You’ll all have heard opener and title track ‘Reckless’ and if you’re a fan of the team up between Danny from Crazy Lixx and Chez’ take on 80’s Melodic Hard Rock then this is a release that is hard to fault. The title track itself is so cool it even gets away with an elongated sax solo, and not many could get away with that even back in the day (me I love a nice sax break).
The question is of course can it top 2022’s ‘Powerzone’? Well after repeated listens over a long hot weekend when we wore nothing but spandex and leg warmers I have to say it can… So after that rather fine opening ‘Personal Rock N’ Roll; sidles in nice and spirited, capturing the feel of Benatar and the sheen of Loverboy. It’s the sort of song that just underlines how uplifting 80’s style rock can be.
‘Night Of Passion’ has more of a disco beat and instantly more synth, it’s a song that initially loses me for a while, there’s plenty of dynamics but they’re a bit all over the place until the huge chorus. I do have to say that this one is a definite grower, and whilst definitely not one of my favorites here, even after repeated listens. It’s a little more Pop than I expected and probably the only one I can’t picture played live.
We’re back to rocking with : ‘Strip Me Down’ a real driving rocker that has a touch of Def Leppard in the lyrics, well if Joe was paid for maximum double-entendres amplified to 11. It’s a great overblown song and one you’ll definitely come rushing back to. There’s a bit of Cheap Trick in the mix and a wonderful relentlessness that works so well.
‘Tongue Of Love’ is a demi-ballad that if anything reaches too far, it’s slow and steady, chocked with funked up bass and brimming with solos. II’s very, very 80’s all leg warmers and lounging back on the front of a Jag with huge windswept hair absolutely mandatory. I do have to say that the keys here are wonderfully evocative. It’s the sort of song that feels like a completely guilty pleasure
Half way in, as they say, and sure we’ve had some cheese but the good news is that we’ve now raided the fridge, and all there was in the fridge was more cheese. Now as a cheese lover I’m over the moon…
Side 2, if you will, opens with the subtlety-titled catsuit stomper ‘Love Tornado’ it’s a song so madly OTT and 80’s that for a minute you find yourself thinking this is just the sort of song that led to us having to endure the 90’s. It’s the sort of fun that only happened pre-grunge. Sure the lyrics are wonderfully silly, but the thrust is inescapable. It’s the sort of title that when you look at the album cover of ‘Reckless’ you immediately wish they’d been brave (or crazy) enough to call it ‘Love Tornado’…
‘Bad Girl’ has a cracking opening and plenty of bluster with a nice familiar feeling and cracking chorus to this meat and potatoes rocker; whilst ‘Street Survivor’ on the other hand brings the tempo down and comes as a real standout AOR anthem which you could just imagine Sam Fox dueting with Cher on! Just the sort of song that would have been huge if we could step back in time.
The album closes out with another two bangers. ‘Too Dangerous’ is another favourite – a real Danny Rexon gem, remniscent of high energy Melodic Rockers like Danger Danger from back in the day, with my favourite hook an the album! We close album number three with ‘Bodyrock’ which doubles down – another real huge-chorused AOR gem. This is definitely a record that leaves the best till last. Those closers could be two of my favourites from Chez Kane so far!
Forget your cares, shut out the shit going on in the world today, and fall back into the comforting arms of an 80’s huge haired weekend!
The press for this one says: “Chez Kane is back with her third studio album, “Reckless” – an explosive blend of arena-ready hooks, slick guitar work, and unapologetic 80s-style swagger. Following the success of her first two records, Chez levels up with a collection that’s bigger in sound, richer in emotion, and packed with pure melodic firepower.” For me it’s her best yet – this should sound great live.
Turn it up loud till the dial falls off!
8.5 / 10
“Reckless” Tracklist:
1. Reckless | 2. Personal Rock N’ Roll | 3. Night Of Passion | 4. Strip Me Down | 5. Tongue Of Love | 6. Love Tornado | 7. Bad Girl | 8. Street Survivor | 9. Too Dangerous | 10. Bodyrock
