KELLY KEAGY - I'm Alive

Posted: 02/02/08

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Melodic Rock

Released: 2007

Label URL: www.frontiers.it

Artist URL: www.nightranger.com

1/2

Night Ranger was one of my favorite bands up through their third album, Seven Wishes.  Big Life and especially Man In Motion had their moments, but the band's more recent output has been disappointing to say the least.  I'm Alive is Kelly's second solo album and it finds Kelly's voice in fine form.   The album is primarily ballad-based (the best being "'Life Worth Remembering")  but there are some other styles presented as well - an acoustic, slightly psychedelic vibe ("Back Of Your Mind"),  a semi-ballad with an 80s feel ("When Nobody's Looking")  an the upbeat, quick paced traditional rocker ("World Before And After), and some contemporary mid-paced tracks ("Blink Of An Eye," "Stolen" and "I'm Alive").

The Bloody Truth:  Both Kelly Keagy and Night Ranger's vocalist/bassist Jack Blades have released solo albums but in my mind these releases don't touch Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, and Seven Wishes.  While the musicianship (especially the guitar runs from Reb Beach) is impressive, the songs on I'm Alive just don't bring me back for repeated listens.  There certainly are moments here  (the rocking "World Before And After" is a highlight) but the material is too sedate and in some place too contemporary.  I'd really like to hear Kelly do a traditional hard rock album using "World Before And After" as a template.  I'm Alive is certainly worth a listen.  It will probably appeal to fans of the recent Night Ranger output more than fans of the group's original sound.  One final note - the cd cover is not attractive at all.   What was Kelly thinking?  Does he really want us to gawk at his receding hairline and strands of grey hair?