YNGWIE MALMSTEEN - INSPIRATION

'Inspiration' is not a collection of Yngwie doing a few cover tunes. It is more like Yngwie interpreting the tracks that inspired him when he was young and overall he has done a fine job of Yngwie-ising these tracks. First off I must say that before this CD came out many of these songs were favourites of mine, and I was a little concerned with what Yngwie was gonna do with them, well I needn't have worried because as usual the Maestro has come up trumps - mostly! Each of the 10 tracks not only sound good, but sound like they were intended for Yngwie!! It is quite obvious that these tracks really are favourites of Yngwie's and not just another performance which is how many of his 'tribute album' contributions have turned out. Yngwie is also to be commended for bringing back many old band members in the guise of - Jeff Scott Soto, Mark Boals and Joe Lynn Turner, Jens Johansson, Anders Johansson and Marcel Jacob. Goran Edman is a blinding omission but I will let it pass. The sound of the album is quite superb and in my opinion his best sonic wise to date.

Obviously there are quite a few Ritchie Blackmore tracks - 'Pictures Of Home', 'Gates Of Babylon', 'Mistreated', 'Demon's Eye' and 'Child In Time' and its these tracks that show that Yngwie is no Blackmore clone, instead he builds on these classic tunes and makes them his own. 'Inspiration' is a heartfelt album and one where you can hear that Malmsteen is having a blast making it. This transcends through the speakers and its an enjoyable album to listen to. In the main review text I will give an indication of how the track sounds and then Yngwie's comments on why he picked it.

1. CARRY ON WAYWARD SON
Originally recorded by Kansas, 'Carry On Wayward Son' is an impressive opener. Strong riffing interacts well with lush vocal harmonies and progressions. The huge chorus demands radio attention while Yngwie's guitar blazes in places. Jeff Scott Soto sounds great and his voice is perfectly suited to the track, Marcel Jacob lays the solid bass foundation. Dream Theater recorded the track on their 1995 'Change Of Seasons' ep.
YJM: "I was introduced to Kansas rather late and I realised what I missed out on. From then I have always loved the band and this song".

2. PICTURES OF HOME
One of the best Deep Purple tracks ever. Yngwie's interpretation is not too dissimilar to the original, the basic structure is the same only the 24 years between the versions sees a very definite boost in the sound. Some great soloing that retains the awesome magic of the original while throwing in the recognisable Malmsteen sound. Joe Lynn Turner sings the track, nowhere near as good as Ian Gillan on the original and this does weaken its impact slightly, but still a great rendition.
YJM: "Deep Purple were a very big influence on me when I grew up. This song was always my favourite off the 'Machine Head' album. It was the third album I owned and it was very special to me".

3. GATES OF BABYLON
This is one of the tracks I was slightly concerned about - it has always been a Rainbow favourite of mine, but Yngwie has made a version that is as good as the original - yes that good. The riff is turbo-charged here which I absolutely dig as I always felt it was too low in the mix on the original and the vocal performance from Jeff Scott Soto is quite possibly the highlight of his career! All the meandering mystery from the original is intact and the great lyrics sound just as magical as when Dio belted them out in 1978 - A highlight.
YJM: "When I first bought the album 'Long Live Rock N Roll' by Rainbow I wasn't very impressed. The first songs were so commercial I thought, when the last song of the first side came on I was completely floored. 'Gates Of Babylon' was so magical and mystical, until this day it is one of my favourite songs ever written. Thank You Ritchie [Blackmore]".

4. MANIC DEPRESSION
Yngwie's first lead vocal performance on record and its not too bad. As everyone [or I hope does] know this is by Jimi Hendrix. Bluesy put power blues with an addictive quality. Yngwie's soloing is quite respectful to the original keeping many of the same licks and runs while throwing in his own 'turbo charged' blues licks in as well. A good version but the weakest track here.
YJM: "Here's just another kick-ass song from the genius of Mr Jimi Hendrix. He's the reason I picked up the guitar at the age of seven".

5. IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT
A progressive rocker. Full of odd time changes and interesting riffs. This track originally by UK is one of the tracks I was a little concerned about - but Yngwie has pulled it off with his usual aplomb and even managed to do justice to Allan Holdsworth's original slippery solo. Mark Boals sounds brilliant and although the song is not commercial it does have an ultra catchy hook and is another of my favourites.
YJM: "My great friend Peter Rooth gave me a tape of this album back in 1980. I never heard guitar playing like that before. The arrangement includes odd time and intricate instrument arrangement. For years I've been doing this in rehearsal and at sound checks. I just love this one".

6. MISTREATED
The Deep Purple classic - this is another track that I feel tops the original. Everything from Blackmore's classic riff to the soulful vocals are accurately recreated. Jeff Scott Soto is doing a superb double take of David Coverdale's original vocal and the power displayed in his lungs is as astounding as ever! Yngwie takes flight in several extended solos that again help put his own slant on the material. Another highlight.
YJM: "My absolute Blackmore / Coverdale favourite. I love the 'Made In Europe' version and I tried to make this as live as possible".

7. SAILS OF CHARON
Another of one of my all time favourite tracks. 'Sails Of Charon' originally written by Uli Jon Roth and recorded by the Scorpions has always been a colossus of a song. The classic opening riff is recreated with more power and sheen than the original and its nothing short of stunning. Mark Boals again excels while Yngwie plays some of the best playing of the album here - a track that was made for Yngwie!!
YJM: "Once again this was introduced by a former band member. I have always loved Phrygian modes and I was immediately in love with Uli Roth's guitar playing".

8. DEMON'S EYE
A relatively unknown Deep Purple track, but one that was home to some of Ritchie Blackmore's best blues work! Yngwie has again bolstered the riff and while it sounds good, seems to lack some of the soul and punch of the original. Joe Lynn Turner sounds a little weak here too in my opinion - the solo sees Yngwie follow Blackmore original pretty much note for note at the start and again he does a spot on job of recreating those classic lines. Generally a hit and miss track though.
YJM: "When I was eight, my sister Lollo gave me my very first album - Deep Purple's 'Fireball'. The song 'Demon's Eye' had a guitar solo that I practiced day and night....".

9. ANTHEM
Originally recorded by Canadian prog rockers Rush. This track is one of the bands more straightforward tune and I would of preferred to see Yngwie cover another track [Cygnus X-1 anyone?]. But while the track is again well done it is nothing special in my book. It somehow lacks the vibe of the original and its another of the weaker tracks here.
YJM: "The very first time I heard Rush was at a friends house in 1976. The album was 'Fly By Night'. When this song, Anthem, started it really hit me hard".

10. CHILD IN TIME
Perhaps this is the track that was gonna receive a lot of attention as its arguably the most classic track here. To be honest, the track is played too fast and feels a little rushed to me, Mark Boals sounds great again but almost like he has been told to hurry up. The Hammond work is what suffers the most. Yngwie's solo pays not a lot of attention to the original by Blackmore and loses a little direction because of this. This is not to say I dislike this version, however covered it would be under such close scrutiny as its another of my all time faves. The track is cut short at the end which doesn't help much. A passable version but nowhere near the magic of the original.
YJM: "I liked the 'In Rock' and 'Made In Japan' versions very much of this song. This is my blend of it. I made sure to put on a totally crazy guitar solo as you may hear?".