Review of THE BLUE ROOM Lorie King tangerineLK@aol.com
OVERVIEW:
I was simply blown away by this cd!!!! I LOVE the debut cd, but this one is superior!! To me , the main difference between the two is that TBR sounds like a "whole band, whole hog" effort, whereas the debut seemed like they were holding back. On TBR, all four band members are putting every bit of their collective hearts and souls into their music. Metal Edge was right when they said "possessed"!!!! As much as I love the first cd, I don't think it showcased everyones talents as well as it could have. I love UNION when they play acoustic or do ballads, and I miss not having a song of that nature on TBR, but the vibe for this cd is heavy.  ROCK heavy, not dark or depressing heavy. I think this cd will bring UNION a new legion of fans, and hopefully help break that KISS/Motley comparison. If you put your mind to it, you can pick out aspects that seem KISS-ish or Crue-ish, but overall, IT IS UNION. They have developped their own sound and I think they stand on their own!!!
Do Your Own Thing
Excellent choice for radio!!!! A very catchy rocker. I especially love the 1:13 guitar intro!! Draws you in with a slow build-up, then BANG!!!! here comes Brent with the drums. Then its full-throttle!!!! I love the comparison lyrics, explaining how people are different, and that's cool. We're doing our own thing, not trying to be cookie-cutter people. The music will draw people in, then the lyrics can help make this the new anthem for 2K!!!
DEAD
This song jumped out at me as my favorite the first time I heard it!! I love the extra percussion sounds, and the heavier bass!!! (Brent, Jamie - Kick it!!!) Bruce's guitar solo is, of course, awesome!!! Gritty vocals from John - his voice makes you pay attention to the lyrics. The lyrics seem to be about someone who has changed so much from who they really are, they are unrecognizable. DEAD. Abrupt ending is fitting. Makes the point!
Everything's Alright
Do these guys worship The Beatles, or what??!! The lyrics and music are so reminiscent of The Fab 4!! The hints of Beatle lyrics: Strawberry Fields, Walrus, road is long and winding. Great backing vocals. I love the build-up at the beginning, the bass and percussion are stand out again!!
SHINE
Brent on fire on drums!!! Great!! Love the variety of guitar sounds, minimal sound so you can focus on John vocals during the verses. Once again, strong back-up vocals. Love the way John's vocals are so strong and clear on the chorus, very uplifting and hopeful.
Who Do You Think You Are
Down and dirty!!! Heavy!! Tough vocals - John puts so much conviction in every word!!! The message is obviously "who are you to tell me how to live my life". When I heard about the "MF" in the chorus, I was trying to imagine how it would fit in - but it sure does!!! Drives the point home! Great bass, way cool guitar solo. Another abrupt ending - TAKE THAT MF!!!! Wow!!!
Dear Friend
It is great to see Bruce so comfortable with the vocals in this song. VERY touching, moving tribute to the late, great Eric Carr. The first time I heard this song, It was almost as if Eric were looking down approvingly. Very visual song, for me anyway. Mellow sound of Bruce's voice is a wonderful contrast to John's soulful "Lay hands on me..." Music never overpowers the lyrics, which to me, is the focal point. Smooth back-up vocals. I love the way the emotion builds up throughout the song. Truly a celebration of Eric's life.
Do You Know My Name
This one is growing on me!!! Dark, a bit draggy, but it slowly builds in intensity. Love the bass!!! (I'm still thinking about this one!!)
HYPNOTIZED
Very visual song. (I like this song, I just don't know what to say about it!! I'm working on it!!)
I Wanna Be
Another song that builds in intensity. Also extra percussion and great drumming.  Passionate vocals from John (so what's new??!!) Love the quiet ending.
No More
Another song for Brent to "shine" on!!! He's on fire!!!  Very strong lyrics, describing our crazed society. Johns voice really drives home the point - the world is full of insanity and he can't take it  NO MORE!!! Lyrics aren't pushy or preachy, they just make the point.  Awesome back-up vocals.