A soulful singer, insightful songwriter/musical storyteller and instrumental virtuoso whose sense of wild, adventurous guitarisma knows no bounds and has few equals, Orianthi will likely never outrun her resume of collabs and associations with pop/rock superstars Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora. Yet anyone paying closer attention knows that the Australian born multi-talent is also a powerhouse solo artist who hit an early zenith in the late 2000s with her first U.S. album Believe (and its Top 20 Billboard pop hit “According to You”) and is now stirring a career Renaissance with Woodward Avenue Records.
Orianthi paved the way for her latest full-length collection, “Some Kind of Feeling,” with four lead singles (“Attention,” “Some Kind of Feeling,” “Ghost” and “First Time Blues”) that reflect different moods, themes and facets of her extraordinary artistry. Those tracks, and the entire album are produced and/or mixed by the legendary Kevin Shirley, who has worked his fiery magic over the decades for rock greats Joe Bonamassa (who jams with Orianthi on “First Time Blues”), Journey, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater and many more!
Anyone who’s immersed in those incredible, emotionally impactful songs might be inclined to launch their full album experience with those tunes. And why not? “Attention” is a passion-packed romp that incisively calls out a drunk texter dude who can’t but should let go. The title track, an infectious, mid-tempo blues-inflected gem about meeting that special person, showcases the sultry and seductive, Chrissie Hyndesque side of Orianthi’s voice. It’s also got a sly reference to ghosts, harkening back to her previously released single “Ghost,” a tense, heartbreaking, soul-searing ballad about the ongoing (and devastating) spiritual presence of a lost romantic partner. “First Time Blues,” her first single on Woodward Avenue, features the two-fisted, high intensity, star power of Orianthi and her longtime pal Bonamassa. The fireworks they create may dominate, but she balances those artfully with her depth as a musical storyteller.
As great as those tracks are, rock fans who know their 80s may want to immerse first in Orianthi’s blistering twist on ZZ Top’s classic barnburner “Sharp Dressed Man,” whose solo by Billy Gibbons was chosen by Guitar World as #43 in their 2009 list of the 50 Greatest Guitar Solos. Orianthi out-Gibbons the bearded icon, bringing a breathy sensuality to the lead vocals and kicking some seriously mind-blowing ass on not just one but two trademark solos that line up brilliantly with (some may say even surpassing) the originals. “Sharp Dressed Man” epitomizes the genius of the Orianthi vibe. She draws us in with her voice and narrative and rhythmic fluctuation, then builds anticipation for that in your face, balls to the wall cathartic soloing that can cleanse the soul of even the worst sinner and repair the heart of even the most broken person.
That picture-perfect, always on target Orianthi aesthetic (building emotion, followed by sweet high-octane release via the sizzling solo action) takes the other five originals on “Some Kind of Feeling” to transcendent heights as well. Though it’s thematically more optimistic, some elements of the anthemic power ballad “What I’ve Been Looking For” – among them, the fuzzy distorted guitar tone on the intro – may remind listeners of Gary Moore’s classic early 90s ballad “Still Got The Blues.” While the spotlight is always on Ori’s vocals and guitar, the fast-thumping funk rocker “Dark Days Are Gone” – another gem about fresh love bringing new light to life – thrives and grooves on the propulsive rhythm section of bassist Justin Andres and drummer Jimmy Paxson.
On the throbbing power ballad “Bad For Each Other,” which opens with short, tight echoing musical and lyrical phrases before the rhythm section powers in, Ori gets downright dirty mixed with tastes of sassy in admitting she and her man are absolutely “Bad for Each Other,” yet admits there’s nothing and nobody else that takes her higher. When she gets to her scorching solo, it’s visceral. We can feel the crazy tension between the heart and head. Ori brings the album home with yet another fascinating, complicated relationship saga (the tricky ultimately hopeful blues-rock ballad “Call You Mine”) and the gently lyrical, heartfelt and gospel tinged “Heaven Right Here,” a grand showcase for Ori’s oft-overlooked (and equally brilliant) acoustic side.
A special shout out goes to the awesome musicians Ori surrounds herself with. In addition to the aforementioned Justin Andres and Jimmy Paxson, the ensemble includes guitarist Nick Maybury, keyboardists Carey Frank and Ed Roth, bassist Roberto Vally, drummers Demian Arriaga, Elias Mallin and Tony Braunagel, percussionist Greg Morrow and synthesist Bobby Summerfield. Adding extra emotional depth to the songs, the background singers include Sharlotte Gibson, Maiya Syke, Allison Iraheta, Jade MacRae and Luke Edgemon
The title of Some Kind of Feeling is truly a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you’ve never heard Orianthi before, be prepared to be seduced, then blown away. If you’re a longtime fan, enjoy the latest and greatest part of her otherworldly contemporary rock and roll journey. – Jonathan Widran
Album Track Listing
1. Attention (3:48)
2. Some Kind of Feeling (4:44)
3. What I’ve Been Looking For (5:15)
4. Sharp Dressed Man (2:46)
5. Ghost (3:29)
6. First Time Blues (feat. Joe Bonamassa) (3:48)
7. Dark Days Are Gone (3:43)
8. Bad For Each Other (3:12)
9. Call You Mine (3:56)
10. Heaven Right Here (4:12)
