Phil Collins – Face Values
Fans of the great Phil Collins got a special treat when he rereleased his first album, Face Values (Deluxe Edition). The collection of work includes the original 12 tracks, several live versions, and a handful of demos. The rerelease of the album is a kick start to Collins’ resurgence after a brief retirement. The treat of the album are the demos. Demos bring a very raw perspective of the songs that become mega hits. The stripped down demos of “The Roof is Leaking,” “This Must Be Love,” “Misunderstanding,” “Please Don’t Ask,” and “Against All Odds” bring an old school vibe back. It’s almost like you are listening to the demos on vinyl. The songs aren’t “perfect” in today’s sense of auto-tune and audio-correcting. The rawness of the demos brings out the soul in the songs. Music isn’t perfect and the little idiosyncrasies that the world has masked away with auto tune are brought out on the demos. It shows a true authentic side to the record and any fan of Phil Collins needs to get their hands on this album.
Charlie Puth – Nine Track Mind January 29
Don’t be fooled by the title, “Nine Track Mind” by Charlie Puth is a 12 track pop album that delivers. The album kicks off with the smooth tune “One Call Away.” Puth brings a mix of styles to this album, from swing to blues to classic 50’s rock. He also enlists some major talents to accompany him on a couple of tracks. Meghan Trainor collaborates with Puth on “Marvin Gaye,” Selena Gomez lends her vocal talents to “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” and Shy Carter sings on “As You Are.” Puth’s smooth vocals brings out this album. This kid is well on his way to pop-stardom
Hank Williams Jr. – It’s About Time January 15
Hank Williams Jr. is back with “It’s About Time.” All pun intended, it’s about dang time we’ve gotten some new music from Bocephus. The hard-rocking album is everything we love about Hank Williams Jr. and more. With tracks about very familiar themes: God, country, and days of the past and a couple of surprises. Williams enlists country star Eric Church on a cover of Neil Young’s “Are You Ready for the Country.” The two kicked off the 49th CMA Awards with this rocking track. The album rolls on with “Club U.S.A,” “God Fearin’ Man,” and “Just Call Me Hank.” Bocephus enlists Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, and Brad Paisley on “Born to Boogie.” The classic rock style is infused with a harder rocking tempo, along with the background piano driving the song. Overall this is a great album by the legendary Hank Williams Jr.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Let Me Get By January 29
The Tedeschi Trucks Band is back with “Let Me Get By.” This 18 track album is a great pickup. Susan Tedeschi, the lead singer, has flawless vocals that are smooth and has some serious soul. Her voice is complimented by Derek Truck’s harmony. The music behind the tracks combines a variety of styles. Rock, jazz, and funk are prevalent themes. The sleekness of the accompaniment is driven by the bass guitar. A great addition is the horn section showing up on “Anyhow,” “Laugh About It,” and a few others. Next to the music, the songwriting is superb. The duo trades off at the lead mic for “Right on Time,” which has a great jazz feel to it. The Tedeschi Trucks Band has really hit a high note with this new album.
