Although they never reached the level of fame and fortune that they should have, Hanoi Rocks is hands down one of the most important bands in the history of rock music. Their androgynous glam look and distinct musical blend of Stonesian blues, hooky power pop, and no frills punk singlehandedly paved the way for the 80s glam metal revolution. The group tragically disbanded in 1985 after the death of drummer Razzle, but that didn’t stop frontman Michael Monroe from carrying on the band’s legacy with a brilliant solo career. Despite first making waves over 40 years ago, Monroe remains fresh as ever on his latest album, the aptly titled I Live Too Fast to Die Young.
The passage of time has hardly affected the legendary Monroe. He still looks the same: eye liner, lipstick, blonde mane, red leather, and all. He also sounds the same, his voice being a sort of glammy hybrid of Mick Jagger and Iggy Pop. And as for the music, if you love all those classic Hanoi Rocks albums, there’s no reason you won’t love this outing. It essentially follows the same template, evenly balancing rockers and ballads, yet without ever losing substance during the latter. Think less cliché AOR tinged arena rock anthems and more introspective troubadour looking back on life, but more on that in a bit.
From the raucous opener that is “Murder the Summer of Love”, Monroe keeps his fists clenched and tongue planted firmly in cheek for this entire outing. Whether it be the in your face sleaze of “Young Drunks & Old Alcoholics”, full speed metalpunk of “Pagan Prayer”, or anthemic hedonism of the title track, Monroe keeps it real, the only way he knows how to. The words “selling out” don’t exist in his dictionary. His band also shares in his youthful energy (an important factor), boasting an explosive rhythm section and a guitar duo that subscribe to the Keith Richards “less is more” ethos.
On the ballad side of things is a handful of equally compelling songs which show off a different side of Monroe. “Derelict Palace” is dark and compelling, following in the tradition of classic Hanoi Rocks. There’s also the gentle, piano based “Antisocialite” and hard headed “No Guilt”. Yet perhaps no song better encapsulates the balance between ballad and rocker than my choice cut, “Everybody’s Nobody”, which can only be described as Springsteen with balls. The optimistic lyrics coupled with power pop chord changes evoke a bittersweet nostalgia that can’t help but grip this headbanger’s heart.
While many of his peers and even the bands he inspired have since lost steam, Monroe continues to proudly carry the rock n’ roll torch. Considering he’s only a week away from his 60th birthday, there’s a good chance Monroe will continue doing what he does best (rockin’ and rollin’) for at least another 20 years, and why not? The Stones are currently making the rounds on their 60th (!!!) anniversary tour, which makes Monroe a youngster by comparison. So I’d like to raise my glass to many more years of living fast! Long live Michael Monroe!
9 out of 10
Label: Silver Lining Music
Genre: Hard Rock
For fans of: Hanoi Rocks, Cheap Trick, Enuff Z’Nuff