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"Fans of guitars, vintage keyboards, beautiful melodies, and Whitesnake, take a look at this production, you won't be disappointed."
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4/5
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Joel Hoekstra's 13 is Joel Hoekstra's side project, whose CV we presented in the review of his first opus "Dying To Live". Made up of a team of hard rock tenors, the work caught the attention of Music Waves. Will "Running Games", which succeeds him, have the punch of his elder?
The famous squad has not changed since 2015, only one change is to be noted. Jeff Scott Soto is in the background officiating on backing vocals, leaving Russel Allen in the spotlight. Aside from this new addition, the big names invited in the past (Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin and Derek Sherinian) are back in business. Drums, bass and keyboards are still in good hands.
Joel Hoekstra, who takes care of production, compositions and arrangements here, was torn between heavy melodic and hard FM during his previous attempt. "Running Games", on the other hand, is leaning towards melodic hard rock inspired by the 80's, sometimes influenced by the bluesy sounds of Whitesnake. The production of the work is phenomenal and the guitar parts are impressive. Moreover, Russel Allen delivers here a striking score in a debauchery of vocal variations developed according to the atmospheres of each composition. We are accustomed to appreciate his frontman talents, but on this album, they deserve to be particularly highlighted, magnified by the significant contribution of JSS backing vocals.
We sometimes think of Dio, especially on the attack and the verses of 'Finish Line' which is more radio friendly on the chorus, and Van Halen on the syncopated 'Heart Attack' where Sherinian seems very inspired by John Lord. We also think of Black Sabbath on the slowdowns of 'Fantasy' and Whitesnake when the tempo is lighter. This is the case too on 'Cried Enough For You', a fake bluesy ballad turning into an electric flood. Each track diffuses a particular color, in skillfully distilled atmospheres. All of them know how to capture the attention with their melodic finds that immediately catch the listener's attention. On this podium stands a 'Lonely Days' which would deserve the prize for the melodious discovery of the month.
Fans of guitars, vintage keyboards, beautiful melodies, and of course Whitesnake, take a look at this production, you won't be disappointed. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Finish Line
02. I’m Gonna Lose It
03. Hard To Say Goodbye
04. How Do You
05. Heart Attack
06. Fantasy
 07. Lonely Days
08. Reach The Sky
09. Cried Enough For You
10. Take What’s Mine
11. Running Games
12. Lay Down Your Love (Bonus Track - Digital)
LINEUP:
Derek Sherinian: Claviers
Jeff Scott Soto: Choeurs
Joel Hoekstra: Guitares
Russell Allen: Chant
Tony Franklin: Basse
Vinny Appice: Batterie
Dave Eggar: Invité / Violoncelle
Chloe Lowery: Invité / Choeurs
Katie Kresek: Invité / Violon, Alto
Lenny Castro: Invité / Percussions
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(3) COMMENT(S)
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The album may not have been released or the spotify ID has not yet been entered or there is no spotify ID available
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READERS
3.7/5 (3 view(s))
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STAFF:
3.8/5 (4 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13
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