GLENN HUGHES: Music For The Divine

Cover	Release	Style
	2006-06-09	hard rock
	Label
	Frontiers
	Website
	Glenn Hughes
	Contact
	-
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	52:18	FR CD 287
	Review by	Rating
	Edwin	10/10
nederlands	Review
It is quite unbelievable what an immense body of work GLENN HUGHES has built up over the years. And it’s not just a question of quantity. By far the most albums he’s worked on, contain some brilliant material. Personal favourites include TRAPEZE’s Medusa, his albums with DEEP PURPLE (especially Burn), HUGHES/THRALL, the first PHENOMENA record, BLACK SABBATH’s Seventh Star and both other collaborations with Tony Iommi, which were released under the guitarist’s name. Highlights of Hughes’s solo work include the soulful Play Me Out, the highly melodic From Now On…, the live cd Burning Japan and the dark and heavy Addiction. After the latter, his solo output became a bit uneven. Still great stuff, but he clearly had a problem writing enough quality material to fill the albums. The excellent Soul Mover, his first collaboration with RED HOT CHILI PEPPER ‘s drummer Chad Smith, was the first indication that he’d overcome that problem. His new one, Music For The Divine, is even a step up from its predecessor. This one arguably belongs in the above list of favourites. The album kicks right off with one of the very best songs Hughes has ever recorded, ‘The Valiant Denial’. This is a very powerful track, with a great melody, excellent guitar and lots of mood and tempo changes. It features acoustic guitars and string arrangements, two elements which will return often on this album. It also shows why Chad Smith is the perfect musical companion for Hughes. Both the heavy drumming and the production are top notch. This is nearly seven minutes of absolute delight. ‘Steppin’ On’ is food for funk rock fans, and it’s amazing stuff, as are ‘Monkey Man’ and ‘You Got Soul’. Another highlight is ‘Black Light’, which has some angry, dark lyrics about Hughes’s friend Lana Clarkson, who was found dead in famed producer Phil Spector’s house a few years ago. ‘This House’ is a very catchy, early 70’s sounding track, which is again driven by acoustic guitar and orchestra. The attractive arrangement and Hughes’s tender, sad vocals make ‘Frail’ another true winner. Very moving indeed. And then there’s ‘Nights In White Satin’. I know Hughes has appeared on far too many mediocre tribute albums, but when he puts his heart into it, he has the ability to make every cover song his own. ‘Nights…‘ is simply amazing. Hearing him churn out those emotional vocals like this really gives me goosebumps. RED HOT CHILI PEPPER John Frusciante’s guitar work here is also worth mentioning. Album closer is ‘The Divine’, and the title just about says it all. This is just acoustic guitar, orchestra and Hughes’s heavenly voice. What more can I say…? There may be one or two slightly less interesting songs on Music For The Divine, but for me, it still deserves full marks. Anything less for an album that is able to move me so deeply, would be gravely unfair.
Musicians
Glenn Hughes: vocals, bass, funk electric guitars, acoustic guitars Chad Smith: drums, percussion and piano bombs JJ Marsh: guitars John Frusciante: guitar experience Mark Kilian: string arrangements & keys
Tracklist
The Valiant Denial Steppin' On Monkey Man This House You Got Soul Frail Black Light Nights In White Satin Too High This Is How I Feel The Divine
Discography
Play Me Out (1977) L.A. Blues Authority Volume II: Blues (1992) From Now On... (1994) Burning Japan Live (1994) Feel (1995) Addiction (1996) Greatest Hits: The Voice Of Rock (1996 – comp.) The God Of Voice: Best Of Glenn Hughes (1998 – comp.) The Way It Is (1999) From The Archives Volume I - Incense & Peaches (2000) Return Of Crystal Karma (2000) A Soulful Christmas (2000) Building The Machine (2001) Different Stages (2002 – comp.) Songs In The Key Of Rock (2003) Soulfully Live In The City Of Angels (2004 - cd & dvd) Soul Mover (2005) Music For The Divine (2006)


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