UNRULY CHILD – Worlds Collide (2010)
note: not the crappy click/crackled version floating around
After disbanding over sixteen years ago, all the original members of the legendary melodic hard rock quintet UNRULY CHILD have reunited to produce “Worlds Collide”.
Unruly Child’s original line up is pedigree: Mark / Marcie Michelle Free (King Kobra, Signal) on lead vocals, Bruce Gowdy on guitar (Stone Fury, World Trade), Guy Allison (Boz Scaggs, World Trade, Doobie Brothers) on keys, Jay Schellen (Hurricane, World Trade, Asia) on the drums, and Larry Antonino (Pablo Cruise, Air Supply) on bass.
The album opens with a biting commentary on modern life “Show Me The Money”. This track starts off strong and sets the standard for the balance of the album, featuring great vocals, thought provoking lyrics, an intense bass line and the finest guitar solo on the disc. “Insane” is one of the most commercial songs ever recorded by the group, with an amazing bass riff.
“When We Were Young” is arguably the best track on the album – a catchy rhythm line, great keys and a brutal pure AOR chorus.
The band drops its energy level to mellow and soft for the finely crafted “Tell Another Lie” with autobiography lyrics by Free.
“Love Is Blind” settles into a fine rock groove with a chugging rhythm line layered over a heavy bass line and intense harmony vocals, easily the best vocal performance on the disc.
“When Worlds Collide” is a great bluesy track with an almost Def Leppard feel to the guitar hooks, bass groove and intense vocals.
“Talk To Me” is a strong but simple ballad that features Gowdy’s best and most emotional guitar work.
“Read My Mind” is another highlight, featuring great harmony vocals, nifty tempo changes and a sing-along chorus.
The radio-friendly “Very First Time” is a light, up-tempo track wisely arranged with ahit potential
“You Don’t Understand” closes out the album with plenty of keyboard flourishes, acoustic guitars and deeply personal lyrics inspired by Free’s long battle with gender change.
“Worlds Collide” has a polished, crisp and clean production.
Gowdy and Allison did a very solid job. All the instruments are balanced and perfectly mixed.
Marcie Free paid great attention to every aspect of the vocal presentation (all produced by herself), and the layers of harmony are some of the finest ever tracked on a melodic rock album.
The songs are all well written and nicely structured and the performances simply superb.
One of the albums of year without a doubt and a must buy.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
01. Show Me The Money
02. Insane
03. When We Were Young
04. Tell Another Lie
05. Love Is Blind
06. When Worlds Collide
07. Talk To Me
08. Life Death
09. Read My Mind
10. Neverland
11. Very First Time
12. You Don’t Understand
Marcie Michelle Free: vocals
Bruce Gowdy: guitars
Guy Allison: keyboards
Larry Antonino: bass
Jay Schellen: drums
IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!
