JEFF LaBAR (Cinderella) – One For The Road (retail CD + extra song)

While most people view Tom Keifer as the mastermind behind platinum rockers Cinderella — and rightfully so, considering he was their principal songwriter, guitarist JEFF LaBAR was an essential part of the band’s sound.
That’s why “One For The Road“, LaBar’s first solo offering, was so intriguing, because we could finally hear what the guitarist was capable of in terms of composing songs and bringing them to life.
And the dud is disipated since opener “No Strings”, sounding like a chaotic compilation of Cinderella’s ‘Somebody Save Me’ and Dokken’s ‘It’s Not Love,’ complete with a familiar set of string bends during the introduction which pays homage to the former.

The guitarist himself recognizes that the song could easily fit on a new Cinderella record, just throw Keifer’s scratchy falsetto into the mix and you have a runaway hard rock anthem.
Dedicated listeners are at least subconsciously familiar with LaBar’s talent as a vocalist, as he has offered the backbone to many of Cinderella’s instantly recognizable choruses.

Rather than appoint a singer who takes a similar approach as Tom Keifer, Jeff LaBar confidently steps to the front of the mix as a lead vocalist, and the result remains familiar sounding yet ultimately steps aside as something unique; arguably, just as a solo album should.
Jeff’s vocals uncover a gem, in that the man can sing.

“Asking For A Beating” is a heavier track that doesn’t veer from the course, it simply adds some attitude and power to the groove. The rhythm section anchors the song while the vocals and guitar duet in a darker groove than most of the other tracks on the disc.
“Muse” is the first of two guitar instrumentals, and it sets the mood for the next track. “Hello Or Goodbye” is a beautiful composition that allows Jeff’s vocals to mesh with an acoustic guitar, while giving the disc a little depth, by rocking while in ballad mode.
“Ode To Page” is the other instrumental on the disc with a cool guitar work offering layered parts and solos. Yes, it’s a song dedicated to Jimmy Page.

“Nightmare On My Street” is another track that builds on the ’80s sound with all the trappings of a killer hard rock track without going overboard with any of them. Jeff provides to his trademark style and vibe an updated feel and grittiness. His vocals are dark and heavy, while the riffs are furious and full.
Title track “One For The Road” takes us back to the sound Jeff helped create for Cinderella, without the nostalgic feel – this is a fresh take on a classic sound & style. Vocals and guitars come together to build a meaty, rocking mid-tempo that reminds you Richie Sambora’s first solo album, and it’s one of the highlights on the record.

If you miss the classic Cinderella in the recent Keifer solo works, look no more; get Jeff LaBar’s “One For The Road” immediately.
Jeff has finally graced the hard rock world with a terrific solo album which leaves you hungry for more and forces to push the repeat button. Yes, it’s too short, but I prefer 7 great tracks and not unnecessary fillers.
But for those looking for more, we have the single LaBar released about a year after the album: ”Hello Or Goodbye (Remix) [feat. da Karkos]”, a completely different version of one of the album’s songs

Quality ’80s hard rock proudly arise on “One For The Road” thanks to Jeff LaBar and his ‘special touch’. Don’t miss this one.
Highly Recommended

01. No Strings
02. Asking For A Beating
03. Muse
04. Hello Or Goodbye
05. Ode To Page
06. Nightmare on My Street
07. One For The Road
EXTRA:
08. Hello Or Goodbye (Remix) [feat. da Karkos]

Jeff LaBar – vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass
Troy Lucketta (Tesla) – drums
Chris Williams – drums
Cheney Brannon – drums
Ronnie Honeycutt – drums

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