It’s a long time to wait between albums, and there is little doubt that there is a tendency to build up a new release thus spoiling it when it arrives. After all, it had been the better part of two decades since Slip of the Tongue had been released. It’s tough to not be a little bit excited about it…
So, as long as you approach this album knowing what you are going to get, you will find it enjoyable. If you are looking for something it is not then you will be disappointed.
The album contains the band’s usual mix of hard rock songs and soft rock ballads. Coverdale’s voice is as good as ever (in the studio, at least). He pretty much knows what he can do with it now, and doesn’t look to strain it for any high screeching or notes that he cannot capably reach anymore.
The star of this recording is the amazing Doug Aldrich, whose guitaring in recent years with both Whitesnake and Dio has surely impressed everyone who has heard him. His immaculate riffs and solos flood this album in all the best places. He is well supported by Reb Beach, but it is Aldrich who makes this above average. He is a chameleon with the guitar, able to translate his talents to the sound of the band or artist he is playing with, without losing his own individuality. Listening to this you’d think he had been in Whitesnake all of his career.
So it might not all be attractive, but it continues to grow on me every time I listen to it. Some of the songs I would like to have seen progress to a heavier level, but that’s just my preference.
Favourites so far probably include “Best Years”, “Can You Hear The Wind Blow”, “Good to be Bad” and “All for Love”.
Rating: There is still some magic left. 3.5/5
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