There was a time, in the late 1960s and early 1970s where music didn’t seem to fit into tight little compartments.  Labels weren’t as likely to define or limit the sounds.  It was just rock music.  This album leans back towards those times.  It’s never tied down to one sound or another for long, but always seems very successful and captivating.

Other than the bits of hip hop that show up, it wouldn’t be out of the question to think that this is a retro album from the late ‘60s or early ‘70s.  It would have been quite successful then because it’s very strong.  Everything here is effective.  If there’s a complaint it’s that while the combination of sounds is often fresh and original, there’s nothing extremely new or “outside the box” here.  Still, when it’s this strong, that really doesn’t matter.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Keyboards and tenor steel drums open things as “Shine On” starts.  The rhythmic vibe that comes in feels a bit like something from Peter Gabriel.  The vocals, though, on the first verse are raps, making the tune more hip hop oriented.  The female vocals on the chorus and beyond are airy and quite classy.  They really soar and bring a jazzy vibe to the piece.  The rap does return later, but the female vocals are the ones that really define the number.

There’s a country vibe mixed with a jam band sound on “Love Is a Freeway Ride.”  It has a catchy vocal hook and some guitar soloing around throughout much of the tune.  Both of those things, along with just a general sense of “cool,” make it a highlight of the set. There are definitely grounds for making comparisons to the Grateful Dead here, but there are other flavors in place, as well.  

This has a real Latin vibe to it. There’s a bit of a Santana element, but also some Al Di Meola.  Overall, it’s more of a fusion kind of sound in place, but with the more pop end of that spectrum.

It's Alright to Party Tonight - Here is a high energy roots rocker that’s got some country and some blues in the mix.  It’s another standout tune.  It’s another that has a bit of a David Bowie element to it at times.  It also feels a bit like something Jeff Lynne might write in some ways. 

Accessible, pop music with rock and jazz in the mix makes up the sound of “Alright.”  It’s got a playful spirit and a mellow approach. It’s one of the shorter cuts here.