DWIGHT TWILLEY – Always (2015)
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You have to give American singer / songwriter DWIGHT TWILLEY his due. After decades delivering smart melodic hits and instantly establishing himself as one of its elder statesmen, he’s as eager as ever to show he’s still committed to the cause.
The dozen songs that occupy his aptly-named new album “Always” prove that point, what with its insistent riffing, compelling choruses and persistent declarations of enduring love, the very things that have underscored his radio-ready sound since the beginning.
The man has created several successful singles over the years, but I am fan of Dwight’s melodious stuff since his contributions to different ’80s movie soundtracks. Funnily enough, his last studio album was titled ‘Soundtrack’.
From the first chords of the initial entry, title-track “Always”, it’s obvious that Twilley still possesses the chops that can all but assure a stirring sing-along.
With songs that alternate between lofty, stately ballads (“Lovers” or “I See It In Your Eyes”) and catchy, compelling rockers (“A Million Miles Wide”, “Everyday”, “We Were Scared”), Twilley and crew – an all-star line-up that includes guests Mitch Easter, Susan Cowsill, Ron Flynt, Steve Allen, Leland Sklar, Ken Stringfellow, Tommy Keene and longtime colleague Bill Pitcock IV – Twilley shows that simpler is better, but savvy bests it all.
All these plus the bluesy “Til’ the Jukebox Dies” will appease longtime Twilley fans as well as appeal to a popular music / classic rock audience looking for substance while also attempting to avoid ulterior motives.
As ever, the contagious melodies and solid sound draws the listener into Dwight’s world – you come for the party and ultimately stay for the great company.
Music lovers still unfamiliar with Dwight’s work will find this album both catchy and compelling.
While the disc is laced with radio candy tunes (’80s radio I must say), this is an album that moves in feel & emotion from top to bottom, forcing the listener back to the top again.
Just like Twilley ‘Always’ does.
Very Recommended.
01 – Always
02 – A Million Miles Wide
03 – Lovers
04 – Into The Flame
05 – Everybody’s Crazy
06 – Everyday
07 – ’til The Jukebox Dies
08 – We Were Scared
09 – Happy Birthday
10 – I See It In Your Eyes
11 – Fools Like Me
12 – Tomorrow
Dwight Twilley – vocals, guitar bass, keyboards, percussion
Bill Pitcock IV – guitar, bass
Leland Sklar – bass
Dave Armstrong, Ken Stringfellow, Ron Flynt, Timm Buechler – add. bass
Doug Wiley – drums
Jimmy Karstein – percussion
Ron Flynt – keyboards, organ
Susan Cowsill – harmony vocals
Aaron “Slimquick” Failes, JB Meyers, Mitch Easter, Roger Linn, Steve Allen, Steve Ripley, Tommy Keene – guitar
BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Always-Dwight-Twilley/dp/B00O4HXC32
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