Ballads And Blues 1982-1994 - Gary Moore > Reviews > Headbangin' and Heartbreakin'

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money

Advantages:	Diverse and contrasting styles and sounds
Disadvantages:	It's not entirely typical of Gary Moore

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I was slightly bemused to find Gary Moore tucked away in the ‘Hard Rock, Metal, and Punk’ music category of Ciao! With an album titled ‘Ballads and Blues’ it seemed somewhat inappropriate. But this album is not entirely typical of Gary Moore, more a taste of his ability to offer a rock guitar experience to many different genres.

This immensely talented vocalist and superb musician offers a balanced combination of contrasting style on this classic 14 track album. Powerful guitar backs beautifully thought provoking, if at times somewhat haunting, lyrics in a style that could really only be described as a blend of rock/pop, with a touch of jazz and of course plenty of ballad and blues.

The highlights of this album in my opinion are as follows......

~ Always gonna love you ~
“....if loving you’s forever....”
Soft, piano intro and echoing vocals build up to a powerful, thundering storm of electric guitar playing on this opening track. A roller coaster ride of deeply emotional lyrics on a fiery rock and smouldering blues number. The words express the love still felt after a failed relationship.

~ Still got the blues ~
“....it was so long ago, but I’ve still got the blues for you....”
A strong, yet peaceful guitar intro, setting the pace for a somewhat laid back track with a jazzy but soft piano backing in places. Broken with a number of powerful, but perfectly suited, guitar solos. The lyrics are a reflection on past times and memories.

~ Empty Rooms ~
“....where we learn to live without love....”
A haunting guitar and piano melody opens this track. Combining a steady drum beat which becomes quite intense heading into the chorus. A painfully emotional song of living with loneliness and regret.

~ One Day ~
“....the sun will shine on you, turn all your tears to laughter....”
This track opens with a soft, steady drum beat backing a simple but quite soulful guitar melody. The lyrics are expressing the despair of watching someone in depression, and trying to give hope for the future.

The lyrical compositions on this album are without doubt heavily influenced by a love and relationship theme, but the musical arrangements are diverse, and display Gary Moore’s ability to turn his hand to almost anything.

Admittedly, this album is not entirely in the style you might expect if you think of Gary Moore solely based on his Thin Lizzy days, but none the less it is highly enjoyable. The guitar playing alone is worth the money you’ll pay for the album.

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The full track listing is...

1. 1 ~ Always gonna love you 3.54
2. 2 ~ Still got the blues 4.10
3. 3 ~ Empty Rooms 4.15
4. 4 ~ Parisienne Walkways 6.47
5. 5 ~ One Day 4.00
6. 6 ~ Separate Ways 4.54
7. 7 ~ Story of the Blues 6.39
8. 8 ~ Crying in the Shadows 5.00
9. 9 ~ With Love 7.05
10. 10 ~ Midnight Blues 4.58
11. 11 ~ Falling in Love with You 4.05
12. 12 ~ Jumpin’ at Shadows 4.21
13. 13 ~ Blues for Narada 7.40
14. 14 ~ Johnny Boy 3.11