When faced with a prognosis as grim as incurable lung cancer, most would spend the rest of their days living in depression and fear. Not Ronnie Atkins. The longtime Pretty Maids frontman stands defiant in the face of death with the release of his debut solo album, One Shot. The title and message of the album is more than just symbolism. In a recent Facebook post, Atkins explained that he wasn’t sure he’d be around to witness the release of this album. Thankfully for us, he is and he should be proud.
Now if you’re going into One Shot with the expectations of it being a Pretty Maids album under a different moniker, don’t. While it’s rooted in the same modern hard rock/AOR approach as the last few Pretty Maids albums, it’s far less metallic and more musically diverse. Whereas Pretty Maids albums are a reflection of the entire band, One Shot is our exclusive glimpse into the world of Atkins. At a time (the mid 80s) when it was fashionable to be a screamer in the vein of Rob Halford and King Diamond, Atkins stood out with his tough, powerful midrange delivery. His unique vocals still stand up today and are the centerpiece of this album.
One Shot largely consists of uplifting hard rock comparable to modern Bon Jovi, though far more memorable and palatable. The album’s opening track, “Real”, boasts a positive personal message: “And I still fly like an eagle soaring high. It’s gotta be real.” The album’s title track is a triumphant mega ballad with big guitars and an even bigger chorus: “One shot. One life. One chance to throw the dice. And we can’t waste another day no.” Have truer lyrics ever been penned? I think not. Atkins doesn’t want us to look at him with sympathy. He wants us to celebrate life as he has by living everyday to the fullest.
For those worried that One Shot leans too much on the introspective emotional side, fear not. There are a few prime cuts of classic Pretty Maids style melodic metal on here. “Before the Rise of an Empire” screams Pretty Maids with its battle ready riffs and fist pumping chorus. “I Prophesize” reminds me of if Eclipse and Scorpions had a baby. The guitars are heavier than lead, but the song structure lays more on the AOR side. The final metallic moment on One by One, and perhaps my favorite track, is “One by One”. Have you ever wondered would happen if Electric Light Orchestra style power pop collided with Wacken style power metal? Neither have I, but it’s right here on this song.
Heavy metal is about sticking to your guns, standing strong, and being fearless. Taking those requirements into account, Atkins is likely the most metal man alive. He’s devoted his entire life to hard and heavy music. And if such a thing is possible, he’s devoting his death to it as well. I’ll continue to pray for a miracle in hopes that One Shot isn’t the last we hear of this metal legend. But assuming this is the last musical will and testament of Ronnie Atkins, it has succeeded in its purpose of reaching this listener’s soul.
7 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: Hard Rock
For fans of: Pretty Maids, Eclipse, Bon Jovi