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Sun Records [Release date 22.09.23]
I feared Paul Rodgers distinguished career might quietly be over when there was an ominous lack of activity in his camp either side of the pandemic, and indeed it has subsequently emerged that he has overcome some serious health problems. So I was overjoyed that he not only broke his silence but has released his first album of all-new material, as opposed to covers or live albums, since 1999’s ‘Electric’ (if you don’t count his ill-fated ‘The Cosmos Rocks’ album with Queen.
‘Midnight Rose’ was recorded with a largely Canadian group of musicians with Bryan Adams guitarist Keith Scott the biggest name on the credits. The album opens with two uptempo songs in ‘Coming Home’ with waves of guitar solos and a brief sax solo at the end, and ‘Photo Shooter’ boasts some nice slide guitar.
In contrast the title track is a gentler simple love song, enahceced by strings and gospel-style backing vocals, though his voice does convey a little weariness.
‘Living it up’ is autobiographical in its references to growing up in a steel town (though he resists calling himself a ‘smoggie’) and following the footsteps of his American musical heroes, though it is a little uninspired despite some nice Trower-esque guitar, while a Spanish guitar intro heralds ‘Dance in the Sun’. Its rather clichéd, but then again he has a long history of simple lyrical themes that can border on trite.
‘Take Love’ is a vibrant sounding boogie-style rocker with barroom piano, female backing vocals and more fine guitar work, but the last two tracks are more downbeat. The country-ish ‘Highway Robber’ is somewhat dull and my least favourite on the album but ‘Melting’ is considerably more interesting, slow burning and atmospheric with a brooding Western feel much like Bad Company’s eponymous track.
You could quibble that the eight tracks only add up to an album of little more than half an hour but in everything from his singing and arranging style, to the length of his gigs, the Rodgers maxim has always been ‘less is more’ and the album comfortably makes its point in that time.
The production and arrangements are very impressive and though there is nothing new in the music which harks back to his Bad Company days in particular, there is something warm and comforting about that voice, which is still generally in fine fettle. A pleasant surprise from a legend who it is wonderful to welcome back. ****
Review by Andy Nathan
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