This is Jeff Beck’s first album in six years – his last one being 2010’s “Emotions and Commotions” – and what a dramatic change in direction it is too (a real surprise from this man of surprises.) This is Beck going back to more of a ‘rock’ theme with no cover versions, and Beck is adept at covering great songs, remember his version of “A Day in The Life” by the Beatles?” That having been said, this is not a rock album like back in the bad old days of Beck, Bogart & Appice (1973). Not to say that was a bad album, just an album of its time. This latest offering veers far from that but it’s still a rock album none the less, with sculptured songs and aggressive guitar work.
In Beck’s own words, this is an album of the love of power, and the power of love. Seeing the state the world has got itself into and not being able to contain his emotions over the events, Beck felt he had to at least say something with his god given talent.
“I really wanted to make a statement about some of the nasty things I see going on in the world today, and I love the idea of being at a rally and using the loud hailer to shout my point of view,” he says.
His objective is more than achieved with this great album. Rosie Bones has been employed as the front girl for the recording and she sings with such charm that you feel yourself willing her to be right. Her singing is front and center of every song, but in no way detracts from Beck’s playing right alongside her. The centerpiece of the album is a song called “Right Now”, which concerns the youth of today and was co-written by Beck, himself a stately 72 years young.