Rick Springfield - Venus in Overdrive
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Free Music Notes for Venus in Overdrive
Free Music Review: This Great Success Couldn't Happen To A Nicer Set Of Guy(s)
Hit: 5 Stars
As a fan of his music since the early 1980's, I can clearly hear the return of that classic Rick Springfield musical energy in his latest CD (Venus In Overdrive).
Collaborating on this music project with Matt Bissonette (of "The Squirts") was an excellent musical move in the right direction.
Matt B. has been Rick's long time bass player (for live performances, and for recording) this fact has truly has granted him (Bissonette) some very special insight on exactly how (Rick) Springfield's music should really sound when it's being played at the top of its melodic game.
Co-writing with Matt Bissonette on this project has clearly allowed him (Springfield) to bring back a lot of the driving force musical energy that was so very present in many of his earlier projects ("Working Class Dog", "Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet", "Living In Oz").
With songs like " What's Victoria's Secret" coming right directly at you with those classic Rick Springfield guitar riffs. And, with his (Rick's) lead singing voice (sounding better than ever) clearly in control, and hearing his voice once again (singing in strong support of the) the tightly locked up backing vocals, this just may be some of his best work(s)in years.
Rick has been very smart to constantly surround himself with top notch musicians (Derek Hilland (Keyboards), Matt Bissonette (Bass) of "The Squirts", George Bernhardt (Guitars), of "The Squirts", and Rodger Carter (Drums), also of "The Squirts") on this project.
And, being that the before-mentioned musicians are also the members of his touring band, the musical tightness that years of playing together would naturally bring, is shown throughout the entire (Venus In Overdrive) CD.
And, if you add in Grammy Award Winning recording engineer Matty Spindel (his Grammy is for Santana's Supernatural album) sitting behind the recording/mixing board console, it only makes sense that this project is now flying high as the highest Billboard charting Rick Springfield CD in many years.
Now myself, after having the opportunity to occasionally watch Rick and the boys do their thing (very up close, and personal), trust me when I say,... This Great Success Could Not Happen To A Nicer Set Of Guy(s).
-Robert Darryl Wallace
BTW, please do look up "The Squirts", and do purchase their CD's ("The Squirts", and "The Squirts,... "Re-Squirted", and do be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. Trust me, I get no monies from any of this.
Free Music Review: The man gets no credit
Hit: 5 Stars
I've been a Springfield fan since 81' after picking up "Working Class Dog" & i've bought everything he's done ever since . With the exception of the cover album , I've never been dissappointed .
I'm amazed at the different directions he's taken over the years . His music has matured so much since the 80's . I'm sure most of his fans are female , but the guys who turn up their nose because they think he's bubblegum have no idea what they're missing .
While VIO doesn't rock all the way thru like Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance (my favorite RS cd) , it does flow very nicely from start to finish . All in all I'd say it's a very balanced collection of songs . The sound is very lush & full . This cd just crackles with energy . Springfield's music is so fresh , unbelievable for a guy in his late 50's who's been around for so long . I've seen him live several times . Most recently this past spring & he just keeps getting better with age .
Today's artists could learn a lot from this guy . There's nothing bland or boring about Rick's music in the least . He has everything todays musicians lack . Energy , soul , passion , feeling , intelligence & talent . No he's not the strongest singer of his generation , but he makes good use of the range he has , & talk about an underrated guitarist & writer . Please !
I've heard this disc is getting some recognition on the charts . It probably won't get as much as it deserves , but it's encouraging all the same .
It's hard to choose a favorite on this album , because I don't consider any of it filler . If I was forced to pick one , it would have to be the title cut . It's just so in your face & aggresive . There isn't one cut on this disc that I skip over when I listen to it , & I listen to it a lot .
Guys spread the word . Pop this cd in when your friends aren't paying attention . Don't tell them who it is until they tell you they like it . Then watch the look on their face . I've already done it a couple of times .
If you like this cd & you're not already an RS fan , start working your way back . Pick up SDAA , Karma & Written In Rock : The Anthology .
Free Music Review: He's got it, Yeah Baby He's got it!, Venus In Overdrive
Hit: 5 Stars
As previous reviews of mine that I have written, here on Amazon
I am a known LONGTIME Rick Springfield fan.
And, as for me this year, I enter my 4th decade of life...
The last couple of my reviews however, have been less than stellar for Rick, and for his previous CD THE DAY AFTER YESTERDAY.
I hated writing that review but I had to write what I actually felt.
And Rick's Christmas album, well was a Christmas album not much to write about but having the proceeds go to the families of Veterans/Casualties of war was a touching tribute.
Which brings me to my first point for the new CD
VENUS IN OVERDRIVE has everything Springfield fan could want.
When Rick is at his best, and writing original material his musical genius really shines through.
And I must tell you Rick is getting back to his musical roots
with VENUS letting you experience the beauty of Rick's songwriting and the raw emotions he evokes from life's experiences for all to hear.
Rick has done VENUS IN OVERDRIVE with songs that have a resonating quality that stays with you and are enjoyable and keep you hooked akin to Rick's mega and best known hit JESSIE'S GIRL.
Springfield's own enjoyment of these songs on VENUS seems to come through as well.
Now that's not to say that Rick is stuck in the 80's trying to relive his glory days, with a Jessie's Girl/ Working Class dog redo, with VIO.
The songs from VENUS IN OVERDRIVE are original, wonderfully done, with a fresh sound, great guitar beats.
And here's to hoping for Rick and with Rick; getting and seeing ALOT of hit potential for the song "What's Victoria's Secret"
And yes, again Rick manages to draw from a place of writing his songs for VENUS that make this CD span across the universe for an appeal to all.
VENUS IN OVERDRIVE rocks it out of this world.
So it's title is quite appropriate.
Thanks Rick!
And thanks to all whom read my long review.
Free Music Review: Rick At His Best
Hit: 5 Stars
"Venus in Overdrive", co-written/produced with band mate Matt Bissonette, is Rick at his best. I've never heard this Rick. Yes, he still has the same soulful voice, but he is VERY different from the Rick that sang "Jessie's Girl" back in the 1980s. Don't get me wrong, this CD has just as much rock and soul (guitar riffs, backbeat, bass) as all of his others, but every track is a revelation of reality in love, life, death, and war. Rick brings it all on and doesn't let -- or bring -- you down.
In reviews, I've seen many postings comparing the song "Jessie's Girl" to "What is Victoria's Secret?" but the mindset behind them is as different as night and day. This time around, Rick's gone from writing about men WANTING girls to writing about why men THINK they want girls. While the 80's Rick told you that "Love is All Right Tonight", he now reveals that love isn't tied up with a pretty ribbon. While he writes and sings about love, he's just as lost as the rest of us. This soul-searching introspection sets the tone for every track on the CD.
"Venus in Overdrive" proves that Rick is not some 80's "pop icon" looking to hang on to stardom by cranking out the same formula over and over again. If that was the case, he'd make more money in dinner theater. In my opinion, Rick has consistently proven that an artist can achieve longevity by changing his thinking in many aspects of life, have the guts to tell the whole world about it, and still make incredible music.
Free Music Review: A great album!
Hit: 5 Stars
Many people are quick to write off Rick Springfield as an '80s relic. Perhaps even a one-hit wonder, having only scored one #1 hit, "Jessie's Girl," in 1981. But over 25 years, 19 million records, and nearly 20 Top 40 hits later, Rick has withstood the test of time. And now, he has his best album since "Working Class Dog." The entire album has a very sharp, clean contemporary sound while still staying true to Springfield's roots.
The opening track, "What's Victoria's Secret?" is classic pop-rock at its finest. "I'll Miss That Someday" is a terrific song about love-hate relationships. "Oblivious" and "Saint Sahara," two songs written in tribute of a young fan who passed away, are truly touching. Other stand out songs include "3 Warning Shots," about the murder of John Lennon, the slightly-punk "Time Stands Still," "God Blinked (Swing It Sister)," which is like a melding of Huey Lewis and Aerosmith (sounds strange, but you realize it's true when you listen to it), the Beatles-esque "She," and the title track itself, "Venus In Overdrive." It's definitely not a dark album, like 2004's "Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance," but it shows that Springfield has really matured as a musician. If this album is any indication, the singer still has some of his best work ahead of him.