If you are a music fan, Great White in
general, then you already know about the ongoing ordeal over the last 6-8
months: we now have a Great White and a Jack Russell’s Great White. Being that I
am a lifelong fan of the band I will follow both versions till the end, although
I have my own thoughts and beliefs and disagreements about what went on. Move
on and make the best of it, and that’s what both parties have done. I’ve always
believed that the vocals are what really make the band in most cases, with
absolutely ZERO disrespect to the other members involved. When you hear a song,
you can tell the vocals right away, before the other pieces that make it
complete chime in; hearing Johnny Solinger sing Skid Rows Monkey Business
doesn’t really float my boat if you know what I mean. However, I am also a
lifelong fan of newly acquired front man Terry Ilous from his days with XYZ,
although I wasn’t sure how the “new version” would work out when first I heard
about it.
The band is very tight and it was a real
treat to finally hear something “new” that still sounds “old” and keeps my
attention. Terry, Mark Kendall, Audie Desbrow, Michael Lardie and Scott Snyder
put in a lot of effort, heart and soul into this one, that’s very well evident
here. I don’t think there could have been a better title to the album, as ‘Elation’
is exactly what I perceived to have been going on inside the studio between the
members during the making.
After the third or fourth spin, I noticed
several interesting influences: most notably, it has a huge Cry Of Love feel,
and THAT is a good thing. A few others who “popped out” here and there are Tesla,
Rod Stewart/Faces, Mr. Big, Black Crowes, Buckcherry, Sass Jordan, Van Halen
& Janis Joplin. And to be honest, that should tell you something….because
everybody I mentioned is an amazing artist in their own right.
1. (I’ve
Got) Something For You – if you wonder how this album is going to be
throughout its entirety, don’t look past the bombastic beats set forth from
Audie on this opening track. What a way to kick off a highly respectable set of
12 tunes! You won’t need coffee to wake you up when you crank this jam to 11. Mark’s
famous licks, Scott’s thumping bass line, Michael’s rhythm flowing sound and
Terry’s gravely (yet smooth) vocals kick the album off in high gear. It’s evident
that these guys had a blast making Elation and they let it all out in fine form
from the get go. An all around great
opener, which will also be the first single and video from the album.
2. Feeling So Much Better – Hold on to
your hats…..another crankin’ tune is right around the corner in this catchy number,
and it carries plenty of backing vocals with it. Not sure if there was a subtle
“jab” going out with the lyrics on this one…“Now the poison is gone, and it’s
time to move on. Feeling so much better.”…but the musically talented and
harmonizing group does not slow down one bit here. Back to back opening tracks
that will have you jonesing for more, and there is plenty of that still yet to
come.
3. Love Train – If a song is going to
be about a train, you’ve got to have a harmonica in it. Right? This is
definitely a southern blues-based song that is done up nicely, in exceptional
fashion.
4. Heart Of A Man – A little slower
paced song, but the classic Mark Kendall signature sound is in full force, along
with Terry’s powerful voice. Not one of my favorites, but it’s a good tune
nonetheless.
5. Hard To Say Goodbye – I have never
been a huge ballad fan. I probably can’t even count to 10 of any top favorites
from all the years, so this one didn’t “stand out” for me. However, I will say
this: if you are a ballad fan, this song WILL more than likely move you….if not
possibly blow you away. High quality and very well done, doesn’t get much better
than this soulful number if you’re a fan of that style. It’s a great track to
break up the intense hard rock jams on either side of it.
6. Resolution – How do you follow up a
slow ballad? With an AMAZING tune such as this one…Wow! I was blown away the
first time I heard this track and it remains my favorite song on this album. If
you want some in-your-face music to kick back and crank, this is it for sure.
This little number has it all, each member of the group is present and accounted
for. If you aren’t tapping your feet and nodding your head with this selection,
you aren’t displacing smoke on a mirror either. Somebody please throw Mr. Terry
a bone.
7. Shotgun Willies – Just like Love
Train, another southern blues-based rock song that fits in perfectly on
this album. Guitars throughout, in one ear then the other, spicy riffs going on
in the background behind the vocals….it may sound crowded in there, but it is
well produced and fits perfectly. I wouldn’t be surprised if this could possibly
be chosen as the 2nd single release. A great tune for sure.
8. Promise Land – Another “slower
paced” song that begins very softly, then picks up a bit to make a nice,
easy-on-the-ears piece. Again, not one of my favorites (like Heart
Of A Man) but still a decent song to include on the album.
9. Lowdown (Bonus Track) – My 2nd
favorite song on the album, and what a song it is! CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH,
CRUNCH…..you get the point. Hard and heavy intro, haunting and eerie vocals,
what more could you ask for? Nothing but exactly what is going on here. This
song that kicks so much ass it’s not even funny. Should be a classic “new era”
Great White song for a long time.
10. Just For Tonight – From beginning to
end, this one does not disappoint in the least. A nice, up-tempo rocker that’ll
have you wanting more of where that came from. Probably my 3rd
favorite tune and has all the reasons to be at that spot. Just great, classic
rock ‘n roll pulled off perfectly.
11. Love Is Enough – The other slow
ballad on the album…and when I say slow, I mean slow. Again, not my cup of tea,
but it’s not horrible at all. Of all the songs, this is probably my least
favorite. Again, for a ballad, it’s pretty tight with great lyrics.
12. Complicated – The same way the album
kicked off with a bang, it’s definitely leaving its mark on the way out as
well. An awesome closing track that will have you ready to hit “replay”, so as
not to realize that there is nothing more to hear. This is a type of song that
you would put on and crank, as a line of people are coming in and you want to
get the party started in good fashion. Great way to end the journey.
All in all, I’d rate this on a 9 out of a
10 scale, and it’s not because I am a long-time fan of all parties involved.
It’s because that’s exactly how I feel about this album. It simply rocks. Obviously,
it is still Great White and they will continue to play the classics at the
concerts….but it’s good to know that now there is some new stuff that will be
played as well, and they too should eventually become fan favorites. For those
other bands out there who are putting out music these days: this is how you
write/record/produce a rock ‘n roll album. Take note.
‘Elation’ will be available on Frontiers
Records in Europe on May 18th and in the United States/North America
on May 22nd. You can currently pre-order the album through both
Amazon and iTunes.
GREAT WHITE - Elation