DEGREED – Public Address

With nothing to do during the COVID-19 pandemic, Swedish Melodic Rock band Degreed began working on their sixth studio album, Are You Ready (2022). Pleased with the results, they took inspiration from that album and recorded the follow-up album, Public Address. The band’s sound is contemporary Melodic Hard Rock. Since their debut album, Life, Love, Loss (2010), Degreed have consistently put out new music and the band continues to grow with each passing release.

“We’re stoked to get these songs out for you to hear. I think we’ve made a massive album in terms of the songs, but also in terms of sound. It’s been a few months of hard work, but looking back at it now, while listening to the result, it’s been well worth it. I can’t wait to hear what you guys think of this one!” said Mats Eriksson in a press release.

The Good and the Bad

First of all, the riffs on Public Address are excellent. Daniel Johansson is an outstanding guitar player and he does some wailing solos on the album. His solo on “Who Are You (To Say)” is exceptionally brilliant. That track alone is a fast-paced, in-your-face rocker. “Big Plans,” the album’s first single, is melodic and catchy. “Ride Along” is another standout track because it’s perfect for riding down a highway on a motorcycle; it’s one of those headbanging tunes. “This is Love” leans more into Pop territory, but it works and Robin Eriksson delivers a heartfelt vocal performance on that one.

As for the negatives, some of the lyrics are generic and cliché. Tracks like “Resist the Urge” and “Don’t Be a Stranger” are difficult to sit through because of that. The bass guitar is also soft in the mix, which is a shame because Public Address is a good modern-sounding album. The drums, vocals, keyboards, and guitars sound fantastic on this album. Heck, the keyboard parts aren’t overdone, which is greatly appreciated. Almost everyone gets their chance to shine, except for the bass player.

Final Assessment

Degreed’s seventh album, Public Address, is a good album, but it’s not a great album. Half of the songs are memorable and catchy, while the other half of the songs fall flat.

Album Tracklist

1. Big Plans
2. Who Are You (To Say)
3. The Way of the World
4. This is Love
5. Ride Along
6. Free Again
7. Resist the Urge
8. Don’t Be a Stranger
9. A Safe Place
10. No One
11. For You
12. Pressure

Band Lineup

Robin Eriksson – bass guitar and lead vocals
Mats Eriksson – drums
Mikael Blanc – keyboards
Daniel Johansson – guitars