Album Review — L.A. Guns
L.A. Guns — Checkered Past
L.A. Guns released their third studio album since their reunion titled “Checkered Past”. The new album follows 2017’s “The Missing Peace” and 2019’s “The Devil You Know”.
Singer Phil Lewis and guitarist Tracii Guns are joined by Johnny Martin (bass), Scott Coogan (drums) and Ace Von Johnson (guitars).
The lead single and first album track is the raucous “Cannonball”. The driving rocker has that classic 80s L.A. Guns energy and sound.
“Bad Luck Charm” also has a classic L.A. Guns sound, this time with that classic swing. Another solid track.
“Living Right Now” is reminiscent of something off of Cocked and Loaded, especially in the lead guitar riff. I really like the bass in this one.
“Get Along” is where the album really gets going for me. This one is mostly acoustic but is more mid tempo and checks in at five and a half minutes. Lewis’ vocal reminds me a bit of something you’d hear from a 90s Oasis track. The best track so far.
“If It’s Over Now” is a moodier track that is in line with the sound of the last couple of records. Lewis has a little more growl to his vocal which really works here. Another standout track.
“Better Than You” starts with the heaviest riff on the record that jumpstarts this driving track. Very different than the last two tracks but another excellent offering.
“Knock Me Down” is another rocker that sounds like classic L.A. Guns. Long time fans should be happy with this one.
“Dog” is another heavier, driving track that isn’t a personal favorite but does have a cool riff.
“Let You Down” is the track I’ve been waiting for. I absolutely love the final three tracks on “The Missing Peace” and this one has a similar epic feel as those songs. This one checks in at over five and a half minutes and Lewis’ emotional vocal is the highlight of the record for me. This one makes my top ten list of favorite L.A. Guns tracks after only a few listens. Just a great song.
“That Ain’t Why” and the album closer “Physical Itch” are both rockers which is a bit of a let down as I was hoping for another trilogy to end the record. But they are both have that classic sleazy L.A. Guns sound which should please long time fans.
“Checkered Past” is a really good album. For me, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of “The Missing Peace”, but there are some excellent songs here and the album as a whole is quite strong. The band has maintained their new energy from their reunion without losing their classic sound. If you are a fan, it’s worth jumping the gun and not waiting for Santa to bring you this one.
90 out of 100
Track Listing
- Cannonball
- Bad Luck Charm
- Living Right Now
- Get Along *
- If It’s Over Now *
- Better Than You *
- Knock Me Down*
- Dog
- Let You Down *
- That Ain’t Why
- Physical Itch
*Best Songs