Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
The Voice of Rock is back and taking no prisoners. ‘Chosen’ comes nine years after last solo album ‘Resonate’ gained huge critical and public acclaim and shows that there’s still fire in his belly and a larynx that’s the envy of all out there.
Having kept himself busy touring his Deep Purple focused shows and a stint with The Dead Daisies, Hughes hasn’t really stood still but still managed to write and record this ten track opus to herald the return of his own project. With longtime foils, guitarist Soren Anderson, drummer Ash Sheenhan and keys player Bob Fridzema by his side, this is a passion project that builds on the already legendary status the vocalist and bass player has worked hard to earn. With ten, all killer no filler tracks, there’s no sense of growing old gracefully and with the power presented here the outfit stamp their authority on an album that somehow balances modern production with a timeless feel.
A heavy sense of just wanting to really let loose kicks in with opener ‘The Voice in My Head’, a rolling and rambunctious start that’s punchy and dramatic, Hughes in absolutely magnificent form. The blistering ‘My Alibi’ features a breathless race to the finish and ‘Chosen’ glories in its truly great melody throughout, the ensemble bringing the same heft that Hughes former compatriots in Deep Purple brought. Those other Mount Rushmore-worthy giants of 70’s rock Led Zeppelin clearly have their DNA in the swaggering ‘In the Golden’, the ballsy and fertile riff and feel dripping with intent.
Whilst Hughes doubtless remains one of the true icons to have retained as much vocal firepower as of old, surely some miraculous event or portrait in the attic giving this ability, his performance on ‘The Lost Parade’ is nothing short of jaw dropping, eschewing the overwrought for something almost otherworldly. ‘Chosen’ is certainly steeped in bluster and heavy-duty funk but, given the main man’s love of all things soulful, heart is never too far from the surface of it all and the blend of both in ‘Hot Damn Thing’ provide one of the album’s highlights. The temperature rises even further with a sensual ‘Black Cat Moan’ that channels the same feeling of Prince at his most creative, the Beatles ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ intro of ‘Come and Go’ adding another shade and showing that Hughes and band are not afraid of nodding to the architects of all that’s good and popular with modern rock music.
Things end with the explosive ‘Into the Fade’, its propulsive momentum and sleek shape an unstoppable missile that heralds the end of a mighty rush of adrenaline. Whilst his contemporaries may have swapped the stage and studio for a comfortable retirement in some stately country mansion, Hughes still has the hunger, creativity and passion to create something that will change the world. Never less than hugely impressive, ‘Chosen’ is a statement of intent that stands as one of his finest achievements yet. Towering.
Pre-order Chosen here: https://ffm.to/glennhugheschosen
Tracklisting:
1. Voice In My Head
2. My Alibi
3. Chosen
4. Heal
5. In The Golden
6. The Lost Parade
7. Hot Damn Thing
8. Black Cat Moan
9. Come And Go
10. Into The Fade
Line Up:
Glenn Hughes – Vocals
Soren Andersen – Guitar
Ash Sheehan – Drums
Bob Fridzema – Keys
Follow GLENN HUGHES:
Facebook
Instagram
X
Website
