BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION – Black Country

Back in the late 80’s, supergroups were a common thing. We had Badlands, Mr Big and Bad English, all of which have now disbanded even though Mr Big have reunited. All of them made awesome debut albums that promised a lot, but when it was time for a follow up, all of them failed to match the success of the debut, both the musical and  sales wise.  Last year, Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Chad Smith gave us the brilliant Chickenfoot, so it’s with open arms I embrace this supergroup that contains Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian. On paper, this constellation seems like a winner even before you have heard one single note. With hot-shot producer Kevin Shirley (Joe Bonamassa, Iron Maiden, Journey) at the helm, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself and nominate this album the CD of the year just by looking at the line up. That way, it’s also easy to get very disappointed if this wouldn’t hold up. And to be honest, Glenn Hughes’ solo career has been very much a musical roller coaster, quality wise and his musical escapades has been somewhat schizophrenic and sometimes it looked like the guy don’t know which foot to stand upon. Hard rock here, blues there and hey, I’m gonna make a funk album. Sure, we get a varied meal, but when the music drifts too far apart, then it’s giving his fans a hard knowing what to expect.

Fact is, this album is a bit of a disappointment, truth be told. I would have expected this to be much better than it actually is and there are too many songs that falls into the ”mediocre” category, however none of the songs are actually bad. The “7” is a very weak one. Still, there are a bunch of killer tracks here. Of course, Glenn Hughes is the head lead vocalist here, but bluesman Bonamassa gets to make his voice heard on a couple of songs. Both ”Song Of Yesterday” and ”The Revolution In Me” are his and they so happens to be two of the album’s finest moments. Also ”Sista Jane” is a brilliant piece that have a Deep Purple feel and a cool jam at the end. They have also made a cover of ”Medusa”, a track originally recorded by Hughes’ old band Trapeze which featured late guitarist Mel Galley of Whitesnake fame and ex-Judas Priest drummer Dave Holland. ”Too Late For The Sun” is a great 70’s jam, a type of song that you don’t get to hear much nowadays. The guys have recorded a good album with a great production and the musicians here are great but I had expected more. If the guys make this a permanent band and not just a one-off, maybe on the next CD, when they have gotten to know each other better musically and had a bit of touring under their belts, they will be able to make the album I know they can make. I, for sure, will not give up on them after just one album.

Jon Wilmenius (7/10)

Tracklist:
1.  Black Country
2.  One Last Soul
3.  The Great Divide
4.  Down Again
5.  Beggarman
6.  Song of Yesterday
7.  No Time
8.  Medusa
9.  The  Revolution In Me
10. Stand (At The Burning Tree)
11. Sista jane
12. Too Late For The Sun

1. Black Country
2. One Last Soul
3. The Great Divide
4. Down Again
5. Beggarman
6. Song Of Yesterday
7. No Time
8. Medusa
9. The Revolution In Me
10. Stand (At The Burning Tree)
11. Sista Jane
12. Too Late For The Sun
Read more at http://www.glennhughes.com/ctc/bulletins/black-country-communion-track-listing-release-dates-unveiled/#BBv7teVcUoTXg0yk.99

1. Black Country
2. One Last Soul
3. The Great Divide
4. Down Again
5. Beggarman
6. Song Of Yesterday
7. No Time
8. Medusa
9. The Revolution In Me
10. Stand (At The Burning Tree)
11. Sista Jane
12. Too Late For The Sun
Read more at http://www.glennhughes.com/ctc/bulletins/black-country-communion-track-listing-release-dates-unveiled/#BBv7teVcUoTXg0yk.99

1. Black Country
2. One Last Soul
3. The Great Divide
4. Down Again
5. Beggarman
6. Song Of Yesterday
7. No Time
8. Medusa
9. The Revolution In Me
10. Stand (At The Burning Tree)
11. Sista Jane
12. Too Late For The Sun
Read more at http://www.glennhughes.com/ctc/bulletins/black-country-communion-track-listing-release-dates-unveiled/#BBv7teVcUoTXg0yk.99