CD REVIEW: SHAKRA – 33: The Best Of

Label: AFM Records

Release Date: May 9, 2014

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Having been a fan of Shakra fro years now, I was elated to see a greatest hits package arrive that actually culled hits from their entire catalog.  They even updated, remixed, and injected a breath of fresh air into “Chains Of Temptation” and Take Me Now,” a couple of fan favorites from the 2005 disc Fall.  How can you make a Shakra greatest hits disc better?  With an added bonus of three new tracks.    Keeping the attitude and flavor of classic Shakra alive, while updating the sound of the band, the new tracks feature the familiar guitar work and strong vocals fans have come to count on.  “Live For Today” is a new track that well represents not only where the band is today, but allows you to appreciate the journey of their sound over the last 17 years.  “The Beacon” features cool guitars and vocals that play off of each other nicely, while allowing each other to shine.  “For The Rest Of My Days” gives the band depth and dimension, as acoustic guitars open the track and allow the rhythm section to fill in the gaps and keep this track in the vein of classic Shakra.  With changes within the bands structure recently, I cannot wait to see what the next chapter for this group holds.

Tracklist:

CD1: Back On Track – Live For Today – The Beacon – For The Rest Of My Days – Stronger Than Ever – Yesterday’s Gone – Life Is Now – Dream Of Mankind – Save You From Yourself – When I See You – B True B You – Dear Enemy – Ashes To Ashes – Why – The Journey – Playing With Fire – Love Will find A Way

CD2: The One – Inferno – Walk On Water – Chains of Temptation – Take Me Now – Now Or Never – Rising High – I Will Be There – Too Good For Me – Trapped – Why Don’t You Call Me – She’s My Pride – Stranger – Nothing To Lose – Who’s Got The Rhythm – Hands On The Trigger

http://www.shakra.ch

https://www.facebook.com/ShakraBand

Category: CD Reviews