STEVE PLUNKETT (Autograph) – Straight Up (2024) *HQ*
Cleorecs will release the long awaited second solo album, his first since 1991, from STEVE PLUNKETT, the lead vocalist and primary creative force behind ’80s platinum hard rockers AUTOGRAPH.
After his debut solo album Plunkett became one of rock’s most in-demand songwriters with bands like The Go-Go’s, Edgar Winter and Vixen recording his songs as well as production work with Cyndi Lauper, Graham Nash, and more. While focused writing & producing for others, Plunkett put aside his career as musician.
But now he’s back with “Straight Up“. According to the press release “this album has everything you’d expect from Plunkett – high energy, razor sharp guitars, rock hooks galore and top quality production that will make you believe it’s the ’80s all over again”.
Does “Straight Up” live up to those expectations? Please keep reading…
While “Straight Up” cover art links a connection with AUTOGRAPH’s robot-girl ’80s artwork, ironically pretty well describes the whole thing about this album: a robot hand signing… or writing the songs.
Yeap, a robot is involved in the creation of “Straight Up”. Or what they call AI / Artificial Intelligence. Unfortunately, this is a trend that started some time ago – not only in Rock music – AI performing drums, guitars, even morphing vocals.
Hence, “Straight Up” overall sound not only feels sterile, but pretty poor. The drums are horrible.
AI isn’t fully developed yet – in a few months it will be able to sing a full song with only a few samples from the human vocalist. But I believe Plunkett performs himself all the 10 tracks on “Straight Up”.
Now songwriting. The songs are verryyy simple, too much even for a party rock album. Lyrics are laughable, but heck, many ’80s songs are. However that was compensated by fine musicians and a huge production. Not the case here.
Overall, “Straight Up” is a missing opportunity for Plunkett to deliver, perhaps, a final strong album. A shame, because he’s a skilled songwriter (much better than this), a fine singer and a good producer.
As you may know by now, we only feature at 0dayrox albums that we consider at least, worth to check out. “Straight Up” isn’t unlistenable, but repetitive, cold… nonhuman.
Judge yourselves.
01 – Rock Machine
02 – Here We Go
03 – First Step
04 – Six String Hero
05 – Rock Star
06 – We’re Gonna Jam
07 – Knockout Punch
08 – On The Stage
09 – Gotta Jump
10 – Start It Up
Pre order:
www.amazon.com/Straight-Up-Steve-Plunkett/dp/B0D4MS2X5L
