aaamusic | On 23, Oct 2012

American rock musician and songwriter Don Felder is well known for his work as lead guitarist for The Eagles. He’s a four-time Grammy Award winner, bestselling author of “Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)” and composer of the hugely successful “Hotel California.”
Don’s second solo album, Road To Forever, will be released on October 8th on Membran. It was produced with Robin DiMaggio and he performs guitar and lead vocals. Guest performers include Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Tommy Shaw and Randy Jackson.

Fall From The Grace Of Love has fine backing vocals by Crosby, Stills & Nash. Girls in Black, with a ZZ Top feel, has some great slide guitar work. Upbeat Money is an attack on the financial troubles faced by many USA citizens at the moment and You Don’t Have Me has fiery guitar playing.

These are introspective and autobiographical songs that personally reflect stories about life, love, loss, greed and betrayal. To some this will be an impressive and powerful album by a classic and influential west coast artist. To others it will be pleasant but not spectacular or, even worse, clichéd and formulaic. Personally, I feel there are some original and well written songs here which are quite classy and emotional but also have a tough edginess.

Track list: Fall From the Grace of Love, Girls in Black, Wash Away, I Believe in You, You Don’t Have Me, Money, Someday, Heal Me, Over You, Road to Forever, Life’s Lullaby, Give My Life.

★★★★★

Anthony Weightman