Review
Ed is of course best known as the former frontman of The band 'Live' but since their disbanding, Ed has toured the world as a solo artist and has now finally released his first solo effort titled 'Alive’.
I mean in all seriousness, it sounds like a 'Live' album, but how could it not? What is different is that it feels that Ed has taken this opportunity to try something a little different to not make it sound exactly like a new 'Live' album. The songs have really great catchy choruses and musically in places have a completely different feel to his previous works. So when I say it sounds like a 'Live' record I say it in voice only. Ed has done well to make this a relevant rock album which is exactly what it is.
Where 'Alive' really kicks off for me is a few tracks in with 'Grace' wow, this was the lead single and deservidly so, this is what I'm hoping the rest of the album gives me, plenty of rock. Ed does not disappoint. Thanks Ed. 'Drink (Everlasting Love)' was cowritten with Chris Daughtry and you can hear the influence with a great track I can see being added to radio in a heartbeat. The album does have it's ups and downs or as I call these songs 'skippers', but find me one that doesn't these days.
Lyrically Ed has always been more intense than a campsite, and his live performances really showcase the depth and meaning of his words. I look forward to hearing some of these songs on stage as the one thing is that Ed always believes what he is singing and it connects with people. As the album comes to an end, I absolutely love the last track 'Fire On The Mountain' a perfect way to round out this album.
You know, I understand that 'Live' may not have been everyone's thing but forget that, pick up 'Alive' and just enjoy an artist that will continue to have a great career if he can release music of this calibre. Nice work Mr Kowalczyk.
