#13 — RSO — Rise/Making History

This is a tough one to review because the second part of the record hasn’t been released yet. RSO is a duo of Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) and Orianthi. Their first EP, Rise, was released in late September and their new EP, Making History, releases this week.

I can really only review Rise but I feel comfortable based on their sound ranking them here. Rise has five songs and they are all pretty different. The duo does a good job of sharing lead vocal duties, and in most songs they sing together, which works on an album but I’m not sure can be pulled off live.

Rise is the first song and is a good rocker. The two sing lead together and features a really good riff that runs throughout the song.

The two switch off on lead vocals on Masterpiece which is a little more pop driven.

They share vocals again on Truth which is a bluesy ballad which probably fits the duo the best. This is the highlight of the EP.

Take Me features Richie on vocals and doesn’t sound like anything else on the record. It’s a cross of psychedelic 60s and slow blues. Sambora’s voice fits nicely here, but it’s definitely a departure from the rest of the record.

Good Times is an upbeat song that reminds me of Motown. They share vocals and includes a reggae/rap in the bridge.

I do wish this was a side project for Sambora and he was still in Bon Jovi, but I am looking forward to the next EP which is a sign of a good record.