Christ, I’m reviewing Joe Lynn Turner’s latest solo album!  A bit like me trying to give David Beckham lessons in how to take free kicks!  Just not going to happen really, is it, at least not in this lifetime.  Joking aside, I never though I would ever be in this position, but that is part and parcel of doing reviews, so best get started. 

For those few who don’t know JLT’s background, some have classed him as never wanting to take the easy route to rock success; following Ronnie James Dio and Graham Bonnet into Rainbow, then directly replacing Ian Gillan for Deep Purple’s 1989 release “Slaves and Masters”.  Moves like these could have easily been a recipe for major disaster with fans not always being conducive to changes of front men.  However, on both occasions he managed to stand tall and proud and do himself justice. 

“Second Hand Life” is JLT’s latest studio album and is his tenth solo release and, following on from previous positive reviews of “The Usual Suspects” and “Sunstorm”, he has bowed to fans requests and has gone back to his more melodic roots.  With this release he has laid down a full blown melodic rock opus to an extremely high standard which befits his formidable experience and stature within the music business.  On “Second Hand Life” he has worked with the likes of Jim Peterik (Ex Survivor, Pride of Lions) and also manages to include a track that he co-wrote with Richie Blackmore, Jim Peterik and Roger Glover called “Stroke of Midnight”.  With such names as that included in the credits is it any wonder that JLT has managed to come up with what is probably his best solo album since is already classic debut album “Rescue You”.

“Second Hand Life” has all the qualities and styles within its tracks to ensure that it will be a huge hit with melodic rock fans; the title track “Second Hand Life” has powerful riffs overlaying catchy hooklines and a really first rate chorus; “In Your Eyes” is a very melodic emotional ballad that is reminiscent of the hauntingly beautiful rock ballads which were abundant in the 80’s; “Stroke of Midnight”, as mentioned earlier, is a typical Deep Purple rocker resplendent with powerful organs and huge riffs; and “Love Is On Our Side” is a really evocative AOR ballad.  But, for me, the best track by far has to be “Blood Red Sky” which has a very eastern flavour to it with a lot of Rainbow style qualities mixed in, Karl Cochran puts in an awesome performance on guitars showing all those around him what it takes to be a really outstanding musician, while JLT’s vocals and overall performance is just out of this world. 

If you were expecting this album to be a 100mph trip in the fast lane, holding on to the steering wheel for dear life while your cheap car threatens to shake itself apart around you then you will be sadly disappointed.  It is, however, more like a gentle drive down a well known country lane, but done in style in a classy Rolls Royce oozing quality and power from every pore.  It is a very easy album to listen to, an album that deserves to be played over and over again and is already one of my main contenders for album of the year.  Buy, buy, buy, bye bye.

Let us know your views on 'Second Hand Life'

Track Listing

Love is Life
Got Me Where You Want Me
Second Hand Life
In Your Eyes
Blood Red Sky
Stroke of Midnight
Over the Top
Cruel
Sweet Obsession
Love Is On Our Side
Two Lights

Line Up

Joe Lynn Turner - Vocals
Karl Cochran - Guitar/Bass
Bold Held - Bass
Gary Corbett - Keyboards
Michael Cartellon - Drums