Album Review: Michael Sweet – One Sided War

Michael Sweet – One Sided War
Release Date: August 26, 2016
Label: RatPak Records

When it was brought to my attention that Michael Sweet was about to release a new solo album One Sided War, I’ll be honest and say that I was pretty much ready to just kind of overlook it and keep moving. In all honesty, his last few solo albums did very little for me and as huge a Stryper fan as I am, I just couldn’t connect with most of his solo stuff. Knowing that I had an interview coming up with the man, I figured that I at least owed it to him to give it a listen. Well, the moment the first song “Bizarre” kicked in, I did a total double take and thought to myself, “Holy Shit! This is like Van Halen on speed.” Talk about making a first impression because from there, I was hooked.

The title track was another burner but it was the song “Radio” that really captivated me. I loved the snarkiness of this song as it called out former rockers who decide to “go country.” Yes, I’m talking to you Bret Michaels and Steven Tyler. The song has such a great groove to it which was an unexpected detour. The closest thing to a ballad on this album is “Who Am I?” and this is such a stellar song. It’s a bit darker than what one would expect. I was so overly impressed with the versatility of this album and the fact that was such an unpredictable album was a nice surprise for me.

Not only is the songwriting on One Sided War fantastic but the overall presentation is absolutely outstanding. The production is out of this world and seems to have to have such a natural, live feel to it. Michael’s band (featuring Whitesnake guitarist Joel Hoekstra, Evanescence drummer Will Hunt, bassist John O’Boyle and East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh) seemed to really light a fire under him, pushing him not just musically but vocally has he delivers the best vocal work I’ve heard from any of his solo releases to date.

One Sided War is such a brutally honest album. One Sided War is not only uncompromising. It’s the album that Michael Sweet wanted to make. You can hear it song after song that Sweet poured his heart, his soul, and his influences into this album. Just listening to One Sided War, not only can I hear the influence that bands like Van Halen and Journey have on him, I can hear the fact that Sweet is still in touch with what’s going on in modern rock. With this, he has managed to pull off releasing an album that sounds honest and natural as opposed to sounding dated or even worse, sounding like an old guy trying to make modern music.

About The Author

Don

I have been running this blog since 2009. AKA as the Great Southern Brainfart, Southeast of Heaven is my baby now and forever. I’ve had my ups and downs with bands over the years but they are all great experiences and memories. My Swedish friend Charlie said once, “Don is known for being one of the meanest bastards in American rock journalism.” It’s nice to be loved.

I also once took a shit in Anthrax’s dressing room toilet and didn’t flush.

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