Suzi Quatro – Freedom – Album Review – lisa davies promotions

Review By Darren McIntyre

Susan Kay Quatro aka Suzi Quatro is a singer / songwriter / musician / actress from Detroit, Michigan who has influenced many musicians in her time. Suzi was first drawn to music after seeing Elvis perform when she was 6 yrs old, Suzi released her self – titled album in 1973 and brought us classic singles Can The Can & Devilgate Drive that gave her worldwide success. Suzi has had a long & distinguished career and has given us 16 studio albums, no 17 Freedom drops 27th March, 10 compilation albums, 1 live album & 52 singles. Suzi has sold 50 million records worldwide, has 6 Bravo Otto Awards and she is set to hit the road in April in support of her new album Freedom, I reviewed the lead single from the new record and now have the pleasure of bringing you the new album in full.

Freedom – The doors come flying off from the getgo as this foot stomping groover comes at us with a real rockin blues feel with harmonica notes littered throughout the intro. Suzi leans in with her unmistakeable rasping vocals that really let the track tell it’s own story as the killer funk beat weaves it’s way through this fast paced, high tempo rock n roller as we snap our fingers to the punchy beat. The snare drum punches let the rhythm section command the track from the off as we get awesome backing vocals that lend themselves from a 70-80’s sitcom that really brings the fun element to this killer track, Suzi lets her fingers do the talking as dark, delicious, funky basslines drop in and really let the track sizzle as we feel the energy, swagger and attitude pour from this toe tapping, thigh slapping feel good number that will have us reaching for the repeat button for sure, catch Suzi on the road this April or miss her at your peril.

Little Miss Lovely – A growling guitar riff flows through the intro as we get cowbell by the truckload that really elevates this little belter of a track as the beat grabs us by the throat and really lets us have it. The unmistakeable vocals come bursting through as Suzi breathes the fire into this epic number as the pumping low end wraps itself around this foot stomping number as the boys just hit us with all they have as we get to grips with this incredible musician as she takes us on the journey with her. The tempo changes pace as we get a rousing bassline that brings a rasping guitar lick along for the ride as this kick ass track tells us everything about this seasoned professional as she brings us her best work to date in my honest opinion.

Choose Yourself – Suzi brings her soaring, bluesy rock vocals to the track as the shredding guitar riffs roll through the track and let us feel the energy pouring from this colossal number. The rhythm section is commanding the room with it’s pounding beats, cymbal crashes that just tell their own story as this melodic number builds and builds, the musicianship is just awesome as the cool low end drops in and really wraps itself around us as we get a warm, fuzzy feeling from this fantastic number as Suzi lets her soulful vocals lead the charge in this foot stomping number as we feel the tone, texture and depth of this real thought provoking number that just rolls through the track as we catch a tempo shift that allows the boys to bring their awesomr musicality to this bruising track as the slick, crisp guitar solo weaves it’s way through the track and lets us know that we are in for one helluva ride.

Goin Down – A real blues soaked guitar lick eases into the track as a deep, funking bassline delivers a gutsy, dark, delicious tone that fits the arrangement perfectly as the snare drum punches rain down on us. Harmonica tones are littered throughout the track as Suzi leans in and hits us with her incredible vocals as the boys deliver a flawless tone that really stops us in our tracks, the groove is a real fuzzy, melodic buzz as the dirty, meaty tones take us on the journey with Suzi & the boys as we let this guitar laden number build and elevate the track to another level as we just sit back and allow the tone to wrap itself around our ears as the funky, deep, mellow tones tell their own story as this fist pumping number delivers and then some as the glittering guitar licks just slap us all around the face with their intense tone.

Hanging Over Me – A fast, furious drum kick comes at us as the slick, crisp guitar riffs wander freely through the intro as this meaty beast rears it’s head and lets us feel the intensity oozing from this beast. Suzi lets her colossal, mellow vocals lead the charge in this kick ass track that really bursts our chops with it’s real groovy tones that is just rolling through the track as the band gels together and unleashes hell with a cool hon ky tonk piano tone that is littered throughout the number. This is one of those tracks that just grabs us, shakes us until we submit as the oozing tones really let this track breath as we let this toe tapping beast wander free and really deliver a full on bassline that is dark, dirty, delicious and really tells us that Suzi is maturing like a fine wine that just gets better with every glass.

Here’s Ya Boots – Acoustic strumming tones ripple through the intro as the rhythm section kicks in the doors with a real punchy, meaty groove that really pops with a solid beat that is on the money. Suzi comes at us with her incredible vocals as this gritty, rasping, harmonica filled rocker track hits all the right notes as we feel the swagger rumble through this cool arrangement, the full on bassline is just dropping in and hitting us with a real cool, melodic groove that lets the boys bring the noise in this slick, crisp rocker track that is short, sharp and to the point as we just settle back and let Suzi drive this juggernaut right through the album as the tone, texture and musicality just build and build with each track.

Can’t Let It Go – Cymbal taps ease through the intro as the snare / bass kicks let the rhythm section control the direction of this rockin bruiser as we get all down and dirty with this awesome number. The backing vocals really let the track breath as Suzi brings her killer vocals to the composition as we get a country rocking groove that just builds and builds with each note, snare drum taps wander into the track and let the tone wrap itself around us as we get rockin with the slide guitar licks that are weaving their way through this killer piece. The track has a real nice feel to it as the tempo changes pace for a bit as we get to grips with this rousing monster that just tells us that Suzi is firing on all cylinders with this incredible number.

Nobody Held My Hand – A cool acoustic strumming chord wanders through the beginning of the track as the rhythm section kicks in with a solid snare / bass punch that really adds depth to this number. The gritty, rasping guitar licks are working in perfect tandem with Suzi’s awesome low end that just builds as this foot stomping track just comes for us, the boys are just bubbling under the surface as this crunching number peels back the layers and lets Suzi take the lead in this slick track that is just grabbing our attention as the tempo again changes pace as Suzi leads the vocals with a nice backing tone that wraps itself around the whole arrangement as we get a rousing guitar solo that grabs us by the throat and shakes us with all it’s might.

Shakedown – A gritty, rasping, guitar sizzle erupts as the rhythm section kicks in the doors and lets this bruiser off the leash as Suzi leans in and lets her soothing, mellow vocals lead the way. The low end is coming through and hitting us with a real sultry, dark groove that instantly grabs our attention, the tone, texture are just incredible as we feel the energy pouring through the track as the boys come together and really bring the heat with this crunching tone as it drops in and really allows the groove to flow freely. The track is a short, sharp poke in the eye with a sharp stick as the intense licks build and give the track depth and attitude as the foot stomping beat lets the tone wander through this awesome number.

Take It Or Leave It – A real From Dusk Till Dawm guitar riff opens the track as the pounding rhythm section leans in with a real deep, solid groove that lets the tone flow and take the track down the road. We are getting incredible vocals that show no signs of slowing down anytime soon as this incredible musician steamrolls right through this album and is just on it, the smooth, slick guitar licks are just incredible as they deliver a meaty tone that really fits this arrangement. The soulful vocals are just building and building as this foot stomping bruiser really lets the tone wander freely through the mid section, we are getting the very best of Suzi Quatro as she just dives straight in and gives us a real kick ass album that she should be very proud of.

Woman’s Song – A clean, crisp guitar lick wanders through the intro as the rhythm section comes at us kicking and screaming with a real gutsy groove that allows the track to breath. The soaring, melodic vocals are adding depth, swagger to this cool number as we feel the energy flowing through the track as we just allow ourselves to be taken on this incredible journey with Suzi as she digs deep and really lets the musicality work. The backing vocals are just awesome and work so well with Suzi as she pounds away giving us meaty, funk laden bass grooves that are just wrapping themselves around this cool track, we are being treated to the very best with this fist pumping number as Suzi steamrolls through this awesome face melting bruiser.

Kick Out The Jams(Ft Alice Cooper) – Suzi kicks in the doors with the awesome line Kick Out The Jams Motherfucker as this fist pumping rocker erupts into life as we feel the rousing riffs leave their mark. Alice joins the party as he leans in and offloads with his gravelly, rasping tone that just simply works in this rockin beast as the crunching guitar licks are weaving their way through this monster track as the rhythm section controls the flow of this incredible track as the snare / bass kicks work well with the awesome low end as Suzi leans in and just melts faces with her incredible finger work. The track is just a wonder to listen to as Alice runs through this beast kicking in the doors and letting us know that the Queen of Rock n Roll is here and is here to stay, a real shot in the arm with it’s real crunchy licks, thundering beats, incredible low end tone and incredible vocals that are just on the money.

It All Comes Down To You – We get a funked up, sampler groove wandering through the intro of the track as Suzi lets her smouldering vocals lead the charge of this awesome album ending track. The tones are just sultry, dark and fit the vocal assault perfectly as the incredible groove just grabs a hold of us and takes us on the journey with Suzi, the backing vocals add depth to this toe tapping piece as Suzi shows us a softer, mellow side to her as this swaying number allows us to feel the groove wrap itself around us as the cool beat weaves it’s way through the track. This is a real treat to hear Suzi lean in and tell us a different side to her rousing, rock Queen that we have all come to know and love.

As Suzi says ‘ I Will Retire When I Go On Stage, Shake My Ass, Then There Is Silence

Suzi Quatro –

Suzi Quatro – Vocals / Bass

Track Listing –

Freedom

Little Miss Lovely

Choose Yourself

Goin Down

Hanging Over Me

Here’s Ya Boots

Can’t Let It Go

Nobody Held My Hand