The first true solo album from Slash hit the shelves and the world wide web last fall and although I’ve heard a few tunes from the disc I didn’t have the chance to fully experience it until recently.

I wish I hadn’t waited.

Slash’s guitar work is stellar throughout, his backup band is as well and nearly all the vocalists on the album nail their parts. I especially enjoyed the two Myles Kennedy,(Alter Bridge lead vocalist) tracks and Fergie’s (yeah, that Fergie). Add in metal legends Ozzy and Lemmy each on a track, Chris Cornell, Ian Astbury, Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale, Kid Rock, Iggy Pop and several other surprise artists and it makes for one very, very good hard rock record.

Track three,  “Beautiful Dangerous,” featuring Fergie on vocals is the first standout song and really makes me wanna shake my booty. A good hard rock song with a swaggering shake and powerful singing from Fergie.

The very next track keeps the record rolling on the high groove. “Back to Cali,” with Myles Kennedy’s grungy, dirty, high octane pipes is probably my favorite piece on the entire CD.

Chris Cornell sings the next song and it’s another stellar tune. Mr. Cornell sounds as fine as ever and Slash’s rhythm guitar licks are irresistible to seasoned air guitarists like myself. I “Promise,” you a good time while cranking Track Five!

The unique pipes of Andrew Stockdale from Wolfmother grace Track Six,  “By the Sword.” Excellent track that I’ve played over and over with some of the finest guitar work of the album featured here. Keep the volume UP!

Other standout tunes on this disc include the most “metal” tune included,  “Nothing to Say.” It kicks perty darn hard and features M Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold fame on vocals. Slash lays down a pretty mean metal riff and puts the icing on the  proverbial cake with a long, blistering solo.

The one song on the album I just can’t get enough of though is “Starlight.” Once again featuring the incredible Myles Kennedy on lead vocals. Myles soulful, straight out of the gutter style fits this song darn near as perfect as can be making darn near as perfect a rock and roll song as can can be made. I would love to hear the group of musicians on this song on an entire album. It just plain works.

The disc finishes up with two more excellent songs:  “Saint is a Sinner Too,” with Rocco DeLuca on vocals and the closing number “We’re All Gonna Die,” with the inimitable Iggy Pop out front.

In short, this collection of rockers is well worth the best part of a twenty dollar bill.

Published by rbtaleman

Heavy metal (fiend/friend?) Writer, frustrat(or), frustrat(ee), decorated U.S. Navy veteran, Husband(twice), father(three times), grandfather(of seven), FM radio veteran, Concertgoer, music collector, muscle car aficianado. Grown up since five. Child since 45. View all posts by rbtaleman