Tom Keifer
The Way Life Goes
Next up is the singer/songwriter/guitarist
of the Philadelphia-based Blues-Rock band Cinderella. Tom Kiefer is making his
debut as a solo artist with the release of his long-awaited and
highly-anticipated solo album, THE WAY LIFE GOES. The album features 14 songs that
range from intimate, organic, acoustic tracks to driving hard rock. It embraces
the Blues, Rock and Country roots that have always been present in his unique
sound that has generated the sale of over 15 million records worldwide for
Cinderella. The album has been labeled as raw, well let’s just see how raw it
really is. The album kicks off with “Solid Ground” which gets going with a
killer intro that will really captivate you. The country/blues infused tunes
grab you and strap you in for the ride you are about to experience. The vocals stroll
in with a great vibe. They are clear and easy to follow along with which is
exactly what you will be doing. This track kicks the album off just right. “A Different
Light” is an easy going track with simple music and outstanding vocals. The
track will hit hard with you and leave you speechless. The chorus is perfectly
written and superbly sung. The track is truly mind blowing. “It’s Not Enough” brings
back the upbeat tempo with huge guitars and demanding vocals. The catchy tune
offers up some decent lyrics although they do repeat a little bit. The mini
solo section is good as the guitars get a chance to play around and they get
that chance at the end of the tune as well. “Cold Day In Hell” begins slowly,
but builds up to a solid tune. The vocals are great with the backing vocals chiming
in a lot in this offering. The music is simple with a couple of spikes and what
sounds like a harmonica as well. This track however; is all about the vocals. It’s
a fun little number that can just play in the background. “Thick and Thin”
offers up some rough raspy vocals and soaring guitars. The track is okay, but
this is the first one that didn’t hold my attention very well. I found myself
drifting off during the song. “Ask Me Yesterday” is a powerful track that is
infused with a country feel to it. The vocals are laid back and are pushed
along by the sweeping guitars. You will be closing your eyes and enjoying this
number. “Fools Paradise” is a great number that is super catchy. The vocals are
clean and music floats along with highs and lows. This is on that grooves along
with ease and you can get lost in. It does repeat some, but the smoothness of
the track is amazing. This is one that you can continue to listen to for a long
time. “The Flower Song” is a slower track that is once again infused with the
bluesy country side of things. It will speak to some of the fans, but others
might just be turned off. “Mood Elevator” turns the tempo back up with a blast
from the get go. The rock comes out in this one and the crowd will eat it up. The
lyrics are a bit strange, but I have a feeling that this one that wont matter. The
music grabs a hold and will not let go. There are guitars flying around all
over the place as well as vocals while the drums lay down a heavy beat. “Welcome
To My Mind” slows the album back down with drawn out vocals that rip off some
lyrics with an eerie feeling. There are also some backing vocals that make
their presents known a bit more than usual. The music is killer with awesome
drums and a couple effects on the guitars. It’s a fun number. “You Showed Me”
slows the album down even more with a presents of the piano and simple vocals. This
track will have the lighters and cell phones out in full force. It’s a descent
tune that puts the emotion of the lyrics on the band’s sleeve. Some fans will
jump on board of this track while others will let it play in the backdrop of
whatever they are doing. “Ain’t That A Bitch” gives up a cool number with
killer guitars that gets the blood pumping while the drums lay down the beat. The
vocals are solid as well and you can tell that they are having fun with this
one. It’s a fun number that is sure to get some serious play. “The Way Life
Goes” tosses out some funky vocals that
are blended with a sick beat. The tune is fun and you will fall in love with
it. The titled cut is top notch with the vibe and beat that it offers. They
also place in some gang vocals and some extra instruments that spice the track
up so much you will hit replay several times. “Babylon” wraps up the album with
a nice number. It offers up more solid vocals and a fun beat that will have you
dancing around and singing along. It has a fresh sound and works well. Overall the
album is great. The way that they change the tracks up throughout the album is genius
and gives you a fresh start every time you go to the next tune. They infuse the
album with different vibes and styles in not only the music, but the vocals as
well. It’s a fresh sound that will get stuck in your head with every track. The
backing vocals sound great while the extra instruments that they include add
great value to the tracks. The description of being “raw” might not be exactly
right in m mind. I can see and hear some of that rawness, but overall I would
say it’s unique. I really enjoyed this release and it should be in everyone’s
collection. I don’t believe that anyone will be disappointed in have it there.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Tracks to Watch:
A Different Light, Fools Paradise, Welcome To My Mind
Track List:
- Solid Ground
- A Different Light
- It’s Not Enough
- Cold Day In Hell
- Thick and Thin
- Ask Me Yesterday
- Fools Paradise
- The Flower Song
- Mood Elevator
- Welcome To My Mind
- You Showed Me
- Ain’t that A Bitch
- The Way Life Goes
- Babylon
Website (s): www.tomkiefer.com