BILLY MORRISON – The Morrison Project

Singer / songwriter Billy Morrison is no stranger to the spotlight. For the past 15 years, he’s been giggling with Billy Idol as his rhythm guitarist, alongside lead guitarist Steve Stevens. He’s also good friends with the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Morrison’s eclectic brand new studio album simply titled The Morrison Project, already released on streaming platforms, will get a physical product release on May 24, 2024. Produced by Morrison himself, the album features an esteemed lineup of guest musicians including Osbourne, Stevens, Idol, Corey Taylor, Steve Vai, John 5, and more.

An Eclectic Musical Journey

“Drowning” is a beast of an opening track, with a thick and juicy bass line, that lyrically taps into dark places few artists would dare to go. “Crack Cocaine,” the collaboration with Osbourne and Stevens, is simply one of the best songs on the album. It’s a clever concept of comparing drug usage to a toxic romantic relationship. Osbourne’s vocals sound amazing, despite everything he’s been through. “The Ayes Have It” deals with heavy issues of modern society and from start to finish, it’s a therapeutic and stress-relieving process. There’s some wicked guitar playing from John 5 on that track.

“Incite the Watch,” the collaboration with Taylor and Vai, incorporates Alternative Rock and EDM vibes blended together. “Just Like a Movie” straight-up sounds like it could’ve been on the Do the Right Thing (1989) movie soundtrack. Partnering with Run-DMC is a far stretch for a Hard Rock / Heavy Metal album. But hey, since Aerosmith found success with them over 35 years ago, why not? Surprisingly, The Morrison Project closes with a ballad and a beautiful one, actually. Morrison’s thick British accent gives most of his songs an obvious Punk Rock vibe, but on “Chasing Shadows,” he sounds sweet and somber, which is nice for a change.

Final Assessment

For the most part, The Morrison Project is a fantastic album. For a more concise listening experience, however, it would’ve been better with only 10 tracks, instead of 12, but everyone hears things differently. Other than the Run-DMC collaboration, there’s nothing old school about this album. In fact, it’s very modern sounding and it embraces technological advancements to the fullest. But, not everything has to be a journey back in time to the “best” decades of music; sometimes it’s good to stick with the present. Morrison isn’t a one-dimensional musician that focuses on a certain style of music. Instead, he uses different genres to create his own identity.

Album Tracklist

1. Drowning
2. Crack Cocaine (featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Steve Stevens)
3. It’s Come to This
4. The Ayes Have It (featuring Al Jourgensen and John 5)
5. Dystopia
6. Incite the Watch (featuring Corey Taylor and Steve Vai)
7. Puppets on a String
8. Just Like a Movie (featuring Run-DMC and Persia Numan)
9. The Sound of Freedom
10. Mr. Dream (featuring Billy Idol and Steve Stevens)
11. We Are the Dead
12. Chasing Shadows (featuring Linda Perry)

Other Guest Musicians

Tommy Clufetos – drums on track 2
Roy Mayorga – drums on track 4
Erik Eldenius – drums on track 8