dequebec's Full Review: Stranger in This Town by Richie Sambora
Mention Richie Sambora to the average rock n' roll fan, and the response will sound something like: "Yeah, right, that guy from Bon Jovi".
But mention this man's name to a fan of bluesy guitar, and you just might hear, "Right...that smooth six-stringer that for some reason stays with Bon Jovi".
No disrespect to Jon and the New Jersey hair-God legends, bit Richie sticks out in my mind as the stand out musician of the group. In his debut solo album, Stranger in this Town, Richie defines himself as a premier rock and blues guitarist, capable not only of fine musicianship but of high quality vocalizing and songwriting as well.
Mr. Sambora provides "Listening Instructions" on the first page of the booklet that comes with the compact disk:
Turn down the lights,
Light a candle...welcome....
Indeed, we do feel welcomed. Welcomed to the inner consciousness of a previously unknown musical soul.
Richie opens the album with "Rest in Peace", a sort to prelude that establishes the mood for the rest of the work. This introduction lets you know that a listener who hopes for traditional Bon Jovi material should prepare for a new route. After all, would Jon Bon Jovi ever use the phrase "Voodoo Woman"? Filled with Chicago grit, Rest in Peace transitions without pause or break in mood to "Church of Desire".
As a gift to blues lovers, Church of Desire takes its sweet time building to the meat of the song. Beginning with ethereal tones and light cymbal rolls, the second track proceeds to a compelling yet airy scale. The bass guitar commences its strum, and with a light chord coming from the Strat, Richie takes off. He fills this song with gorgeous and perfectly-intonated harmonics contrasting with a deep and anguished-marked voice. The fills, scales played on a Stratocaster, reinforce the theme of desire and intrigue. This song, about a man who alternates about guilt over an affair and wanting to return to this tempting partner, end with a painfully soulful exit solo.
The third track, "Stranger in this Town", begins with a casual and carefree tone. Yet, when listening, one imagines a man with his hands in his pockets and his head hung low. Down on his luck, the protagonist of this song describes the destruction of his dreams and the emergence of loneliness.
My favorite track on the album, "One Light Burning", arrives fifth in the lineup. This piece begins with a smokey, ethereal sound...you can almost visualize fog on an abandoned street at twilight. Deep and unique, the lyrics inspire hope and personal empowerment, not to mention introspection ("standing out in the rain, with just one shadow, nothing to see or believe beyond myself"). We begin with a man who is feeling "stuck" in his life, having a hard time seeing any beauty or satisfaction: "All alone in the dark, no walls or windows, trying hard to define heaven from hell". He realizes that he must look to higher (undefined) sources, be it a spiritual or personal place: "somewhere in my life, there's one light burning, feel it like my heart beating inside".
Fans of gritty blues, the number "Mr. Bluesman" is for you. Written as an ode to B.B. King, Mr, Bluesman establishes Sambora's place as a guitar great, with ripping guitar riffs jammed full of technique, awesome tone, and musical effectiveness. This also features a guitar solo by Eric Clapton...2 great Strat players on one track! Yes! Sambora treats us to his vocal talent as well, leaving the listener to wonder is he shouldn't be an equal vocalist in Bon Jovi. Edgy singing is a matter of attitude, but on Mr. Bluesman, Sambora displays a purer tone with a great range. Delcious.
A creative theme characterizes the track "Rosie". Many rock artists have sung about strippers; few have described wanting to be a sort of savior to these women, helping them improve their lives. Or perhaps it is more jealousy of the men who are now entitled to the attention of the woman he loved in his youth: "I went for you with that rose tatoo, you promised no one else would see...I wanna take you away."
Richie finished his debut album with a surprise: a lullaby. I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Sambora sings this lovely tune to his daughter Ava. "The Answer" talks of appreciation of all the wonders in this world ("theres a world in every drop of rain") and spiritual powers ("they say for every living thing, theres a guide up in the sky that helps us pass from world to world"). It also encourages decent and thoughtful living: "seek the truth, and you shall find another life". This song reveals a surprising sensitivity unexpected among rock stars.
"Stranger in this Town" is a most frequent visitor to my CD player. Filled with ripping yet musically thoughtful guitar tracks, provoking yet not shocking lyrics and overall variety, Sambora's debut succeeds in providing the listener with a musical journey. You truly emerge from the listening experience with a satisfied state-of-mind. Buy this CD today.
This epinion is being submitted as part of the "Albums that changes your outlook on music" Write-Off, hosted by MagnumForce. I chose this album because it turned me (a rock n' roller) on to Chicago-style blues. Other contributers are:
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