Closing with Sly and The Family Stone’s ‘Everyday People’ tells you all you need to know about the ethos of John Corabi’s very much anticipated debut solo record. If you love the eclectic sounds of 70’s Rock in all it’s wonderful variety then this is an album that is steeped in those sounds. But that, as you might expect, is just one take, and merely a jumping off point. At it’s heart this is a journey through the very core of Rock seen through the eyes of one of our generations great artists. There’s everything in here that will connect you to John, whether you know him from The Scream, The Dead Daisies, or even if you caught him on one of his solo tours.
There’s a bit of everything on here – from simple acoustic moments, through stirring Rock arrangements to dirty Blues-infused Rock and Roll. It’s a record that will leave you wondering why it has taken so long and when there will be more because after many decades in the industry, countless shows, time fronting many bands and millions of miles travelled, this may just be the best we have heard from John so far. Outside the context of a band Corabi seems freer, less confined by expectations and as a result there’s some real variety on this first solo records.
As the press release states: “‘New Day’ marks JOHN CORABI’s first full-length solo album of original material. Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwriter and producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry), the album fuses classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal.”
Throughout the album, CORABI is joined by Marti Frederiksen, who adds backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion; Evan Frederiksen on drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming; Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) on lead guitar; Paul Taylor (Winger, Steve Perry) contributing piano, organ, and clavinet, as well as Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) offering guitar solos. Together, they create an organic, instrument-driven sound built on real performances, melodic interplay, and soulful energy.
We open with a real 70’s styled rocker, as the press release says: “‘New Day’ is a positive, upbeat song with a message of enjoy life!!! Stop whining and complaining about how unfair life is, and enjoy the ‘little beautiful things, life offers’ and make the changes you need to make your life better!!! Change happens WITHIN…” It’s a great uplifting southern-edged rocker full of life and blue skies and a rather nice introduction to what is a great set of songs.
“That Memory” keeps that light southern rock vibe, it’s another upbeat driving song – a laid back rocker that makes you want to roll the top down and drive. It’s a great start and with the slow blues of “Faith, Hope And Love” dripping sweet soul satisfaction it’s one of my favourite opening salvos I’ve heard in years. This is Corabi vocally at his very best and the songs are just so good.
“When I Was Young” could only have been crafted in the 70’s and would have been sure-fire hit in that decade. It’s a song we’ve all lived and one that looks back to better days with real love, whilst “One More Shot” delivers a satisfying funky Blues.
Half way in the Creedence-infused “1969″ really hits the spot, its another highlight. Hot on the heels “Laurel” adds more of a West Coast vibe, smoother riding a cool lyric and painting another picture of another place and time. “Good To Be Back Here Again” adds soul and the emotion of a homecoming; and “Love That’ll Never Be” is just a beautiful song of lost love, drenched in memory and full of heartache. It’s a perfect combination of songs that is the real beating heart of the album.
The record features the previously released singles “Così Bella (So Beautiful)” (2021) and “Your Own Worst Enemy” (2022). And they come together at the end of the record. You will all of course heard both and both have aged nicely despite just being toddlers. “Cosi” is singalong from start to finish with some wonderful harmonies; whilst “Your Own Worst Enemy” is funkier fare and rides a great groove.
We close with a sizzling cover of Sly and The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” – it’s the perfect songs for this record (even if it was released in 1969) and john treats it with love and reverence. Of all teh covers I’ve heard of it – and there have been some classics from Joan Jett to The Temptations, this for me is the one that gets right under the skin of it. This is my favourite. It’s been a long time coming this album and I love it. Now don’t take so long next time…
Pre-Order ‘New Day’ HERE
‘New Day’ Track List:
1. New Day
2. That Memory
3. Faith, Hope And Love
4. When I Was Young
5. One More Shot
6. 1969
7. Laurel
8. Good To Be Back Here Again
9. Love That’ll Never Be
10. Cosi´ Bella
11. Your Own Worst Enemy
12. Everyday People
