Embedded Files
GLENN HUGHES “Chosen”
GLENN HUGHES “Chosen”
By Colonel Angus
I can’t believe that is has nine years since GLENN HUGHES released a solo record. He has been busy that whole time with touring the world on multiple occasions and releasing two records with BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION. Both of those records are great but there is something special about a GLENN HUGHES solo album that can’t be found in a group effort. His solo releases are his vision without any distractions from outside writers giving us a great picture of his musical soul.
“Chosen” is definitely a rock album and while he sneaks in some R&B and funk, it is more of a straight-forward rock album. Even though is mainly rock, there is plenty to unpack on this disk. Right off the bat, we are hit with the heavy, blues rock of “Voice in My Head”. HUGHES sounds awesome as usual and quite honestly, you can pull out any of his older releases and he sounds just the same. His voice has not aged one iota. “My Alibi” continues the trend with a great moody rocker that shows off some of those elements mentioned earlier. Keeping up with the moody nature of the previous tune, the title track starts off with a FOO FIGHTERS sounding beginning (and chorus) but the verses showcase HUGHES’ vocals perfectly with a hypnotic melody under his singing.
Following on after the title track, “HEAL” also has a FOO FIGHTERS rock sound but one this one, the moody chorus is gone, replaced with hard charging verses. The bridge on this tune is pure Hughes magic with a dreamy part that ends with and is traded for a BCC inspired riffing. The chaotic and noisy beginning of “In the Golden” gives way to another rocker with more heavy riffing. That riffing morphs into a very melodic chorus that will have you humming for days. Soren Andersen gives up his best BLACK SABBATH inspired riffing on “The Lost Parade”. This is the diamond (amongst other diamonds) that brings home the point that this is a rock album. Even HUGHES pushes his vocals on this one to match the intensity of the music. As I write this review, I’m thinking that “The Lost Parade” is my favorite on the record.
Things take a slightly less heavy turn with “Hot Damn Thing” but still very much in line with most of “Chosen”. This one reminds me a little of the band GIANT with the country-tinged guitar work and big chorus. If this was the late 80s, this track would be all over radio and possibly on heavy rotation on MTV. “Chosen” wouldn’t be a GLENN HUGHES record without bringing in some funk and “Black Cat Moan” is that moment. Aside from the verses, this songs struts along with that signature HUGHES funk that we have come to know and love. Honestly, I’d be disappointed if he didn’t add those parts to his releases as that is what makes up his “sound”.
The record ends with a ballad called “Come and Go” which has HUGHES singing softly over Bob Fridzema keyboards. The guitar takes a backseat with the solo being very subdued as well. As much as I like this track, I’m happy that he didn’t end “Chosen” on this very mellow ballad. “Into the Fade” finishes off this album with another rocker that slow builds during the verses but really hits its stride during the chorus. That was the perfect way to close out the record.
So there you have it, folks. Another great record from a man who could create musical magic by singing the phone book. “Chosen” leans more toward hard rock than most of his previous releases, but he still carves out room for R&B and funk, making sure his musical influences remain unmistakably clear. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another nine years for a GLENN HUGHES solo album but until then, I will bask in the glory of “Chosen”.
Report abuse