Forever One opens the album with balls, a distorted guitar and a filtered voice. Mr. Kotzen has a very melodic approach to guitar playin' and songwritin', and even if the guitar is quite aggressive, his vocal lines are very catchy. The chorus has a very 'modern rock' feel. A short solo which starts off à la Zakk Wylde and then shows Richie's personal and very interestin' style. It might sound easy, but it's not. Wide intervals and hybrid pickin' are two of Richie's trademarks.
Get a Life is a great song, a 'summer hit'. Again, very very catchy hooks. The solo is in line with the rest of the song. Richie doesn't feel the need to show off anymore...
Change is a ballad with acoustic intro. Acoustic solo too. Kotzen has grown alot in the last years. In the last few years he's written great records, as Bi-Polar Blues and What Is... Change sounds to be one of these too...
Don't Ask is another potential hit. The sad thing is that in the pop charts we have everyday more and more soul-less s#@t, while a true artist like Richie Kotzen doesn't get the attention he deserves. Are you searchin' for a great pop-rock album? You've found it.
Deeper (INTO YOU) has a very 'electronic' vibe, very 70's stuff. Richie's voice shines thru. Yes, I was forgettin', the man has also an awesome voice. Quite talented, isn't he? =)
High is another ballad, where you can clearly hear Richie's Statocaster's voice. Another great hook. If only this man got the promotion and visibility that other singers have... The solo is typical Kotzen, sounds alot like the stuff he's recorded with Poison.
Am I Dreamin' is a kick in the ass to all the 'latin' artists of today's music scene... Apart from the fact that such singers have to call kick-ass guitarists to play the openin' licks of this track... Beautiful short solo with nylon string guitar and electric tradin' licks.
Good For Me is another example of Richie's love for soul music and R&B. Chilled out groove.
Fast Money Fast Cars sounds like a joke... Rappy vocals, a talk box riff , wha solo and funk. Simple yet so effective.
Unity is a jazz bebop instrumental, where Richie shows he's still one of the best guitarists out there even when talkin' 'bout technique ( and here there's plenty of it). Listen to his debut album, and you won't believe you're listenin' to the same guitarist... maybe because he's not the same guitarist, after years of playin' and 'cleaning' his style.