DAN REED NETWORK – Let’s Hear It For The King (2022)
DAN REED NETWORK are ready to release their new album entitled “Let’s Hear It For The King” tomorrow. After returning as a unit some years ago and since then releasing a couple of solid releases, Dan Reed Network capitalized the pandemic lockdown to craft what is possibly their best album to date.
”Let’s Hear It For The King” is a terrific piece of work in every way, with the usual lyrical content giving the listener plenty of time to think while they move to the melodies at the same time. The lyrics are always a thing you either take seriously or with a grain of salt, and Dan Reed himself makes his philosophy pretty-well known as it is, so any fan can already relate to that and let the music take over as well.
They practically forged a new sound altogether here, with a modern edge in the foreground, without losing any of their classic heavy-funk / melodic rock leanings. I can’t help hearing everything from pop to prog rock on this magnificent delivery.
The album kicks off with “Pretty Karma,” and having already heard it, the track stands up as one of the best on offer. Great stuff and sure to go down as a DNR classic. But things get mighty interesting right away after that, with “Ghost Inside” addressing the issues of being a man, so to speak, and what a killer track it is.
“Starlight” follows, which is one of the first two singles, and another vibrant trip through the galaxy of great sounds to be heard throughout. Not to be cliché, but speaking of galaxies, “Supernova” comes blasting out after that with an Eighties vibe, before it goes into some cool spoken word stuff, all whilst still energetically rocking away. And that’s only the first four tracks.
It only gets better as it goes, with “Let’s Hear It For The King” taking the lead concept into the stratosphere, featuring some of Dan Reed’s best lyrics. This is a true modern rock statement without being too obvious about what’s bothering the world and leaving it down to socio-political views of the listener. Not to mention, retaining that original funky chunky rock blend the fans have come to expect, which means it rocks heavily but you can still dance to it.
And it all proves every word I say from track to track, some of them with beautiful edges, which can be heard on “I See Angels” and others. Brion James brings the usual guitar genius to each and every song, as do Melvin Brannon Jr. on bass, Rob Daiker on keys and co-production duties, and Dan Pred on drums/percussion and videography.
“Homegrown” is a highlight for me, although I have yet to completely get the story, which can happen with anything you haven’t heard a lot yet. I just know it’s another killer track on an album with no filler. It’s all 100% here, no matter how you slice them back and forth or try and specifically define them genre-wise.
“Might Just Get It” is a good way to explain that before too much more of the album goes by, so it’s only appropriate to take a breather somewhere.
“Where’s The Revolution” and “Are You Ready” bring more contagious back to back gems, both delivering in all departments. “Unfuck My World” speaks volumes for itself before the epic “Last Day On Saturn” leaves you battered and begging for the sun.
This is a musically hypnotic and melodically contagious new album with high marks going to everyone involved, and I’d rather give it a 10, than compare and reminisce about the past when it comes to this band. I’ll leave that up to those determined to do so, which usually places stylistic concerns over substance and vitality. Nothing to do but let it rise or fall on its own merits, and either land on deaf ears or not.
But if you really ask me, there’s a lot to unpack here and not a bum note to be heard in the process. I can say that much about it without getting too bias, but I can also say if you’re not looking for DRN’s freshest palette, you could also be disappointed. I hope they change you mind if that is the case.
My hat goes off to the boys, they’ve outdone themselves.
Highly Recommended
01 – Pretty Karma
02 – The Ghost Inside
03 – Starlight
04 – Supernova
05 – Let’s Hear It for the King
06 – I See Angels
07 – Homegrown
08 – Stumble
09 – Just Might Get It
10 – Where’s the Revolution
11 – Are You Ready
12 – Unfuck My World
13 – Last Day on Saturn*
* Bonus track on CD
Dan Reed: Lead Vocals, Guitar, Synths
Brion James: Guitar, Vocals, Synths, Orchestration
Melvin Brannon II: Bass, Vocals
Dan Pred: Drums, Percussion
Rob Daiker: Keyboards, Vocals, Guitar
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Lets-Hear-King-Network-Reed/dp/B09K1T8DWZ
