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Ronnie Atkins: One Shot
Ronnie Atkins - One Shot Album Art

Ronnie Atkins: One Shot

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 03.04.2021 | Released: 12.03.2021

You probably best know Ronnie Atkins as the founder and longtime vocalist of Denmark's Pretty Maids, which celebrates their 40th anniversary this year. But did you know Atkins has been battling cancer? Around Easter of last year the musician was dealt at severe blow. Whereas he thought his health was improving, Atkins was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The doctors pronounced it incurable. Wow. Our thoughts and prayers abound for Ronnie and his family, friends, and band mates.

Did you also know that he had a solo album in the works for Frontiers Music? Yup. But, with his health in disarray, now what? Instead of languishing in despondency, Atkins chose to press on with the new album. With the help of Pretty Maids Chris Laney in song construction and production, and assisted by a host of music veterans from the European theater, Atkins offers fans One Shot, his debut solo album.

Ronnie Atkins - Click For Larger Image

Ronnie Atkins

Atkins describes his musical approach in this way: "... I decided to make One Shot appeal to the fans, the supporters who've been following me for almost 40 years, so this is basically a melodic rock album with a heavy twist." I couldn't have said it better. The obvious "heavy twist" is from the Pretty Maids melodic metal influences. But, additionally, Atkins vocal style is quickly identifiable and irrepressible. I have no idea how lung cancer affects a singer, but Atkins sounds terrific across this album. Pretty Maids fans and fans of AOR-infused melodic hard rock will definitely enjoy this album.

Speaking to some songs, you'll hear some of that traditional, AOR directed, melodic hard rock groove with Real, Frequency Of Love, and Miles Away wherein all three songs offer bit softer starts where Atkins' voice quickly rises, sounding melodic and strong. Alternatively, you'll find Atkins and friends kick out the jams with the heavier songs Scorpio, Picture Yourself, and One By One, without losing song harmony, melody, and groove. Perhaps a tad more "metal" than the rest is Before The Rise Of An Empire with its tough riffs and steady to faster pacing. Finally, throughout you'll find some excellent guitar solos from Atkins' notable co-conspirators: Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Oliver Hartmann, John Berg, and Chris Laney.

All in all, Ronnie Atkins' One Shot is a well-crafted and entertaining album of AOR-inspired melodic hard rock featuring Atkins' familiar vocal style and solid songwriting. Easily recommended. And we hope for his recovery from lung cancer.




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The Bottom Line

Ronnie Atkins' One Shot is a well-crafted and entertaining album of AOR-inspired melodic hard rock featuring Atkins' familiar vocal style and solid songwriting. Easily recommended. And we hope for his recovery from lung cancer.

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