Album Review — Cherie Currie

Cherie Currie — Blvds of Splendor

Record Store Day 2019 has come and gone. If you weren’t paying close attention you might have missed a special release by Cherie Currie, formerly of the Runaways. Blackheart Records (founded by former bandmate Joan Jett) released the 12 track record exclusively for Record Store Day.

Currie released two solo records after leaving the Runaways and after long break, this is her second solo release in recent years. “Blvds of Splendor” is produced by former Guns N Roses drummer Matt Sorum who also plays on the opening track along with Slash and Duff McKagan. Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins also guests on the record.

The album is heavy on energy and attitude. The opening track, “Mr. X”, is the perfect example of what to expect on the record. It’s loud and raucous and features Currie in find form vocally.

“Roxy Roller” is the first of two cover songs. Currie sticks to the original recording with a little more energy. The album ends with another cover, “The Air That I Breathe”, which also stays true to the original Hollies classic.

The title track is a duet with Billy Corgan which sounds more like a Corgan song than the rest of the record.

“Shades” is a more acoustic ballad that provides a slight break from the high energy rock.

Overall, the album is very 70s rock with a lot of energy. For fans of The Runaways and even some of Joan Jett’s early stuff, I think you’ll like this record. Currie sounds strong as ever which makes this record an enjoyable listen.

80 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Mr.X *
2. Roxy Roller
3. You wreck me *
4. Black magic
5. Blvds of splendor
6. Force to be reckoned with
7. Bad and broken
8. Rock and roll oblivion *
9. Shades *
10. Draggin´ the line
11. Breakout
12. The air that I breathe

*Best Songs