Whitesnake: Forevermore

Does the world need another Whitesnake album? If you had asked that question a few years ago the answer would surely have been largely negative. Coverdale's creative years were seemingly long since passed and the constantly changing cast of backing musicians a long way removed from embracing the Whitesnake legacy. But Good To Be Bad from 2008 was released to many positive noises and it seemed that there was some life in the 'Snake yet. And leaving aside recent criticisms of Coverdale's voice in live performance Forevermore is a clear statement of intent that, even in 2011, they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Again the line-up has been revamped to a quintet following the departure of keyboard player Timothy Drury (though he does feature as a special guest); former Lynch Mob bassist Michael Devin has replaced Uriah Duffy, and ex Billy Idol and Pride & Glory drummer Brian Tichy has taken the stool left vacant by Chris Frazier. Guitarists Reb Beach and Doug Aldrich remain and it seems that in the latter Coverdale has truly found a writing partner that can be favourably compared with John Sykes. Opener "Steal Your Heart Away " could have sat comfortably on either Lovehunter or Slide It In and Whitesnake 2011 seem to have found a style and sound that genuinely bridges the gap (or that be chasm) between the Moody-Marsden era and the late 80's, Multi-Platinum MTV Gloss.

The lyrical double entendres are still there if you look closely enough and, albeit some way toned down from the likes of Slip Of The Tongue, DC still warbles on about howling dogs at back doors in the dead of night (or similar, check out "Dogs In The Street")but that is all part of Whitesnake's enduring appeal. Mid tempo gem "Easier Said Than Done" and muscular lead single "Love and Treat Me Right" will hopefully be showcased on the upcoming tour as this is an album that deserves to be played live in abundance. Elsewhere "Whipping Boy Blues" finds Beach and Aldrich trading licks and it is hard to imagine a band or an album more deserving of the Classic Rock tag. True to form Coverdale still has a surprise left in store at the end of the album with the sweeping, anthemic, seven minute title track that is "Sailing Ships" meets "Kashmir" meets "Soldier of Fortune"

An early contender for album of the year? Absolutely.

Track Listing
1. "Steal Your Heart Away"
2. "All Out of Luck"
3. "Love Will Set You Free"
4. "Easier Said Than Done"
5. "Tell Me How"
6. "I Need You (Shine a Light)"
7. "One of These Days"
8. "Love and Treat Me Right"
9. "Dogs in the Street"
10. "Fare Thee Well"
11. "Whipping Boy Blues"
12. "My Evil Ways"
13. "Forevermore"

Added: March 30th 2011
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 5032
Language: english

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