It is incredible to comprehend that it has been twenty years since my first exposure to the voice of Glenn Hughes. That introduction was courtesy of an album called Phenomena, put together by Tom & Mel Galley. For a seventeen year old, who at the time was listening mainly to the music emanating from the burgeoning LA scene (Motley Crue, Ratt, Dokken etc), the pure quality of the Hughes larynx was an exhilarating discovery and opened my eyes to the whole 70's rock movement for the first time and further eat into my limited resources as I quickly purchased Deep Purple, Trapeze and then even Gary Moore & Black Sabbath albums just to get more of that voice!

Fast forward to 2005 and here we have 'Soul Mover', the new album from 'The Voice of Rock'.  Hughes has produced with this album a series of intelligent and complex compositions that showcase his vocal versatility and refusal to be limited to just one, or even two or three, genres of music. From the classic rock overtures of the albums' title track Soul Mover, to the almost grunge like qualities of 'Change Yourself' Hughes spreads his net far and wide to deliver an eclectic and powerful body of work.

Listening to 'Soul Mover' is at first hard work and it is certainly not an album that will be instantly accessible to many listeners, however perseverance will surely be rewarded, as the album slowly reveals its many layers and subtleties upon repeated spins. 

The aforementioned title track kicks things off in a relatively straight forward fashion, with its  take on the 70's classic rock genre. Dave Navarro (ex Jane's Addiction /Chili Peppers six stringer) provides the lead guitar work and, despite his 'alternative rock' pedigree, compliments the funky, rhythmical bass and drum patterns and the soaring vocal melodies. However this is certainly not a classic rock album per se.  The introduction and verse to 'Change Yourself' would not be out of place on a Nirvana album with its downbeat bassline and introspective lyrics, whereas 'Let It Go' contains echoes of progressive rock in its structure and arrangements. And then you have Dark Star, a funk out of the highest order with some serious bass playing and a perfect complimentary drum track from Chili Pepper drummer Chad Smith.

Throughout the album the musicianship is of the highest order, in particular from Smith and also from guitarist JJ Marsh. Although technically proficient, both let the song take priority and play what is necessary to add to the sonic picture being painted. And then there is Glenn Hughes himself, as always his vocal performance is first class and his bass playing provided excellent counter points for all of the other instruments around him.

With Soul Mover Hughes has succeeded in releasing an album of songs that will challenge the listener on many different levels. Lyrically and melodically sophisticated, yet at the same time in no way presumptuous, this is a record that will stand the test of time and only get better with repeated play. Well done sir!

Let us know your views on 'Soul Mover'

Track List

Soul Mover
She Moves Ghostly
High Road
Orion
Change Yourself
Let It Go
Dark Star
Isolation
Land Of The Living
Miss Little Insane
Past Mistake
Don't Let Me Bleed

Line Up

Glenn Hughes - Vocals/Bass
JJ Marsh - Guitars
Chad Smith - Drums
Ed Roth - Keyboards
Dave Navarro - Guitars