DEREK DAVIS (Babylon A.D, Moonshine) – Revolutionary Soul (2017)
DEREK DAVIS, singer with glam metal band Babylon A.D., Moonshine and others has announced that he is to release a new solo album titled “Revolutionary Soul” on January 7, 2017.
We already presented here on the blog Davis’ solo debut years ago, and this follow up effort includes a diverse 12-track collection of songs in which the musician pens nine, plays all instruments, sings, arranges, and produces.
Not many rock singers have the soul needed to pull an album like this off but to Derek’s credit he does so, even tackling what has become the Noughties most covered song in the form of The Zutons’ “Valerie”.
Also here is a cool slab at the old Jimmy Cox standard “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”, along with Bobby Womack’s “Woman’s Gotta Have It”.
Apart from those covers, it truly is the originals from Davis that make this album a good listen.
Davis’s exploration of combining old school R&B, Funk, Pop and Hard Rock is awe-inspiring and leaves the listener wanting more.
The funk driven, hard-hitting title track “Revolutionary Soul” delivers the angst and vocal delivery he is known for. Both lyrically and musically the track speaks to the frustration and passion of the forgotten man in today’s ever changing world.
The second track “Rapture” is a sensual tale of a cat and mouse encounter between the sexes with an infectious groove.
With “Think About It” and “Love and Abuse” Davis brings out the horn sections, classic B3 Hammond, and some great storytelling, along with some tasteful guitar leads.
The sultry ballads “Vicious Heart,” “King of Fools,” and “Stop! Wait a Minute” paint a beautiful landscape of broken hearts and lost love. Bobby Womack’s “Woman’s Gotta Have It” and “Picture of Love” keep the soul train moving right along.
On the last track, “All The Roads,” Davis lyrically bares his soul—emotionally and spiritually—providing a glimpse of his inner self, while weaving a sonic atmosphere of guitar sounds deep into the mind of the listener.
The only other rock singer with a hard rock background I can imagine pulling something like this “Revolutionary Soul” is David Lee Roth, as this record it’s reminiscent of the Van Halen frontman covers EP from the ’80s.
However, the difference here is that Davis’ pipes are much more varied and are the main selling point.
Whilst this is being touted as a soul / funk / rock–inspired album, I just see and hear it as a great classic rock album, irrespective of genre. And that to me is the highest compliment an artist can achieve.
Derek Davis is a creative and talented performer, singer, songwriter, musician, and producer who delivers it all with and indeed, a ‘revolutionary soul’.
If you love classic rock music, give the kid who went wild a chance and you may even find some grooves to get lost in.
01 – Revolutionary Soul
02 – Rapture
03 – Valerie
04 – Think About It
05 – Love and Abuse
06 – Nobody Knows You When Your’e Down & Out
07 – Vicious Heart
08 – Woman’s Gotta Have It
09 – King of Fools
10 – Picture of Love
11 – Stop! Wait a Minute
12 – All the Roads
Derek Davis: all vocals & instruments
Pre Order:
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