Room Service

Though Bryan Adams racked up some of his biggest hits with a string of mammoth, soundtrack-related power ballads, it was his earlier heartland-rock hits that first endeared him to music fans. ROOM SERVICE (2005) goes a long way towards restoring the Canadian singers reputation as a no-frills rocker, with a selection of expertly crafted and energetically performed compositions that rank among his best work. This is generally a straight-ahead guitar/bass/drums affair from top to bottom. "Right Back Where I Started From" is a tough, Stonesy, twang-fueled stomper reminiscent of Adamss CUTS LIKE A KNIFE era. "I Was Only Dreaming" breaks the mold a little by adding a rhythmic string accompaniment and some Hendrix-like psychedelic guitar, but retains the classic Adams sound. The most intriguing songs, however, are the last two, "Nowhere Fast," and "Why Do You Have to Be So Hard to Love;" both combine a moody roots-rock feel with a wistful lyricism, leaving listeners with a palpable sense of Adamss admirable return to form.

おかえりブライアン!!　実に6年ぶりとなるニュー・アルバムは、自称〈永遠の18歳〉を地で行くゴキゲンなロックンロールが満載!　さらにLP時代のロック・アルバムを彷彿とさせる収録時間の短さも、余計なものを削ぎ落とした潔い姿勢であり、全盛期と変わらぬ……というか全盛期はまさにいま!ということを感じさせずにはいられない快心の出来映え。さらに11月にリリースされるDVD「Live AID」でのパフォーマンスも必見!
bounce (C)石田 英稔