Album Review — Smith/Kotzen

Smith/Kotzen — Smith/Kotzen

The recent trend in hard rock has been the supergroup. We’ve seen all sorts of interesting combinations. But when I first heard about the collaboration between Richie Kotzen and Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith, I was a little surprised. Kotzen has a long history of playing with many bands, but Smith seemed like an unlikely fit. He did release an album in the early 90s under the moniker ASAP but that record didn’t really feel like a good fit with Kotzen. But I’ve loved everything that Richie Kotzen has ever done so I was pretty excited to check this record out. And I wasn’t disappointed.

The first thing to prepare for is this sounds nothing like Iron Maiden. Even a guest appearance by fellow Maiden bandmate Nicko McBrain doesn’t move the needle toward anything sounding remotely like Iron Maiden. If you want a comparison, think more Winery Dogs, which is Kotzen’s band with Billy Sheehan and Mike Portnoy. It’s a more bluesy rock with a 70s feel. This record goes even further into the bluesy feel but still sounds new and fresh.

The opening track, “Taking My Chances”, is the first track I heard over a month ago and it’s both bluesy and heavy. Smith and Kotzen trade vocals which is a trend that holds through most of the record. Kotzen takes the higher parts but both sound at home with this bluesy feel.

“Running” is my favorite track on the record. Kotzen takes the lead for the majority of the track, although at times it’s hard to tell as their voices can sound pretty similar. This one almost has a bit of a Kotzen-era Mr. Big track. I really like this one.

“Scars” is a slower bluesy jam. The guitar work, as you would expect, is excellent but different than I expected. It’s far more bluesy, and although both get to show their chops, the solos are far more reserved than I’d expect from two accomplished players.

“Solar Fire” features McBrain and is one of the more upbeat tracks although it maintains the bluesy feel.

“You Don’t Know Me” is another personal favorite. It checks in at over seven minutes and has that epic feel to it. Smith takes lead vocals in the verses with Kozen taking over in the higher octave bridge. Another great track.

I also really enjoy “I Wanna Stay”. Another bluesy track with Smith on vocals in the verses. The two voices are similar but they compliment each other when Kotzen takes the higher note.

I really like this record. I would have liked another 2–3 songs, but every track here is at least very good with a few exceptional songs. And it can’t be overstated how strong the guitar playing is. Again, it’s not unexpected, but it’s not flashy. Just two really soulful players.

I’ve spent a week with this record and I’m torn on a rating. I’m going to go with the lower rating only because I try to reserve 95s and 100s for truly inspired records. But this one is right on the edge. Definitely worth checking out.

90 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Taking My Chances *
2. Running *
3. Scars
4. Some People
5. Glory Road
6. Solar Fire
7. You Don’t Know Me *
8. I Wanna Stay *
9. ’Til Tomorrow

*Best Songs