JACK BLADES – Rock ‘N Roll Ride

Label: Frontiers Records

Release Date: March 26, 2012

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

Everything Mr. Blades touches seems to shine.  Who can forget Night Ranger, Damn Yankees, or Shaw Blades?  Well, let’s  not forget, Jack has a solo career as well.

In 2012, he brought eleven more JB classics to the rock world, in the form of the disc, ‘Rock ‘N Roll Ride.’  The songs here lend themselves to fit all areas of his career, but it is just fun to hear him play these songs with all of his friends.  He brings his Night Ranger band mates along for the ride on various tracks.  He even called on cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander on the great track  “Anything For You.”  Actually this song would fit well on Robin’s last solo record as well.  “Back In The Game” kicks the disc off to let you know where Jack stands in 2012, but to be honest, I never knew he left.  It seems the Blades stamp is on a project all the time.  Another killer track here is “Love Life.”  This one is perfect cranked up in the car, but watch the speed.  I found my foot headed to the floor more than once.

“West Hollywood” must be the mellow cousin of “Somewhere In California” from Night Ranger.  This disc lends itself to be played acoustically from beginning to end, as even the electric parts could be pulled off without the amps.  That is until you hear “Born For This.”  I am sure it would be good unplugged, but it is so damn good cranked up that I wouldn’t want to hear it any other way.  “Say You Will” follows in that same vein.  This is an all out rocker with killer guitar licks and a powerful rhythm section keeping time.  “Rise And Shine” keeps the energy up and the groove tight.  This rocker adds depth to the disc as it nears an end.  “Hey Now” is a typical Jack acoustic track that only his voice could pull off.  It left me wanting more.

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Category: CD Reviews