JOE LYNN TURNER – The Usual Suspects

Joe Lynn Turner (JLT) never ceases to amaze at the number of projects he puts out on a yearly basis. Besides his comrade, Glenn Hughes, Joe must be one of the hardest working vocalists in Rock. Since 1977, Joe has appeared on no less than 94 albums! His most famous work, of course, is as front man for the band Rainbow in the early 80’s. Besides that daunting task, Joe has since then managed to front Deep Purple (2004), put out a multitude of solo albums, combined projects (Yngwie Malmsteen, Glenn Hughes, Mother’s Army, etc.) and a mile long list of tribute albums.

After being in business for so long, one might expect Joe would be growing tired and starting to falter. Quite to the contrary, The Usual Suspects represents Joe’s first release in the New Year, and it almost seems like he recorded it with renewed vigor. This time around, there is plenty of emphasis on the word “Rock” as this release represents possibly the hardest hitting solo album Joe has done in a long time, if not ever.

Throughout this release, Joe displays the masterful range we heard him display, and loved, on such releases like Rainbow’s Bent Out Of Shape. Maybe this was brought out by the whole heavy “Rainbow-esque” feel the release seems to have. While not completely original, there’s a spark here that fans haven’t heard in Joe’s music for quite a while. Of course, Joe isn’t the only Spotlight Kid here. Additionally, there’s the buzz saw guitars, the snap of hard hitting drums, and the ever quietly present keyboards in the background that all add to a well produced Melodic Rock aura.

Bluntly stated, Joe, guitarists Karl Cochran (a JLT veteran) and Al Pitrelli (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Megadeth), and drummer John O’Reilly put the smack down on this album! As soon as the laser hits the surface of the CD you’ll be bombarded by one of the heaviest openings of the year on “Power Of Love.” These opening power chords would do Accept and Priest proud! This track is one of the highest points of the release and serves as an excellent opening track. From here listeners are pummeled by “Devil’s Door,” which contains another heavy melodic riff, a Blackmore-ish solo, and excellent vocal range supplied by Joe. Not stopping for a breath, you’ll then be treated to a high-throttle treat entitled “Jack Knife” that is reminiscent of Straight Between The Eyes’ “Death Alley Driver.” Sure there’s an occasional “slow song,” but even those songs sound refreshing with a faint edge to them. Especially catchy and moving is “All Alone” with its melody line and slow guitar riff.

Bottom line, this release is probably the best slab of Hard Melodic Rock to hit your CD platters this year! True, it will remind you a lot of 80’s Rainbow, but that’s not such a bad thing, especially when it’s done this powerfully. It’s melodic, guitar driven, and Joe’s at his best vocally, playing the musical style many have attributed to their favorite JLT tunes.

Lineup

Joe Lynn Turner: Vocals
Karl Cochran: Guitars (“Power of Love,” “Devil’s Door,” “All Alone,” & “Blood Money”)
Al Pitrelli: Guitars
David Z: Bass
John O’Reilly: Drums
Paul Morris, Andy Burton: Keyboards
Nancy Bender: Choirs
Bob Held and Joe Lynn Turner: Production