Album review: DENNIS CHURCHILL-DRIES – Crazy Is This Life

February 3rd, 2026 by jason

AOR Blvd Records [Release date 30.01.26]

Former White Sister and Tattoo Rodeo vocalist Dennis Churchill-Dries is back with another album packed full of classy melodic rock. He’s joined by Steve Newman on guitar & keys, along with Newman drummer Rob McEwan.

Kicking off with ‘Angelyne’, a song that sounds like prime-time Paul Sabu, you know you are onto a good thing!

The obligatory looking back on the glory days song is present and correct in the shape of ‘Bring Back Yesterday’. Looking back is fine, however, Dennis Churchill-Dries vocals are just as good as they were back in the 80’s with White Sister and the early 90’s with Tattoo Rodeo.

The title track and ‘I’m Alright’ feature neat vocal effects and a little atmospheric wizardry, more than likely courtesy of Steve Newman.

Not forgetting that he does ballads and on ‘A Different Sun’ the listener is transported back to the likes of White Sister’s ‘A Place in the Heart’.

‘I Never Thought It Was Love’ fits neatly into the modern AOR/melodic rock groove of FM or Giant, whilst it goes a little bit pomp on ‘Before We All Fall Down’. The latter is very organ/keys heavy and all the better for it.

‘The Lucky Ones’ sees the album off in a gentle way, building into another White Sister approved ballad. Top notch production, music and vocals, everything you’d want on this song and indeed the previous twelve.

When summing up his 2015 album ‘I’, my review said – “If you liked his previous bands and like melodic rock, simply buy this album.” Same applies here, as Crazy Is This Life is a ‘must have’ for any melodic rock fan and an album you’ll keep coming back to again and again. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

‘I’ album review

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