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James Christian: Craving

AOR Melodic Rock

4.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.04.2018

As is his custom, James Christian sometimes takes a break from his long serving band House Of Lords to drop a solo album. The singer, songwriter, producer, and all around music veteran returns with his fourth studio album, Craving. Recorded in his own Florida studio, the recording features contributions from other veterans of the melodic rock scene including Tommy Denander, Chris Pelcer, Jimi Bell, Clif Magness, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Richard Hymas, Charlie Mason, and Jeff Kent.

James Christian

As you would expect, Christian delivers another pleasing album of AOR melodic rock, something on the softer side of his work with House Of Lords. Even with expectations in hand, the album arrives with some variety in the songs. Not wanting to give everything away, I'll hit some highlights. Starting the album, both Heaven Is A Place In Hell and Wild Boys are straight up rockers, catchy with some good groove.

After this, Christian shifts into lighter AOR gear with Craving, Jesus Wept, and World Of Possibility where you'll more acoustic guitar, piano, and better synth parts. Sidewinder brings back some harder rock with strong riffs, a big beat, and a feisty guitar solo. The following I Won't Cry straddles the line between rocker and AOR anthem, yet with a notable blues groove. Perhaps my favorite song here, Black Wasn't Black turns more upon traditional melodic hard rock with it's brisk riffs, slick pacing, undeniable melody and groove, and catchy chorus. Christian could have saved the song for the next House Of Lords album. But no, enjoy it here. Additionally, throughout, but not necessarily in every song, you'll hear some fine guitar solos. As suggested earlier, Craving finds James Christian in fine musical form, offering another satisfying album of AOR melodic rock. Easily recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Craving finds James Christian in fine musical form, offering another satisfying album of AOR melodic rock. Easily recommended.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]