THIN LIZZY — Black Rose: A Rock Legend (review)

THIN LIZZY — Black Rose: A Rock Legend album cover Album · 1979 · Hard Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
IndianaJones
Dear god is this album good. The late Gary Moore's contribution to this Lizzy album succeeded above great, forging one of the very best Thin Lizzy albums of their carreer. From the melodic and energetic opener "Do Anything You Want To" through chill and laid back "Sarah" and the all too prophetic "Got To Give It Up" to the magnificent and elegantly folkish closing track "Roisin Dubh (Black Rose)", this is Thin Lizzy delivering the goods they're known for. That being ofcourse the tight "band-sounding" playing by the whole band, awesome twin-guitar attack, thought-provoking lyrics and soulful singing of Phil Lynott and the sheer melodiness of it all.

Many fans consider this the band's best offering, and one can see why. The album is consistent throughout, every song has it's place on it and the production is crystal clear. Every song on the album has great guitar parts, wheter its a twin guitar melody or a blistering solo by Gary. And man do I love the groove laid by Lynott and Downey, very precise playing, yet still at the same time highly interesting and creative. Especially nowadays I would like to see musicians like this: doing their part in a band but never stepping too much into the spotlight and at the same time on the toes of the song.

The whole album has a cheerful energy to it, and it sure brings a smile to my face every time I listen to it. The music is very delicate and well thought up and the songs gel well together. It's hard to pick out favourite songs on this one (which is always a good thing), but I've always had a soft spot for "Sarah". It has a very nice "by the fireplace"-feel to it and the guitar and vocal melodies are just stunning. And you can't write a review about this one without mentioning the hit "Waiting for an Alibi" with it's catchy chorus and, again, sublime twin guitars by Gorham/Moore.

The last song is arguably one of the best Thin Lizzy tunes on any album. Clocking up to seven minutes in length it is an Irish traditional meets rock-fiesta and really showcases the abilities of Gary Moore with a lengthy guitar part in the middle.

It's not a very heavy album, so pure metal thrashers might find it a tad too bit lame, but if you're into hard rock or the here labelled "proto metal" you should hear this one. Simply. Amazing.
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