It’s been seven years since the last album by Black Country Communion. Not that the members of this genuine supergroup have been idle by any means. Just check out what Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian have been up to, and the only thing that comes to mind is how they’ve managed to find the time to get the fifth album under the BCC banner completed. This is truly a band who are even better as a unit than individually, which is some statement.
V is a superb album, from the richness of opener Enlighten through to the closing song The Open Road. Enlighten is a statement of intent, Sherinian’s lush keys working in harmony with the ferociously soulful vocals of Hughes, who simply gets better with every recording. He’s locked in with Bonham, making room for Bonamassa’s simple guitar work that carries with it a hard rock edge not usually found with this enigmatic and legendary guitarist.
It’s an album of variety, such as the funk vibe on Stay Free, which harks back to Hughes’ time with Trapeze, the thunderous Red Sun with its Soundgarden feel, or the bluesy roll of Restless, which sees stellar performances from all the band, but especially Hughes and Bonamassa. And that’s just the first four songs. With such high quality, the only thing to do is kick back and enjoy every one of the ten songs as they come your way.
Other highlights? There are many. Skyway resonates with the best that this band has done since its formation in 2010, You’re Not Alone is drenched in Sherinian’s glorious keys, whilst Hughes power as he sings the chorus is staggering. It’s got a distinct Deep Purple feel to it, which isn’t a bad thing in my opinion. Meanwhile Love and Faith tips the nod to Zeppelin in a style which works magnificently. The songs are nicely spaced, with the longer tracks interspersed with shorter, punchier songs neatly segueing with the longer ones to provide a balance that works. Production is crisp, as one would expect, and at 50-minutes, it’s not too short and neither does V outstay its welcome.
In terms of quality, style, and sheer class, very little will get close to this album in 2024. It may have been a long wait, but boy was it worth it. Listen to V. Embrace the style, the playing, and the incredible talent of Hughes who at 73 still has everything, whilst Bonamassa is a force of nature that keeps on coming. Listen, stream, purchase. Just enjoy one of the best albums of the year.
V is released on 14th June via Mascot Records
Review by Hutch
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