Album review: DIZZY REED – Rock ‘n Roll Ain’t Easy

April 8th, 2018 by jason

Golden Robot Records [16.02.18]

Dizzy Reed is better known as the keyboard player, and second longest serving member, of Guns n’ Roses (after Axl Rose himself, of course) having joined the band in 1990. “Rock ‘n Roll Ain’t Easy” is his newly released debut solo album and it has to be said, it is very good indeed.

Reed’s songwriting on “Rock n Roll Ain’t Easy” is something that can hopefully be contributed to any forthcoming studio output from Gun n’ Roses as there are echoes of the band throughout, indeed there are similarities between his vocals and those of Axl Rose at times, especially on tracks like “Mother Theresa “and “I Celebrate”.

Lead single “This Don’t Look Like Vegas” is a great song and one of my favourites of the year so far. Co-written by Black Star Riders/Almighty mainman Ricky Warwick, and featuring guitars from GnR bandmate Richard Fortus, this kicks the album off in style.

“Cheers 2 R Oblivion” and “Forgotten Cases” are the most Guns-sounding tracks on the album whilst there is some “November Rain” style piano on title track “Rock ‘n Roll Ain’t Easy”. Bonus track “Splendid Isolation”, “Dirty Bomb”, “Crestfallen” and “Mystery in Exile” are also highlights amongst the thirteen tracks on offer here.

The keyboards, naturally, feature heavily throughout the album, as do the clever lyrics and great guitar work. This may be Reed’s debut solo album but I hope that it is the start of many more to follow. ***** (if I could have given a 6 I would have)

Review by Nikk Gunns

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