Ten's debut is a superior hard rock album. After a couple of solo albums lead singer and main songwriter
Gary Hughes formed
Ten along with the sublime guitarist Vinny Burns. Drummer Greg Morgan joined soon after.
Gary and Vinny have always been the heart and soul of
Ten.
Gary's absolutely huge voice is not comparable to anyone else I have heard and his songwriting skills are not to be doubted. He excels in writing massive songs that have an almost larger-than-life feel to them. There is an epic quality to the songs, which especially became apparent on later releases.
The loneliest place in the world is a good example from this album. Besides this Gary has shown himself able to craft some of the most sweeping ballads ever created.
Vinny's guitar playing is usually inspired and captivating. He brings a constant edge to the music and keeps it from becoming stagnant.
The common denominator for both of their performances, and what sucked me into
Ten's music in the first place, is the emotion and passion that is so openly flowing through the music.
The two part opener
The Crusades / It's all about love eases you into the record with a mid tempo rhythm and focus on Vinny's guitar. It only hints at what is to come.
From here, the album really takes off.
After the love has gone embodies everything that makes a great song and I find it impossible not to get caught up in it every time I hear it. I love the way
Gary Hughes stretches his voice in the verses and when Vinny fires up his guitar he gives the song a wildness that suits it very well. The underlying piano also helps lift the music higher. Listen at maximum volume for maximum pleasure!
Yesterday lies in the flames perfectly captures the emotional sincerity of
Ten's music.
Gary Hughes' voice is full of passion and as Vinny burns up one emotional guitar solo after another the heat becomes all embracing. Gary has always been good at writing very direct lyrics that seem to come straight from the heart. Here the lyrics provide the extra sparks that keep the fire burning long after this immortal love song has gone.
A strong drive ignites
The torch and keeps it burning throughout. It is a great song with a very smooth feel to it. The transitions to the two solos work very well and Gary puts on a splendid performance.
Acoustic notes, hinting at the main melody of
The loneliest place in the world, fill the atmosphere but are soon shredded by a guitar riff as
Stay with me opens in a most promising way. However the song lacks something to make it as memorable as the ones that came before.
Close your eyes and dream is a fantastic ballad. The main melody is captivating and Gary's voice emits the tenderness of the song with an undeniable passion.
As so many of Gary's songs it invites the listener to dream away to an alternate reality where love is pure and eternal.
Eyes of a child is a little too cute in places and
Can't slow down lacks some really memorable moments but they are both good songs, just not on the same level as the majority here.
Lamb to the slaughter is a great up tempo rocker. The song has a special edge compared to the rest of the album with the lyrics stepping out of their lovable glow, and a varied vocal performance.
The loneliest place in the world is a wonderful ending to the album. It builds slowly and intensely and effectuates its ultimate dedication to love in an extensive guitar solo that is suitably filled with emotion. Listening to the song I, more often than not, find myself conducting some imaginary orchestra as the song develops.
If all songs had the same quality as the best here then X would have marked an instant masterpiece. As it is, it is "just" a highly impressive debut, worthy of being checked out by anyone who wants to discover some superb Hard Rock with an epic touch. But the best was yet to come.
Written by
Steen Thursday, March 8, 2007
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