SMITH/KOTZEN Smith/Kotzen | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

    

Released by BMG on March 26th, 2021

Smith/Kotzen 

Smith/Kotzen is the self-titled debut album from Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen. Smith is an English guitarist, best known as a member of Iron Maiden from 81 till 89 and then from 2000 till now. While in Maiden he increasingly became an important song writer. Before leaving the band he released a solo album as guitar player but also as lead singer, Silver and Gold in 1989. He also released two albums with Psycho Motel, two amazing albums with Bruce Dickinson and since returning to Maiden in the year 2000, he also released a Primal Rock Rebellion album in 2012. Kotzen is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. As a solo artist, Kotzen has back catalogue of more than 20 album releases. He was a member of glam metal band Poison, Mr. Big, and since 2012, has been the frontman of the band The Winery Dogs.

So now for the first time both have joined forces for the new bluesy rock project Smith/Kotzen. Long time friends both share a passion for classic and blues-based rock. The duo co-wrote all the songs and also share lead vocals and trade off on guitar and bass duties throughout the record. 

Let's already from the get go address the fact that this album has nothing to do with Iron Maiden or Glam Metal. It has more resemblance to Steve Harris solo band British Lion than with Maiden. That's because the album embodies the spirited attitude of 1970s classic rock. But with more blues and R&B influences. The one common ground with all those bands is the use of powerful melodies and harmonies. The production is contemporary and bright. It was produced by the duo and mixed by Kevin "Caveman" Shirley.

The album features 9 tracks and clocks in at 48 minutes. It flows really well with song lengths varying from 4 to 7 minutes. From the first single and opening track "Taking My Chances" we are blessed with the trading vocals. I've always knew Smith can sing, but in this album is quite a positive surprise. He brings the bluesy voice to the mix, almost on the lines of SRV or Joe Bonamassa. On the other hand, Kotzen reminds me of Chris Cornell and therefore highlight the rock sound of the duo. This song is actually not that bluesy, the guitar tone is quite modern. Same goes for another single "Running" which is a rocker with some very fuzzy guitar tones, very Audioslave-ish. This  song is also an example of the guitar duo taking the time to deliver some very cool bass lines. "Scars" is the first song to get really bluesy, but notice that still sounds quite modern. Most of the songs from there are deeply rooted in the blues. It goes without saying that the guitar work is quite enjoyable with cool licks, riffs and most importantly many bluesy and melodic solos. On a different note, I had fun with the lyrics of "Some People". I think many can sing this one at the workplace.  

The Picky Guy

I am not a big fun of the production. Musically, I thought they could have gone to a full blues album and to me it stayed in between wanting to be blues but restraining themselves to keep a hard rock radio sound. Also, and this is very personal, I am not a big fan of Kotzen voice.

Wrap Up Opinion 

Smith/Kotzen is pleasant to listen to and certainly has good moments, mostly from the singles. But I don't see myself coming back to this album. When I'd be in the mood for this kind of music, I'd reach out to the classic blues or blues rock albums such as Cream or SRV. I appreciate the effort and maybe it will serve as a gateway for some metalheads to familiarize themselves with blues, but for me it's a mixed results getting 76/100.

SCORE: 76/100

Genre: Rock/Blues

Released by BMG on March 26th, 2021

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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