Ah, this is more like it. After a slow start to 2006 finally an album that is worthy of the title ‘Rock’. Or should that be Rock ‘n Roll, given the Wildhearts’ singer’s reputation for excess over the years? But who cares about labels when you have got such a fine collection of songs, in this case spread over two discs on my review copy. 

I’ve always liked The Wildhearts, with their infectious Pop-metal. But somehow a whole album’s worth never quite managed to sustain enough interest for me. But on this solo effort of Ginger’s there is hardly a duff moment. This really is one of the best rock albums I’ve heard in a long while.  

And it’s the styling as much as anything. ‘Valor Del Corazon’ was recorded at Willie Nelson’s Texas studio and there is a strong country influence at work here. Piano is used to good effect and there are some genuine soft moments that put some of rock’s more high profile balladeer’s to shame. And he hasn’t stopped there as sampling and soul music pop up in the mix too. But far from sounding like a disjointed mess the album seems more like a journey of sorts. 

Don’t be worried by the different styling as thankfully Ginger’s stock in trade scratchy British guitar is never far away. (That ‘Marshall’ sound I’m always banging on about.) As for his vocals, he’s criminally underrated in my view. Here he seems more at ease and lyrically paint’s some gloriously wonderful soundscapes that deal with his usual demons, but also show a much softer side too. 

When a record kicks off with a song called ‘Ugly’ you know you are dealing with something a bit different. Then there is ‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’ – a total Ginger classic with the tag line ‘I love your bullshit’ at the end of each chorus. All sung in a ridiculously catchy, poppy way that is simply genius. However I found the biggest surprise on disc two.  

‘Drinking In The Daytime’ is now one of my all time favourite tracks, ever. On paper it sounds like typical Wildhearts fare. But don’t be deceived. The start is introspective and has a vibe like those sixties Kinks and Small faces songs. Then, and I mean this really made me have to play the track back immediately to prove I hadn’t gone bonkers, it goes all prog rock. Yeah. It ends up sounding like something Rush did in their 2112 era. Really! I’m not making this up! Then there are bits of classic Wildhearts in there and the whole thing just turns into a masterpiece of a track. 

Imagine. The Kinks, Ray Davies joining Rush, in Willie Nelson’s studio with Ginger pissing it up at the microphone. Me neither. But that’s some idea of the weird and wonderful vibe on this album. Seriously I can’t praise it enough. Underneath it has a familiar British metal vibe, but is so much more than the sum of its parts. And of course it’s all completely original. Hallelujah! 

Some people will hate it of course, and it won’t sell. But who cares. Ginger has made a classic solo album that should find its way onto the CD player of anyone who appreciates great songwriting with irresistibly catchy hooklines and satirical lyrics that poke fun at the darker side of life. Highly recommended.

Let us know your views on 'Valor Del Corazon'

Track List

Disc: 1
Ugly
Mother City
GTT
Yeah Yeah Yeah
Only A Problem
10 Flaws Down
Paramour
Man Who Cheated Death

Disc: 2
Drunken Lord Of Everything
LOVE
Way
Drinking In The Daytime
Keep It Cool
Only Lonely
Your Mouth
Change
My Friend The Enemy
Bulb