Primarily recognized as Billy Idol’s rhythm guitarist for the last fourteen plus years, Billy Morrison has a resume that runs far and deep. Also recognized for time as a part of The Cult, Morrison also joined up with Dave Navarro, Matt Sorum, Donovan Leitch and Scott Ford to form Camp Freddy back in 2002, before forming Circus Diablo with fellow The Cult Guitarist Billy Duffy and former Fuel frontman Brett Scallions in 2006. With much more to mention, he has also teamed up with Ozzy Osbourne for episodes of SiriusXM show Ozzy Speaks. Truly an accomplished individual, now in 2024 he returns with a new solo album called The Morrison Project.
Released on April 19th, The Morrison Project marks his first solo release since 2015 and his third solo album overall. Consisting of 12 songs in total, the album is packed with legendary appearances from the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Vai, Billy Idol, Linda Perry, John 5, Al Jourgensen, plus much more. Furthermore, it was produced by Morrison himself, was recorded in Los Angeles, and was mixed by Barry Pointer.
This all in mind, the songs were accomplished through careful cooperation with the likes of Osborne, Vai, DMC (Darryl McDaniels), Steve Stevens, among others, who entered the various studios which served as recording spaces. It was here Morrison collaborated with each guest in the writing, and each had an intimate and direct relationship with the lyrics and music being pumped out. Rather cool, this allows each of the tracks to take on identities of their own with each respective artist.
While listening to each recording on The Morrison Project you can hear that they all have a strength and passion that each acts as singular albums unto themselves. Although, it is only after a few listens to the entire album that you begin to understand the way each song is perfectly slotted to create such a unique journey. In all, Morrison (along with his impressive lineup of guest musicians) brings together a hard-hitting, Pop-infused collection of pieces that dart and dance along, telling stories of love, loss, and infinite ambition.
Breaking it down a bit more, “Drowning,” the opening track and debut single, immediately jumpstarts the album with a funky bass line that rips never-ending ferocity. Immediately following this headliner is a collaboration between Morrison, Ozzy Osborne, and Steve Stevens entitled “Crack Cocaine.” Quite a mix of talents, together they create a dynamic bluesy tune that tears into the addiction that love can sometimes be; as we all have clawed and scratched in order to contain something we were so desperate not to lose. Swinging guitar work and head-nodding percussion serve as a perfect partner to Osborne’s vocal work here. It is interesting to point out this is his first song appearance since releasing the album Patient Number 9 in 2022.
As the album continues, the themes become darker. This is especially the case with “Dystopia” and “Puppets on a String”; which are frighteningly appropriate for the times that we find ourselves in presently. The speedy bass work and blood-chilling lyrics find themselves stranded between a cry for help and a call to action that kicks the album into another gear; showing just how far outside of his realm of regularity Morrison can not only travel, but dominate.
As the record’s second half comes to a close, Morrison’s time with Billy Idol, as well as the strong influence of the Sex Pistols throughout his life, come to the forefront. Tracks like “Dream,” “Sound of Freedom,” as well as “Chasing Shadows” have the speed and tenacity of Alternative and Punk origins, but the soul and smoothness of the rhythm and blues.
Overall, there remains strong lyrical themes throughout the bones of The Morrison Project, with calls for change and demands for realizing the true capacity of oneself. It is a collection of songs that has something for every mood or emotional state you could stumble into. When it is all said and done Morrison proves once again that he is made for creating some very impressive solo material outside his other project involvements. A tremendous effort all together, Cryptic Rock gives The Morrison Project 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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