JOE LYNN TURNER - The Usual Suspects

JOE LYNN TURNER - The Usual Suspects		Frontiers Records
	Posted: 5/11/05 Reviewed by: Dirt Category: Hard Rock Released: 1/25/05 Label URL: www.frontiers.it Artist URL: www.joelynnturner.com
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Joe Lynn Turner has lent his vocals to many different projects during his long career. While many artists disappear after their main gig comes to an end, Joe is chameleon and adapted to many career changes. Best known for his time in Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, and Deep Purple, Joe's voice has also appeared on tribute albums as well as television commercials. In recent years he has participated in group outings such as Mother's Army, Brazen Abbot, and the Hughes/Turner Project, all the while taking time out to record solo material. JLT's solo debut, Rescue You, appeared in 1985 after the demise of Rainbow. This keyboard laden melodic rock album is an underground favorite, despite being overlooked by the mainstream. Over the years, Joe released several other solo recordings - Nothing's Changed (1995), *Under Cover* (1997), *Under Cover 2* (1998), *Hurry Up And Wait* (1999), *Holy Man* (2000), *Slam* (2001), JLT (2003), and now The Usual Suspects. Joe has never really revisited the style of *Rescue You* on any of his subsequent releases. Aside from the light jazz flavor of *Nothing's Changed* and the two albums of cover tunes, Joe's other solo albums have all flirted with melody driven rockers, ballads, and some harder edged moments. Slam was the most rocking in my opinion. For me, it is the best solo recording Joe had delivered since *Rescue You, although its style is completely different. The Usual Suspects* is more melodic and a bit less aggressive than Slam. Every song has a memorable chorus, the rockers have a great deal of energy, and Joe's delivery is on par with his Rainbow days. "Devil's Door" is the top of the heap in the rock department. The chorus on this one is as great as any chorus can get, the chunky guitar riff and overall rhythm is God-like, the Blackmore solo is killer, and the background keys just take the song over-the-top. The catchy "Power Of Love" does a nice job opening and setting the tone for the album. In the ballad arena, Joe delivers the emotive "Really Loved" in a way that only his soulful vocals can. The opening vocal lines of "Rest Of My Life" sounds like a melodic Rainbow song, the bluesy "Blood Money" is a cool creeper with a thicker rhythmic sound and some real melodic vocals, and "Unfinished Business" (which closes the album) just rips! If I was to toss out two tracks it would be the long, smaltzy ballad "Live and Love Again" and another slow track, "All Alone." The Bloody Truth: Joe Lynn Turner is a unique vocalist whose heart really comes through in his singing. He also has the ability to rock and deliver some great ballads. If you've enjoyed his previous work, you need to pick up this one. There's enough on here to satisfy the fans that like his rock side, as well as the fans that enjoy his softer side. Choruses rule on The Usual Suspects, and there's even hints of Rainbow guitar and keys on several songs. While *Slam* and *Rescue You* edge out *Suspects* just slightly, overall the songwriting is incredibly strong, making it one of Joe's best solo works. The Usual Suspects will definitely be at the top of by 'Best of 2005' list. Joe is doing some rare east coast US tour dates in May and June so catch him if you can. Check his website for details.

Posted: 5/11/05