Album review: JOHN DIVA & THE ROCKETS OF LOVE – American Amadeus

SPV/Steamhammer [Release date 15.01.21]

John Diva & the Rockets of Love’s 2019 debut album ‘Mama Said Rock Is Dead’ charted in the top 30 of the German album chart and they had successful tours around Europe. Now they unleash their second album onto us, one that guitarist Snake Rocket states “our hard songs are even harder and faster, our flashy pieces even flashier”. Steel Panther stand down…

Helping out is Michael Voss, who produced the album and co-wrote a couple of songs. Speaking of co-writes Kissin’ Dynamite vocalist Hannes Braun helped with lyrics on a few songs including the title track.

The album opens with a double whammy of tunes. First up ‘Voodoo Sex & Vampires’ is a real foot stomper, featuring Michael Voss on banjo! The title track is an instant hit on the ears, totally OTT and they even manage to pay tribute to Euro 80′s pop and Falco (who scored a big 80’s hit with ‘Rock Me Amadeus’). The guitar solo, cod-operatic backing vocals, the insanely catchy chorus – they really nail it with this song.

Sadly ‘Solider Of Love’ lets the side down a little with its sub-standard Whitesnake sound and lyrics. Some may like it but it is the weakest song on an otherwise strong set of songs.

Fear not though as we’re soon back on track with a bit of Poison like fun on ‘Bling Bling Marilyn’, then its off to 70’s pop rock land on ‘Champagne On Mars’. Another instant chorus and the album keeps on giving with ‘Weekend For A Lifetime’, a party rock anthem a la Motley Crue. Turn it up to eleven and party on.

‘Drip Drip Baby’ has a Def Leppard feel to it, whilst ‘This Is Rock ‘N’ Roll’ is a lighter-in-the-air, sing-a-long arena anthem. There is certainly no second album stumbles from John Diva and the Rockets of Love. They even manage to cram in a ballad ‘2 Hearts’, complete with pedal steel guitar adding to the song’s Bon Jovi/country feel.

Fantastic fun to listen to from start to finish, a party rock anthem album to kick 2021 off in style. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)