The Good
"God Save the Keg" starts the album off with
soft acoustics mixed with some sober windwoods and strings. I know, what
is
rock about
that? The track serves as an introduction to the entire album. Once "Locked
Within the Crystal Ball" kicks in, you'll see how the worlds of rock and
folk collide. Candice Night's beautiful voice compliments the electric
guitar tones of Richie Blackmore quite well. "Gilded Cage" takes a more
traditional
folk approach in its balladry, as does "Toast to Tomorrow." The latter
song is most likely what you think about when you imagine music during
the medieval era. The chorus is undeniably catchy and will most certainly
have you clapping or tapping you foot.
Blackmore resurrects another Rainbow
gem on this album. Candice adds her own spin to "Rainbow Eyes." Another
cover the group tackles is the Elvis Presley classic "Can't Help Falling
in Love." You young'uns probably know the UB40 version. Either way, Blackmore's
Night injects some great energy into the track, giving it a better bounce
and flow. Blackmore's shreds through some great guitar runs as well.
The Bad
Well, it's folk music. It takes a little getting used to.
The Verdict
As a rock fan, I loved Richie Blackmore in Deep Purple and Rainbow. He's
one of the greats that inspired me to play the guitar. In Blackmore's Night
Richie has certainly matured and perfected his mastery of the guitar. Secret
Voyage displays a guitar aficionado at his very best. The beautiful and
melodic tones of Candice Night add a sort of angelic feel to the music.
The music gives you a sense that everything is okay in the world, so let's
celebrate.
Having said that, rock fans will most likely find this album
a bitter pill to swallow, as they probably have past Blackmore's Night
albums. But as a music fan in general, you can't deny the musicianship
of this group, and you can't deny that this is the best music being made
in the new age/folk genre. Period.
BLACKMORE'S
NIGHT
