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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Dan Reed

The Dan Reed Network - Let's Hear It for The King (vinyl)

Review by Larry Toering

After months of listening to and even having reviewed this disc (elsewhere) from the CD perspective, I’m sold on this album as my pick for the best album of 2022. Then I got hold of the purple vinyl version and it left me with so many more thoughts I had to review it again and confirm it my favorite release of the year. Everyone showed up and knocked an album out in the usual fashion, give or take some pandemic issues, which also got in the way of the original send off. But if you listen instead of skim about the way people tend to do these days, you’ll hear an album on the level of anything else this band have ever recorded.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2023  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2023.
Track by Track Review
Side A

                     

Pretty Karma
I’m not going to call it a typical intro, as I did the lead track of their previous studio album, I’m just going to bypass it and let the song’s infectious chorus do the business. If the fans who wanted the classic Dan Reed Network sound don’t feel this, I’m not sure what they think is classic DRN. This song has everything the band have always been about, funk and rock blending without leaning too far in either direction.
The Ghost Inside

The massive groove instantly grabs you, and it’s off to the races. But wait, there’s a storyline taking over the groove and making you listen to what he’s singing about. If you can follow from there, this song is for you.

Starlight
This is the first single from the release, and it’s also where I notice a wall of sound on the vinyl not heard on the CD. But it doesn’t stop with this song, it just took a couple of track to notice the sonic boom of Rob Daiker. It’s a gravy train from here out.
Supernova
I’m glad to hear the mind, body, heart and soul of Dan Reed on this song where he reflects on rock stardom for himself and whoever it might be. There is more excellent production on this by Dan Reed and Rob Daiker.
Let’s Hear It For The King

This is an extension of the previous track if you zoom in on what the album title is all about. Rock star or janitor, the King can always be one or the other. There is nothing left to do but let the track wash all over you as it defines the tile.

I See Angels
You might get it, you might not, but this is where things take the usual DRN cruise and either leave you inspired or not. It still follows the "unsung heroism" of the album title.
Side B
                 
Homegrown
The title of this alone not only harks back to the streets where the DRN and myself stomped though the 70s, 80s and 90s (and what it’s like in the Pacific Northwest culture), but it also comes with a video starring one of our favorite home grown artists Stevie Ray Mays. I can’t help but rate this one at the top of the pack.
Stumble
The groove remains the same on this tight little number with a lot of power pop vibes to it.
Just Might Get It
Things get over-the-top progressive on this track with the lyrical message taking it the distance.
Where’s The Revolution
This is where they go into DRN lockstep mode and take it back to the early days with a track in the style they’re so well known for. The 50/50 rock and funk blend hits a home run together with an absolute DRN classic.
Are You Ready
This track bubbles along nicely in typical DRN fashion and doesn’t disappoint any in the process.
Unf*** My World
The album was originally delayed because of the pandemic, and let’s be honest, Dan Reed has a way with words and a worldly philosophy to reckon with if you know anything about it. I find this song to stand up to every standard in the history of the band, while examining modern static norms and providing some socio-political anecdotes.
 
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