A Promise Is More Than Just Words
Written: Sep 27 '08 (Updated Sep 27 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great songwriting and guitar playing. A terrific album
Cons: Not easy to find.
The Bottom Line: This is a must have album. For the message and for the dynamite guitar work.
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| wolfman309's Full Review: Promises - The Paul Rose Band |
I have always been told to never make a promise I could not keep. It would seem that someone said the same thing to Mr. Rose, because the Promises he has made, is an album that we all should keep. He gives us a look into his life and with that, a look into our own.
One thing that we all find out in life, is that there are many things that sidetrack us from the path that we have chosen. Some of these things are good and some are the trials and tribulations that make us a stronger person. With this deeply personal album Mr. Rose helps us explore those areas that effect us or have effected us the most.
One such area that we all seem to stumble into is a relationship that is just not working. Paul gives us a glimpse into one such union with the aptly country tinged song "Hurting". With biting lyrics and just a touch of sarcasm, Paul has written a dynamite opening for this slice of real life. I get the feeling that Paul is telling us all that there really is light at the end of the tunnel no matter how bad it might look at the moment. He touches on this theme again with a terrific remake of the classic "It's All Over Now". This song written by Bobby Womack has been covered by numerous people from The Rolling Stones to Molly Hatchet and even a go by Rod Stewert but, Paul gives it a very special twist with his powerful guitar and vocals. The solo that he does is really a treat on this tune.
Paul hits on so many aspects of our lives that you cannot go through this album without relating to at least some part of it. I find that this album speaks to you in so many ways. Such as in the wonderful song "My Life". With rich harmonies and a lush guitar tone that just fills the room, Mr. Rose tells you to live life with wisdom and not regret. Those are the words of a very smart man. You will gain inspiration from his messages and they are all worth listening too. He has another benefit too, his guitar talks to you almost as much as his lyrics. On songs like this his trusted Strat speaks volumes. I read an article recently about B.B. King, in it he says that he lets Lucille talk for him as he is not so good at talking to people. Paul Rose is like that, but he gives you a double whammy with his poignant lyrics and his own version of Lucille.
If you want to hear that guitar talk, there are many examples on Promises. From the masterful "Blues for Stevie G" in which he demonstrates just how the blues should sound, to the jazzy "Summertime" where he conjures up a smokey nightclub with his soulful playing. Paul is the epitome of a six string master. He can make you feel as if the music was ripped right out of his heart and played just for you. In a way, that is just what he is doing too.
One of the most searing pieces I find, is the bluesy instrumental "Lime Street". This song is one of those mellow songs that just makes you want to hop in the car and go out for a drive, chasing the sunset. He might be paying homage to one of his favorite bands with this one, The Beatles, or it could be about the famous Liverpool train station. With it's great riff, I can almost hear the train pulling away from the station so I am going to guess the later, with a little of the Fab Four thrown in. Paul did another version of this song previously on his album Homework. The new one is so much different it is hard to believe it is the same song. Both versions are very, very good but I prefer the update by far.
There are so many fine examples of Mr. Rose's great guitar playing on this album it is hard to find a favorite. But one that I keep get drawn back to is the soothing "Single Coil". This instrumental piece is just a joy to listen to. Paul is so smooth and his finger magic is almost like a massage with this song. If you just want a moment to relax and just let all the cares go away, put this on.
Paul gives you a real treat as he gives you a glimpse into his life and as he puts it, how powerless we are against the passing of time with a purely magical song called "All That Goes Around". His voice is so soothing it is almost like a warm drink on a chilly night. He sounds a lot like one of my favorite artists, Jeff Healey when he sings. I wish Jeff was still with us because I am sure that he would have loved the work of Paul Rose.
I can't say that "No Spark, No Fire" is typical of Paul Rose's style, it is a little country with a lot of soul. But if there is a song that makes me want to buy every album he puts out, this would be it. Paul told me the song is about despair but I get a lot of hope out of this magnificent tune. I think it is mostly because all of us have been where he is singing about at one point in time. I do believe that this song has hit single written all over it. It gets inside of you and just stays there. No matter how much you try to get away from it, this song will become a part of you! Time and time again I have found this tune rattling around in my head for no good reason. This is one of those moments when you realize just how much a great piece of music can be ingrained into your being. I will guarantee that you will not forget this song. Once heard, it will become a part of your life forever.
There are few albums that will touch you on so many levels as this one. Paul has created a piece of work that will become a part of you. His view of life is from a man who has lived through a lot and has come through it a much stronger person. This shines through on the album and will inspire all who give a listen. In a conversation with Paul, he told me that he would like people to get from the album at least the appreciation of what is hopefully some good music/guitar. And at best I would like to think that someone might get hope from it. Well Paul, mission accomplished!
This is one of the most truly amazing works of both a songwriter and a master guitarist. Like I said before, his Strat tells as much of the story as his lyrics. Together this team is unbeatable.
Track listing for the awe inspiring Promises:
1. Hurting
2. No Spark, No Fire
3. Blues For Stevie G
4. My Life
5. All That Goes Around
6. Man Of Mystery
7. Single Coil
8. It's All Over Now
9. Lime Street
10. Excuses
11. Summertime
12. Fairground Dream
13. Promises
From the depression that we all suffer at one time or another in our life, to a bright sunny day at the fair, Paul Rose gives you a slice of life that is so real and dynamic that it is hard to ignore. His message is one of hope and that is what you will take away from this album. That and some really terrific guitar playing! He is in the elite of the blues/rock guitarist and this is a fine example of his talents. Promise me that you will give Promises a chance. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Other related reviews:
Magic City by Paul Rose
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Driving
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Epinions.com ID:
wolfman309
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Member: Scott Ward
Location: Mt Pleasant, MI
Reviews written: 254
Trusted by: 130 members
About Me:
Let the music do the talking!!!
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