ALBUM REVIEW: John Norum – Play Yard Blues

Europe have often been categorised in the same ’80s hair metal circle as Bon Jovi and Stryper, yet it is clear from Play Yard Blues, the latest solo album from guitarist John Norum, that their roots stretch far beyond the glam metal scene they found themselves trapped in earlier in their career. There is a strong blues vibe throughout the record and also echoes of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and other classic and progressive rock groups. The Final Countdown is a distant memory, with Norum instead taking inspiration from the likes of Thin Lizzy (most evidently with the track It’s Only Money, a cover of the band’s 1974 track from the album Nightlife).

The record starts strong with Let it Shine, which boasts a guitar riff that sounds like something Jimi Hendrix would have played. Norum has a voice that fits this type of music and fans of Bruce Springsteen will no doubt enjoy Got My Eyes on You, which Norum performs with Swedish singer Leif Sundin. Red Light Green High has a simple yet funky melody, whilst When Darkness Falls is possibly the album’s most danceable number. The second cover version on the album comes with Ditch Queen, originally performed by Mahogany Rush on 1982′s Juggernaut, which, despite featuring an impressive solo, lacks the melody of some of the other tracks and proves to be the weakest part of the album.

Sundin appears once again on the upbeat number Born Again that, as with Got My Eyes on You, was co-written with Sundin. The track picks up the pace of the album and proves to be the most commercial and radio friendly song. As one would expect with a title such as Play Yard Blues, which closes the album, Norum pulls out all the stops by showcasing his love of old blues. There are elements of both Johnny Lee Hooker and Eric Clapton during this track, which sees Norum going instrumental and instead doing what he does best, playing his guitar for all its worth. Whilst there are a couple of weak tracks in the middle of the album Play Yard Blues is an impressive record that benefits from distancing itself from the style of music Norum has been most associated with throughout his career, proving that he is a versatile musician.