GLENN HUGHES (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, ex-THE DEAD DAISIES, ex-DEEP PURPLE) is an incredibly skilled bassist, with a wonderful groove in his playing. In addition, this man has one of the absolute best voices in the Rock world, with an unmatched vocal intensity. The Englishman is known by fans as “The Voice of Rock”. In 2016, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of DEEP PURPLE. Last week, Hughes released his latest solo album “Chosen”, which will likely be his last, according to what the artist has written on his social media. Hard Rock and Funk Rock merge as usual, spiced with his characteristic Soul touch. The sound is also inspired by Heavy Metal and Blues Rock. This new material has a modern production with a timeless aura and is described as a personal work, with lyrics about the human condition, love, hope, faith and acceptance.
Glenn absorbed all kinds of influences when he grew up, including early British Hard Rock, THE BEATLES and, most importantly, American Soul and R&B. Hughes’ first success was in the early ‘70s with the band TRAPEZE, before joining DEEP PURPLE in 1973. The classic album “Burn” was released 1974. GLENN HUGHES’ solo career began with “Play Me Out” in 1977 and around a dozen records have been made since then. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, he made countless guest appearances as a vocalist, bass guitarist or songwriter on other artists’ materials. The endless list includes, among others, GARY MOORE, JOHN NORUM and TONY IOMMY of BLACK SABBATH. In 2009 he formed the group BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION together with JOE BONAMASSA. Between 2019 and 2023, the legend was also a member of THE DEAD DAISIES, with whom he recorded two fantastic albums, where his colorful sound made a memorable impression.
It’s been nine years since GLENN HUGHES’ last solo work "Resonate" (2016) and the new one has much the same style, but is even better. Just like then, he has now produced the material together with Soren Andersen. Soren also plays guitar on this record as well. Ash Sheehan plays drums and on keyboards we find Bob Fridzema (JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR, SARI SCHORR, WALTER TROUT, and many more). The musicians in Hughes’ band are incredibly skilled. About the lyrics, Glenn says: “I write about how I feel on the inside and not externally. My life is lived from within, in the present moment. It’s an album of soul food. Music is the healer!”
The opening “Voice In My Head” contains Hard Rock with a funky, groovy style and is also quite Heavy. Here we find a splendid drumming and especially Hughes’ excellent bass playing, as well as a great voice. Many times the man slides up on the final note and makes it swing, which is one of his characteristics when it comes to singing. A couple of times at the beginning of this track there is an effective pause of a few seconds before the chorus, which makes me hold my breath of anticipation. “My Alibi” has a lovely, swinging rhythm. It’s like 70s Hard Rock with a touch of Blues, but updated in a modern style. A strong and absolutely extraordinary playing on the bass makes the tones pump out. This gentleman is all about the groove and he does it exceptionally well.
One fantastic track after another rolls on. “Chosen” has a lovely flow in the music. The guitar playing that decorates this song is very good and sounds hopeful with a positive tone. Glenn has a voice that is full of Soul and Rock. A good example is “Heal”. Soft parts are alternated with energetic ones. Sheehan does a very good job and delivers a soft bouncing on the drums in the middle of the piece. We also hear some fantastic guitar playing again.
“In The Golden” has a varying tempo, with a Heavy rhythm that comes and goes. The rough guitar playing, strengthened by the bass, is awesome. It becomes even more Heavy and with distorted tones in the following “The Lost Parade”. The music wraps around you in a soft, rocking way, while energy spreads. Together with his voice it becomes a powerful piece. “Come And Go” is soft with a nice melody. I hear a small touch of THE BEATLES in the verses. The song makes me relaxed.
He has sometimes had a little mixed results on some discs, but the new record is superb throughout. All the songs are very good and many tracks are fantastic. This is what I want to hear with GLENN HUGHES. Glenn’s voice is heard fully and his bass playing is excellent. Hughes is and has always been an equally expressive bassist as a singer. The songwriting, arrangements and production are incredibly good. It’s rocking and soulful, swinging and enjoyable, which fills the listener with new energy. “Chosen” is a fantastic album, which I can listen to over and over again. (Anna)
Upcoming concerts in Germany:
14/09 – Club Vaudeville, Lindau
16/09 – Hirsch, Nuremberg
17/09 – Spectrum, Augsburg
22/09 – Capitol, Mannheim
Bewertung:
9 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 10
Spielzeit: 50:48
Label: Frontiers Music s.r.l.
Veröffentlichungstermin: 05.09.2025
