Album Review — Ronnie Atkins

Ronnie Atkins — Make It Count

Pretty Maids/Nordic Union vocalist Ronnie Atkins released his second solo album, “Make It Count”, almost exactly one year from his first solo release “One Shot”. Atkins has decided to take a positive approach despite his incurable cancer diagnosis releasing another mostly uplifting record.

Overall, the album mostly falls under the melodic rock style with a few heavier tracks. The opening track, “I’ve Hurt Myself (By Hurting You)”, is a good example of the majority of the record. It’s quite catchy with lots of guitars without being too heavy. I would have preferred something a little heavier with a little more pace to it to start the record but it’s a good track nonetheless.

“Unsung Heroes” is an uplifting track that reminds me of something off the latest Bon Jovi record. It borders on being cheesy but ultimately is more positive and uplifting than anything else.

“Rising Tide” finds Atkins taking on the climate crisis on this slightly heavier and more modern sounding track.

“Remain To Remind Me” is another mid-tempo track that has a strong chorus. This sounds like a late 80s single you might have heard on MTV.

“The Tracks We Leave Behind” continues with the same kind of feel. Lots of guitar, keyboard accents, mid-tempo with a big chorus. This one works well.

“All I Ask Of You” is another quality melodic track that sounds a bit like modern day Journey.

“Grace” continues a run of melodic, mid-tempo tracks with catchy choruses. There could be a little more variety stylistically but these songs are certainly executed well.

We get the early 90s-sounding ballad “Let Love Lead The Way”. It’s not a bad ballad by any stretch, but not an album highlight for me.

“Blood Cries Out” has a short keyboard intro that leads to a more metal-sounding track. Atkins can still sing the heavier stuff just fine.

“Easier To Leave (Than Being Left Behind) is back to the mid-tempo flow with another big chorus. It’s another quality track.

“Fallen” has a bit of a different feel to it. It doesn’t fit the same mold as the rest of the album and I like that. It’s still quite catchy and mid-tempo, but it’s not as well defined verse, verse, chorus that I like.

The album ends with the title track that checks in at nearly six minutes. The track starts mostly with piano and vocal that slowly builds and takes a few turns along the way.

Overall I like this record. It’s so good to hear Atkins still creating music despite his diagnosis, and even better to hear the positive spin of the record. It would be far too easy to pack it in and wait for the inevitable, but Atkins has decided to make the most of what he has left and that should be commended.

The album is solid from start to finish. I wouldn’t say the album has any real lows but also lacks a bit from those high points that make an album memorable. But overall it’s a well done record that any Ronnie Atkins fan should appreciate.

85 out of 100

Track Listing

1. I’ve Hurt Myself (By Hurting You)
2. Unsung Heroes
3. Rising Tide
4. Remain To Remind Me*
5. The Tracks We Leave Behind*
6. All I Ask Of You*
7. Grace*
8. Let Love Lead The Way
9. Blood Cries Out
10. Easier To Leave (Than Being Left Behind)*
11. Fallen*
12. Make It Count

*Best Songs