I had a huge crush on Lita Ford in the 1980′s. She was talented, hot and…well…hot. But, like many of the kings and queens of the Hollywood Strip, she disappeared after 1991. Lita launched a comeback a few years ago. She released an album in 2o09 but it sounded way too much like she was trying fit in to the post grunge movement. Her latest release feels much more like it closer to her heart than a vapid desire to hit the Billboard rock charts.
Living Like A Runaway clearly reflects her painful divorce from longtime husband Jim Gillette but also features Lita’s signture attitude, riffs and melody, which equals nothing short of awesome. The album kicks off with “Branded” an angry “up yours” to her ex complete with a fittingly ferocious riff. A monster bass line introduces “Hate,” a metal tune about a mass murderer. “The Mask” is a sludgy rocker that is yet another tune aimed at Gillette. “Living Like a Runaway” is a fun, poppy ode to her teenage years as the lead guitarist for the iconic girls band that introduced her and Joan Jett to the world. ”Relentless” is a decent “I’ve kicked butt and took names” anthem. “Mother” is a heartbreaking ballad penned to her children. “Devil in My Head” is a Black Label Society-esque metal tune followed by “Asylum,” which feels like an early ’80′s Judas Priest mid-tempo rocker. “Love 2 Hate U” is a great duet that should’ve ended the album on an upbeat as it lightens the mood a bit but, instead, the album finishes with the Nikki Sixx penned industrial track “A Song to Slit Your Wrist To,” which is a fine cut but feels a bit out of place.
Regardless, Living Like a Runaway is a fantastic release with just the right mix of pop, rock and metal. It is great to have Lita back with an album that fits her like a glove. I give it an A-.
Tune back regularly for fresh album reviews. Records are rated as follows: A+ (a classic and must own). A or A- (Highly recommended though with some minor flaws. You may want to check out the tracks on Youtube before purchasing). B+ or B (a good record but one that you may want to consider hinting at as a present rather than throwing down your own $10). B- or C+ (a decent album worth checking out if you are a fan of the particular genre). C or C- (so-so and worth checking out only if you are a hardcore fan of the particular artist). D+ or D (Avoid unless you are related to a member of the band). D- or F (avoid even if you are related to a member of the band).
Check back next week for a review of the new Linkin Park release.
Until then, grace, peace and metal.
