Legendary Hanoi Rocks bassist Sami Yaffa has had quite an impressive legacy of music. Not only was he in Hanoi Rocks, but Sami has served as bassist for bands such as 80’s sleaze rockers Jetboy, bassist for his former Hanoi Rocks bandmate Michael Monroe, Johnny Thunders, and served as bassist for the legendary New York Dolls. The list actually could go on for much longer, but you get the idea. Sami Yaffa is a rock n’ roll icon that is sadly unknown by commercial rock audiences.
After being the bassist in bands for most of his career, Sami finally stepped forward and released his debut solo album, The Innermost Journey to Your Outermost Mind. Being a long-time fan of Hanoi Rocks, I was excited to hear that Sami was doing this. The release of this album was met with optimism and nervousness from me, but I just felt that if I let the music talk, it would convey its message to me.
Kicking off with “Armageddon Together,” I have to say that I was completely caught off guard. This song has all the swagger and attitude of a Rolling Stones song but with a much darker edge. I can only describe it as if the Stones were bar band; this song has Sami Yaffa being an “outback in the alley band.” Nevertheless, it’s so gnarly groovy that it got me pumped as fuck to hear what was to come.
Just when I thought I had an idea of where the album was going, “Selling Me Shit,” which I can only describe as punk rock juggernaut, took me on an unexpected detour. From there, the songs would take me on sudden turns and detours to a point where it became completely unpredictable as to the direction it was taking me.
The street punk sound of “Germinator,” the Hanoi Rocks sounding “Fortunate One,” the Bob Dylan-esque “Down at St. Joe’s,” the dub infused “Rotten Roots,” and the reggae-inspired “Look Ahead” were diamonds in the rough. These songs are a prime example of Sami Yaffa’s diverse influences and his ability to express them in his writing, playing, and singing without any restraint.
The Innermost Journey to Your Outermost Mind is an album that knows no boundaries. Instead of focusing on trying to do just one thing, Yaffa chose to make the album that he wanted to make. The sincerity of his lyrics, the musicianship, and the honest, confident, and gritty, gnarly vocals put Sami Yaffa in a place where he has belonged all along. It took a while to get here, but good things come to those who wait. As an artist, it’s clear to hear that Yaffa has found his place as a leader, and as a fan, I couldn’t be any happier. The Innermost Journey to Your Outermost Mind will be getting many, many more spins from me in the future. Hell, I’m on my 5th spin of it as I am writing this piece. Yes, it’s that fucking good.
Welcome to the front, Sami. You belong here.
You can pick up a copy of the album HERE.
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