There were some terrific 2023 studio albums I didn't get to last year, so I wanted to champion them here. Better late than never!
Title: Celestial Songs (Spirit of Unicorn)
You might like if you enjoy: Geoff Downes, Chris Braide, John Wetton, Asia
Tell me more: Celestial Songs marks the fifth Downes Braide Association (DBA) album featuring the strong team of keyboardist-composer Geoff Downes (Asia, Yes) and award-winning singer-songwriter Chris Braide. There is a genuine depth and ambitious spirit across the 11-track album that draws strong comparisons to the duo's earlier works and the recent Peter Gabriel return i/o. Standouts abound across the masterwork that was released Sept. 8. "Look What You Do" artfully blends spoken word, prog rock mysticism and Beatlesque shadings into its sonic brew that navigates between minor and major keys, all enhanced by the emotion-filled lyrics. "Clear Light" is a soaring melodic progressive rock sortie featuring stellar lead vocals from Braide as well as top-tier guitar work from Dave Bainbridge. The nostalgia-themed "Keep On Moving," probing "Darker Side Of Fame" (the latter bolstered by Marc Almond's vocals), driving "Will To Power," alt dance rock delight "On The Run" and affecting album-closing opus "Beyond The Stars" are among the other terrific originals on the album that collectively delves into everything from love and mortality to fame and spirituality with a commanding touch. Celestial Songs is available via three formats: audio CD, 2LP vinyl and as a box set. Information: https://www.facebook.com/downesbraide/.
Title: Lions Roaring in Quicksand (Steele Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Boxing Gandhis, Santana, Al Green
Tell me more: Famed guitar-maker/guitarist Paul Reed Smith's terrific collective Eightlock issued their debut Lions Roaring in Quicksand in December 2023. The band brings its strong mix of funk, soul and R&B to the forefront thanks to a solid lineup that includes three drummers (Dennis Chambers, Gregory Grainger, Ju Ju House), a bass player (Gary Grainger), female lead vocalist (Mia Samone Davis) and three guitar players (Paul Reed Smith, Bill Nelson, Mike Ault). Despite the number of players, the masterfully-arranged selections on Lions Roaring in Quicksand are uniformly nuanced. The soulful "Breathe" and "Phoenix In My Blood," blues rockers "Drivin' At Night" and "He's The One," genre-bending "Look At The Moon" and lovely "Echoes" showcase the diversity of the stellar full-length release. In addition to their winning originals, the troupe delivers an irresistible take on the Al Green classic "Love And Happiness," forcefully revisits Edwin Starr's timeless 1970 protest song "War," and shines on a Latin flavored cover of the Maná' track "Ay, Doctor." A marvelous debut. Information: eightlockband.com.
Title: Reflections (Deko Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Burning Witches, Pänzer, heavy metal
Tell me more: Those listening to German metal band Fireborn's 2023 album Reflections should be prepared for a hard rocking ride. Fronted by singer Jenny Gruber, the rising troupe also includes Dennis Weber, Raphael Singh, Flo Bucher and Chris Lehr. From the speedy opener "Young Heart Dies" and evocative "Done With You" to the amped-up power ballad "Angel in Need" and bewitching "Deep Blue Water," the quintet displays its bona fide musical chops with an equally deft knack for catchy riffs and in-the-pocket grooves. And to be sure, Gruber's powerful soprano impresses during explosive choruses as well as in more scaled back moments across Reflections. Information: https://www.fireborn-official.com.
Title: Equal Strain On All Parts (Sun Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimmy Buffett, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: Jimmy Buffett's posthumous album Equal Strain On All Parts is a wonderful tribute to the late singer-songwriter who sadly passed away on Sept. 1, 2023 at the age of 76 after a four-year battle fighting a rare form of skin cancer. Released on Nov. 3, 2023, Equal Strain On All Parts was Buffett's 32nd studio album and his final album completed prior to his death; it boasts material that spans the artist's beloved musical universe. The playful New Orleans flavored "University of Bourbon Street" features the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Paul McCartney plays bass on the driving tropical rocker "My Gummie Just Kicked In." Legendary country music singer Emmylou Harris adds her signature vocals on the Bob Dylan & Jacques Levy-penned Americana gem "Mozambique." Other inviting originals on the album include the calypso-styled "Audience of One," gorgeous countrified ballad "Columbus," and fun-loving "Nobody Works on Friday." My favorite track on the album is the reflective ballad "Bubbles Up," whose poignant lyrics ultimately chronicle the artist's optimistic attitude even when facing his own death: "So, when the journey gets long / Just know that you are loved / There's light up above / And joy there's always enough / Bubbles up." Information: JimmyBuffett.com.
Robert Kinsler
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