What’s the 4-1-1?
Longtime writing partner of Lou Gramm (ex-Foreigner) releases his first solo album. He continues the relationship with his former Shadow King cohort on this album as well as collaborating with Ronnie Montrose and Ricky Phillips (STYX).
Genre
Melodic rock / classic rock
The Good
Driving keyboards and pulsing drums lead the charge on “Living a Lie”. Little guitar licks here and there, courtesy of Ronnie Montrose, only enhance the experience. Turgon’s vocals a similar to longtime collaborator Lou Gramm, but they’re a little lower registering. “Outside Looking In” used a guitar muting technique that mimics the ticking of a clock. If you listen to the lyrics, you’ll understand why. The energy continues to build with each verse and chorus. Bruce unleashes his vocal emotion here. “Walk Through Fire” has sort of an epic build to it as the drums dominate first, and the guitar comes in for effect. The chorus emits and anthemic feel.
“Pleasure Dome” relies heavily on keyboard effects and crunchy guitar riffs. The Miami Vice Theme might have been the inspiration for the keyboard hook on “Weapons of Love”. Of all the songs up to this point, this one is what a great melodic rock song is all about; a little bit of that 80’s sound with a catchy and tuneful vocal delivery (killer solo too). “The Last Time” is another track that kicks things into high gear with lots of pleasing guitar riffage.
The Bad
Not enough powerful, over-the-top, high energy rockers.
The Verdict
I’m a big fan of Foreigner, Lou Gramm, and Shadow King, so I was really looking forward to this one. Sadly, it didn’t meet my expectations. That’s not to say it isn’t good, it’s just isn’t great. There’s just a lot of energy that’s missing. Outside Looking In can be summed up best as a standard, by-the-book, melodic rock release. Oh, if you haven’t heard the Shadow King album, I suggest snagging a copy on eBay; it’s a long lost melodic classic.
Did You Know?
Bruce Turgon toured with Billy Idol guitarist Steve Steven’s Atomic Playboys project in the early nineties (another album I recommend).
Rating: 3 out of 5
Source: www.rock-is-life.com
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very nice job George, I like your format - thanks and welcome!
2 - George
Thanks Eric.