Rating: A
To be fair, I wanted to give this an A+ grade, but because they are cover songs, I decided these songs could possibly still be amazing no matter who sang them. Rick Devin chose some iconic songs for his album, and the resulting package is brilliant.
He chose songs that played to his classic rock strength. I also think his voice lends itself very well to each of these tracks. His range is not mesmerizing, but he certainly breathes new life into these stories. And he tells them very well.
Devin’s cohorts and special guests all contribute interesting twists, harmonies or nuances to what feels like the soundtrack to so many of peoples’ lives. Sometimes changing even a note, no matter how brief, is like stealing a memory. Still, Devlin and his guests like Chris Pinnick, Chet McCracken, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, remind us these songs have staying power.
“Nowhere Man (featuring Chris Pitman)” stays pretty true to The Beatles’ cut. Missing is John Lennon’s charm and Paul McCartney’s elevated harmony near the end. Nonetheless, the vocals have crisp delivery, and wonderful harmonies.
It’s also easy to embrace “Unchain My Heart.” I found this track to be a complete fusion of Joe Cocker’s version and Ray Charles’ original. While Cocker’s has this 80s, saxophone happy/jazzy, ballsy guitar grit to it, Devin’s version is in a safe, bluesy state.
“Rocky Mountain Highway” has an extensive guitar bridge, and I felt like this version was more blues than Joe Walsh’s original. The chord progression and tightness of the music bed is jam worthy!
“Have You Ever Seen The Rain” is missing John Fogerty’s folksy/gritty voice, but I really liked adding Maria Ricart’s harmonies. She brings this element that feels very Joan Baez. It’s as if something retro/classy transpires when her vocals mix with Devlin’s.
“Black Magic Woman,” “Baby Scratch My Back” and “Layla” are all done with reverence and have subtle, but very welcomed changes.
“Ohio” is missing that 60s angst, and the high harmonies is an interesting change. But, again, Devin really holds true and this song is such a classic. I think Devlin nails it. And, man, who doesn’t love that murky guitar riff at the start of this song!
“Ticket To Ride,” “Old Time Rock And Roll” (okay, maybe this song is way overplayed, but this version is super fun), “Pinball Wizard” and “Tush” all cap off an incredible musical decade.
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http://www.rickdevin.com
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