By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Album Review: Ben Poole’s Anytime You Need Me–Release date September 14, 2018 on Manhaton Records
Blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter Ben Poole is releasing his latest studio album Anytime You Need Me on September 14th. The album is being released following his last critically acclaimed Time Has Come.
Rock At Night gave Ben Poole’s 13-song album a whirl and there are a variety of styles covered in the album to please everyone. First of all, Poole’s voice is very similar to Don Henley and even Michael Jackson at times—definitely suited to pop rock music. Actually, Poole covers “Dirty Laundry” and it is an exceptionally good rendition of the 80s classic. This was a great choice to cover as I always enjoy when an artist gives his or her own spin to a song.
“Anytime You Need Me” and “You Could Say” have a rock-funk influence going on with the hand-slapping bass lines, guitar solos, and a very catchy (and danceable) sound. In fact, you might find yourself dancing to a lot of these songs like “Take It No More” and “Start the Car.” Probably my favorite song and a good contender as the next single is “Found Out the Hard Way” with its catchy, ear-worm chorus and harmonies. It has almost an 80s rock music feel, which a lot of the songs have—real lyrics, real guitar work, and uplifting melodies one can singalong with—and feel good!
Traditional blues fans may feel the album is not bluesy enough, but those that enjoy alt rock, or pop rock, or indie music, will certainly appreciate Poole’s songwriting talent, smooth singing, and infectious choruses.
You can catch Ben Poole on Tour in the UK this Fall:
BEN POOLE – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 UK TOUR
TICKETS: http://benpooleband.com/live
Latest Music Bar, Brighton Wednesday 21 November
The Stables, Milton Keynes Thursday 22 November
Old Schoolhouse, Barnsley Friday 23 November
The Meeting Room, Elland Saturday 24 November
The Beaverwood Club, Chislehurst Wednesday 28 November
Oran Mor, Glasgow Thursday 29 November
Cafe Drummonds, Aberdeen Friday 30 November
The Green Hotel, Kinross Saturday 1 December
Früit, Hull Wednesday 5 December
Real Time Live, Chesterfield Thursday 6 December
The Ropewalk, Barton upon Humber Friday 7 December
Half Moon Putney, London Wednesday 12 December
The Musician, Leicester Thursday 13 December
The Railway, Winchester Saturday 15 December
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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