Album Review — Johnny Gioeli

Johnny Gioeli — One Voice

The first album review of 2019 is actually a record that was released in 2018. Johnny Gioeli released “One Voice” in December of 2018 after releasing “Set The World on Fire” with Deen Castronovo in July. I liked “Set The World On Fire” but I think it suffered from too many songs where both guys sang. Each song sounded a little disjointed always going back and forth.

“One Voice” does not have that issue. It’s all Gioeli on vocals and he sounds really good. This album has a different feel than the Gioeli-Castronovo record. The best way I’ve thought to describe it is if “Set The World on Fire” is leather pants, “One Voice” is blue jeans.

“One Voice” has a bit more of a singer-songwriter feel to it and doesn’t try so hard to be a hard rock record. Gioeli sounds less forced and more laid back. And for me, I like the songs better on “One Voice”.

“Drive” is the opening track and is uptempo with a cool repeating guitar riff. There have been a lot of great songs about driving down the road and “Drive fits right in”.

“It” is up next and has a similar feel. Gioeli sounds really strong and feels at home with this more laid back sound.

“Running” is another album highlight that follows a similar formula to the previous two tracks above.

There are a couple of slower tempo songs and “Hit Me Once, Hit Ya Twice” is a heavier track on the record.

I only had time to get through the record in its entirety once but I really like it. I think Gioeli’s voice fits this style well and it feels less disjointed and less like he’s competing with Castronovo to be heard.

This record will definitely get a few more spins. Although it was released in 2018, I reserve the right to consider it for my year end lists for 2019.

Overall — 90 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Drive *
2. It *
3. One Voice
4. Mind Melt *
5. Running *
6. Deeper
7. Let Me Know
8. Hit Me Once, Hit Ya Twice
9. Price We Pay
10. Out Of Here
11. Oh Fathers

*Best Songs