could have come straight out of the seventies and is one that I can’t wait to see the duo play live.
‘Solar Fire’ follows and features Adrian’s Maiden bandmate, Nicko McBrain behind the kit. Another song in which the drums absolutely pop out of the mix. The song is thunderous and I love it. This is another hard rocker that will get you well and truly pumped and longing to see the live version.
Up next is an epic seven minute spectacular, ‘You Don’t Know Me’. Vocals and guitars trade, riff and harmonize with one another. Another song that I can’t wait to see live, for the extended guitar solos that will undoubtably happen onstage. There’s even a faux ending at the five minute mark, before the drums kick in again and we’re treated to yet another glorious solo that will have you turning it up to eleven and throwing your horns in the air.
The album draws to a close with ‘Til Tomorrow’ which features more crunchy, almost grunge like guitars with yet more fabulous soloing. A song that could have been written about the current covid situation and our longing to get out and back to normal. This is really a song for our time!
What a truly brilliant album. When I first heard about this collaboration, I was excited to say the least. Having heard it, it has well and truly surpassed my expectations. A classic hard rock album, that gets a little heavier at some points. I can’t get enough of it. Like I said at the beginning of this review, this album is a guitar lovers dream. The guitar work is incredible and I just have to see some of these songs realised live!
Released by: BMG
Release Date: 26th March 2021
