MILAN POLAK – Can’t Please Everyone

Milan Polak started his musical journey over 25 years ago with the release of his two guitar instrumental albums; Guitar 2001 (1995) and Dreamscapes (2003). At the urging of his peers and close friends Polak decided to go beyond his ax work and develop his songwriting and vocal skills. Milan’s 4th vocal album Can’t Please Everyone is described as “darker and heavier than its predecessor Scarred to Perfection (2017).” The new album features special guest rock luminaries Billy Sheehan, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Tony Franklin, Thomas Lang, Jeff Neal, and Atma Anur.

“Unborn” is a quick instrumental intro that leads with a soft Spanish flavored acoustic piece, yet concludes with some biting electric guitar runs. Milan laments of love gone wrong on the Modern Rock track “Numb.” He gets even deeper into his personal life with “Father.” “Father” comes off as a high energy rocker, but the lyrics are dark and disheartening. Current Sons of Apollo bandmates Billy Sheehan and Bumblefoot make an appearance on the multi-tempo track “The Future is Now.” Sheehan is as solid as ever while Milan and Bumblefoot go head-to-head on the guitar. The song’s resounding message is don’t put off for tomorrow what can be accomplished today.

Atma Amur from Richie Kotzen’s band sits in on the skins for “Savior.” Polak takes an AOR style approach here as he proclaims your answers are inside, not with false idols. Speedy and marching style riffs run through “Enemy Within.” The addition of progressive elements serves to enhance the track. “No One Else” could be reflective or accusatory as it delves into personal responsibility and self awareness. “Better Man” sort of acts like a sequel to “No One Else” and is accented by some Dimebag Darrell style string bends.

Milan saves the ballad for the album’s conclusion and includes the most special guests. “Can’t Let You Go” has Tony Franklin (too many bands to recite) plays fretless bass, Jeff Neal of Boston handles the drums, and new age artist Mistheria is on the keyboards. The song has a great soft piano lead that builds to an electric crescendo. Despite the electric instruments, the track remains soft and endearing.

Can’t Please Everyone shows that Milan Polak is more than just a guitar virtuoso. Not only does Polak know how to craft Modern Rock meets AOR tracks, but he wears his emotions on his sleeve like no other. While Milan could have easily made a flashy look-at-me “guitar album,” he chose to give his fans an insight to who he is as a rounded musician and his thoughts and experiences as a human. That’s what makes this album unique. Looking back at his early material, you can hear just how far he has grown.

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Track List

1. Unborn
2. Numb
3. The Future is Now
4. Can’t Please Everyone
5. New Life
6. Savior
7. Enemy Within
8. No One Else
9. Father
10. Heroes Die Young
11. Better Man
12. Can’t Let You Go