GARY HUGHES – Waterside (2021)
Released by Frontiers Music, “Waterside‘ is the first solo album of original material for GARY HUGHES in 14 years. Gary’s work with his band TEN offers a hard rock sound which is rooted in the tradition of bands such as UFO, Magnum, and Rainbow, however his solo material always offered a more melodic sound which has strong roots in the late ’80s AOR and Melodic Rock scene.
“Waterside,” marks his long awaited return to Melodic Rock. This is also his first new solo album since his ‘Veritas’ release well over a decade ago. Assisting Gary in the creation of this new solo album are his TEN bandmates Dann Rosingana (guitars) and Darrel Treece-Birch (drums, keys), with David Rosingana appearing on bass and Karen Fell and Scott Hughes helping on background vocals.
We have 10 new AOR tunes magnificently led by the powerful voice of Hughes, who is still today one of the most beautiful – and still intact – voices in rock. ‘All At Once It Feels Like I Believe’ begins the album in a nice mood with smooth keyboards as intro, Gary’s phrasing before the guitars and rhythm section come in for an integral sound.
‘Electra-Glide’ seems more rooted in the Seventies, but soon that Eighties feeling appears with great harmonies which are Hughes’ trademark while ‘Lay Down’, almost eight minutes long yet never boring, is a pure melodic rock wonder. Effective from the first to the last second, this track gives room to Dann Rosingana’s guitars to shine.
On the other hand ‘The Runaway Damned’ is built around a strong riff recalling TEN epic side. Gary’s voice is bigger than any other song here, and fans of his Nineties work with his band will enjoy this one a plenty.
Of course there’s a ballad here, something this vocalist excels to: ‘Screaming In The Half Light’ in one of the highlights on the CD and a showcase for Hughes’ dexterity.
‘Video Show’ is superb with its strong riff, lovely melody, once again delivering a compelling chorus. ‘Save My Soul’ is great too, where the guitars are a bit more aggressive.
Closing track ‘When Love Is Done’ is another favorite, a ballad where the keyboards and the vocals work at the unison to create a stupendous atmosphere.
“Waterside” showcases a Gary Hughes in top form; vocally intact and he’s already known for his songwriting abilities. The back up band is really good creating the proper background for these unique melodies, and while production could be a lot better, what matters is the music and the songs, and you’ll find quality here.
Highly Recommended
1. All At Once It Feels Like I Believe
2. Electra- Glide
3. Lay Down
4. The Runaway Damned
5. Screaming In The Half Light
6. Waterside
7. Video Show
8. Save My Soul
9. Seduce Me
10. When Love Is Done
Gary Hughes – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, programming
Dann Rosingana – guitars
David Rosingana – bass
Darrel Treece-Birch – keyboards, drums
Karen Fell – backing vocals
Scott Hughes – lead and backing vocals
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Waterside-Gary-Hughes/dp/B08PJM385R
