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March 2025

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  Pow! Right In The Kisser
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Ronnie Atkins: Make It Count

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 23.03.2022 | Released: 18.03.2022

When we last heard from vocalist Ronnie Atkins it was about the same time last year. Atkins announced his first solo album, One Shot, but also his diagnosis of stage four, basically incurable, lung cancer. A year later his health battle continues, and he also releases a new solo album, aptly titled Make It Count. There's much to be said for perseverance and determination, and this album is a reflection of both. (On a personal note, I know a woman in my church who was also diagnosed with the same disease last August. Her fight continues, and she's still with us.)

Ronnie Atkins

Musically, Make It Count is a continuation of the formula established with his first solo album. In one sense, Atkins has stepped out of the shadow of his primary gig, Pretty Maids. While that band treads more melodic metal, Atkins solo work leans toward melodic hard rock with an AOR twist. You'll hear this with Unsung Heroes, Remain To Remind Me, Grace, or I've Hurt Myself (By Hurting You). However, the Pretty Maids influence is still self-evident. Tough, nearly caustic, riffs propel the groove-leaden heavy rocker The Tracks We Leave Behind. Perhaps even heavier are the tracks All I Ask Of You and Blood Cries Out where the rhythm section rumbles with a strong bass presence. Alternatively, there are some ballads: Let Love Lead The Way and Make It Count (which can rise dramatically). Both are defined by Atkins voice and piano wherein he sounds soulful and thoughtful. All said, even with odds against him, Ronnie Atkins and Make It Count deliver another fine album of melodic hard rock (with some metal edge) which will please his fans. 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.

All said, even with odds against him, Ronnie Atkins and Make It Count deliver another fine album of melodic hard rock (with some metal edge) which will please his fans. Easily recommended.

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After a brief three year absence from the studio, Swedish rockers Perfect Plan return with their fourth long player, Heart Of A Plan. This arrives after their vocalist, Kent Hilli, has been involved in a few other projects ... [ Read More ]

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