Album Reviews - F

John Fogerty - John Fogerty (1975 Asylum/Fantasy Records)
JohnFogerty.com

1. Rockin' All Over The World
2. You Rascal You
3. The Wall
4. Travelin' High
5. Lonely Teardrops
6. Almost Saturday Night
7. Where The River Flows
8. Sea Cruise
9. Dream Song
10. Flying Away

Mike's Review
This self-titled release is actually John Fogerty's second solo album, since he was the sole member of the Blue Ridge Rangers and the release of country and gospel covers by the same name. He plays all of the instruments on this album as well. "Rockin' All Over The World" and "Almost Saturday Night" are both electric guitar-oriented classic rock anthems. "You Rascal You," "Lonely Teardrops," and "Sea Cruise" are all covers of songs written and performed decades earlier. I know some fans of Fogerty have complained that a man of his immense talent shouldn't be doing so many covers, but I think he does a great job with them and really puts his heart into it. And it's especially nice for younger fans like myself who may not be familiar with the originals. "The Wall" (especially its guitar riff) reminds me of the great Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Green River," while "Travelin' High" sounds like the continuation of their song "Travelin' Band" (both songs even have horns). The slower to mid-paced "Where The River Flows" is one of those soulful Fogerty tunes that he became characteristic for, and is one of his best. The vocal delivery and key change in "Dream Song" remind me very much of "Someday Never Comes" from Mardi Gras, Creedence Clearwater Revival's last album in 1972. "Flying Away" is a simple song with a nice rhythm and effectively flies this album away.

It's very impressive that Fogerty is able to make an album this good by himself. I wouldn't say that he's a virtuoso at any particular instrument, but I would say that he's an overall songwriting and musical virtuoso. I suppose one could say that he is more or less just going for what he did with Creedence Clearwater Revival on this album, but then again, John was undeniably the driving force behind the band (although I have the utmost respect for his brother Tom, Doug Clifford, and Stu Cook), so he really has every right to continue his style. Fans of Creedence Clearwater Revival are sure to enjoy this album, since Fogerty doesn't deviate from the classic swamp rock that he and the boys made famous.

Mike's Picks: Rockin' All Over The World, The Wall, Almost Saturday Night

Mike's Rating

Ace Frehley – Frehley's Comet (1987 Atlantic/Megaforce Records)
KISSonline.com

1. Rock Soldiers
2. Breakout
3. Into The Night
4. Something Moved
5. We Got Your Rock
6. Love Me Right
7. Calling To You
8. Dolls
9. Stranger In A Strange Land
10. Fractured Too (Instrumental)

Derek's Review
Well, you are either going to love Ace Frehley's (former KISS lead guitarist) voice or hate it, and personally, I think it sounds rock and roll to me. "Rock Soliders" is more or less a biography of what Frehley has done since his last album with KISS (Music From The Elder), which includes getting into a bad car accident. "Rock Soldiers" is one of Frehley's best solo songs. Ace trades off vocal duties with Tod Howarth on this album, and while Tod has a melodic voice, I just prefer Ace's. "Breakout" is your typical 80s rock song, and Ace has a really cool solo in it. Ace's soloing here is much more typical with 80s guitar work than his 70s material with KISS. "We Got Your Rock" is another standout track on this album with a sing-along chorus. "Dolls" may have a few people scratching their heads, but I just crack up over the song. "Fractured Too" is the continuation of Frehley's great instrumental track "Fractured Mirror," which appeared on his first solo album while he was in KISS (1978).

Overall, pick this up if you are a KISS fan. You will not be disappointed in this decent solo debut from Frehley.

Derek's Picks: Rock Soldiers, We Got Your Rock, Fractured Too, Breakout

Derek's Rating