I’m the first to trash a classic act that hops upon the modern rock bandwagon. 9 times out of 10, these clumsy efforts to “keep up with the times” result in an album that’s faceless, bland, and would’ve sounded out of date 15 years ago. And then you’ve got the rare exception like Chosen, the latest album from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Glenn Hughes. With a résumé that boasts the likes of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Trapeze, as well as a myriad of supergroups (Black Country Communion), side projects (Hughes-Thrall), and guest appearances (Pat Travers Band, Night Ranger, etc.), I’m convinced this 74 year old “Voice of Rock” could do no wrong. This trend continues with Chosen.
Now to circle back to my initial point, Chosen is, for all intents and purposes, a modern rock album. There is the occasional nod to Hughes’ musical past, which we’ll be examining shortly, but for the most part, this is a collection of songs that wouldn’t feel out of place on your local active rock radio station. What sets them apart, however, from your dime a dozen Nickelback clones and industry plant nu metal revivalists, is A. Hughes’ iconic voice and B. Extremely proficient and thoughtful songwriting. Sonically, there is a mature and cerebral edge to these songs that recalls cult power trio King’s X, or even prog metal voyagers Black Sites. Singer-songwriter metal? Perhaps!
On top of these already unique traits, not only does Hughes step out on this album as a singer and songwriter, but also as a bassist, proving himself yet again to be one of rock’s greatest triple threats. From the opening rhythmic thump of “Voice in My Head”, we can hear Hughes’ bass loud and clear, at times even leading the charge. This is the case for fellow groove rockers like the title track, “In the Golden”, and the closing “Into the Fade”. The rhythms are hypnotic, the riffs are heavy, the melodies are infectious, and when Hughes harmonizes with himself, it rivals those of Lennon and McCartney. Hey, if I were his age and had that vocal range, I’d showoff with two and three part harmonies as well!
Like I said earlier, Chosen is not without its nods to Hughes’ storied past. Take for example the funk-infused swagger of “Hot Damn Thing” and “Black Cat Moan” (not to be confused with the Beck, Bogert & Appice classic). Both sound reminiscent of Stormbringer era Purple, and are characteristic of what one would expect from Hughes, yet while still managing to sound fresh and forceful. As for my choice cut, “The Lost Parade”, this doom metal dirge sounds straight off Iommi’s Fused, leaving us yearning for another collaboration between the Voice of Rock and the Dark Lord of the Riff! Then again, when one revisits Trapeze’s Medusa, it becomes clear that Hughes is a man who’s had the doom with him before doom metal was a genre proper.
After a near decade long solo absence (between BCC, The Dead Daisies, and resurrecting his era of Purple for the live stage, he’s been a busy man), Hughes comes back stronger than ever with Chosen. He hasn’t missed a beat, picking up right where 2016’s Resonate left off, and doing a fine job at it. As the old saying goes, you can’t stop the rock, and you especially can’t when you’ve got Hughes as its mouthpiece. Forget antidepressants; Chosen will surely turn your blues into Purples!
8 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: Hard Rock
For fans of: Black Country Communion, King’s X, Alter Bridge