Review: Black Country Communion’s album ‘V’

Album Review

Black Country Communion. Photo by Rob Bondurant
By Mike Alahverdian, Rock At Night New England
Review: BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION’s album ‘V’ – Release date June 14, 2024

When it comes to the rock band BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, the term ‘SUPERGROUP’ is not just a label; it’s a testament to the exceptional talents of its members. Formed in 2009, the band has released several critically acclaimed albums, each showcasing the unique talents of its members. Consider the unparalleled guitar skills of Joe Bonamassa, the bass mastery of Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), the keyboard wizardry of Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre, Sons Of Apollo), and the incomparable drumming of Jason Bonham (UFO, Foreigner). Each member brings their unique flair, making this band a powerhouse of talent.

The latest masterpiece from BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, ‘V,’ is a rock fan’s dream. From the electrifying opening chords of ‘Enlightened’ to the abrupt ending of ‘The Open Road,’ BCC presents a rock experience that solidifies their status as some of the world’s most exceptional rock musicians. What sets them apart is their ability to fuse a diverse range of influences, from blues to progressive rock, into a thrilling and captivating sound, a true testament to their musical prowess. This album is a journey through the many facets of rock music, and each song is a unique exploration of a different sound, offering a variety that will keep you intrigued.

Let’s dive into the songs. ‘Enlightened’ features the incredible vocals of Glenn Hughes, who is well known for his outstanding bass work but has also been one of the better vocalists in rock music throughout his career. (Check out ‘The Voice of Rock & Roll’ as he displays his impressive vocal range on Deep Purple’s ‘Burn’). ‘Stay Free’ is the lead single on this fine collection featuring Joe B.’s guitar solo, which was like a breath of fresh air, with his originality and signature sound shining through. ‘Red Sun’ has a very apocalyptic feel and message when Hughes sings, ”change gonna come, it’s just begun, here come the flood.” ‘Restless’ is a song that will make you feel the emotions that overflow from this song. And ‘Letting Go’ will have you tapping your feet and thinking ‘AC/DC,’ although this is 100% BCC, as Hughes has often emphasized their authentic approach to music-making, ‘We create music for ourselves. We make music that resonates with us and hope it resonates with everyone else.’  ‘Skyway’ and ‘You’re Not Alone’ are two compelling songs, and I enjoyed the latter as Sherinian, Bonamassa, and Bonham play their ‘mini-solos’ off each other at the 3:20 minute mark. ‘Love And Faith,’ ‘Too Far Gone,’ and ‘The Open Road’ complete what turns out to be an excellent album.

Producer Kevin Shirley’s expertise shines through in this album, bringing out the best in this superstar lineup. The emotional depth of the songs is a testament to his skill. After a seven-year hiatus, ‘V’ is a labor of love and camaraderie, as these four musicians have etched their names in rock history and could easily rest on their laurels. I urge you to experience ‘V.’  It’s a testament to the band’s enduring talent and a must-listen for any rock music enthusiast, marking a significant milestone in BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION’s illustrious career.

VIDEOS

  Track Listing:1. Enlighten2. Stay Free3. Red Sun4. Restless5. Letting Go6. Skyway7. You’re Not Alone8. Love And Faith9. Too Far Gone10. The Open Road

 

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION is a powerhouse supergroup fusing the incredible talents of Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze), Joe Bonamassa (Blues Rock Legend), Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Sammy Hagar and the Circle, Foreigner) and Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo).

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Michael Alahverdian