Formed back in 1995 by Vocalist Josh Todd and Guitarist Keith Nelson, Buckcherry is one of the biggest bright spots in Rock-n-Roll over the last twenty years. A throwback to downright and dirty Rock-n-Roll of yesteryear, the band stood out when they arrived with their 1999 debut album. In fact, all of their albums have had success in some shape or form, even the often-overlooked 2001 Timebomb. Even sustaining a hiatus, upon their return in 2005 with the album 15, it has been a steady roll of music since then while touring with some of the most famous names including AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, and KISS. Now in 2023 Buckcherry return with their latest album Vol. 10.
Released on June 2nd through Round Hill Records, the album finds the band settled in with a solid lineup featuring Founder Todd, longtime contributor Stevie D. on lead and rhythm guitar and backing vocals, along with Kelly LeMieux on bass, Francis Ruiz on drums, but also Billy Rowe on lead and rhythm guitar as well as backing vocals. Consisting of ten new Buckcherry originals and, as a bonus track, a cover of the Bryan Adams classic “Summer of ’69,” how does it stand up next to the band’s prior work?
In truth, the band still has chops and this album shows it. Starting out with an upbeat Rock-n-Roll sound Buckcherry has always had, “This and That” features heavy reverb on Todd’s unique vocals that give a good classic vibe. This is followed by the heavy guitar track “Good Time” which is pretty standard for Buckcherry. As mentioned, not all too different from what they have done in the past, songs like “Feels Like Love” and “Shine Your Light” take a turn for something different. Unique from some of their heavier, darker lyrics, these two tracks take a brighter tone. For example, words such as “You can shine your light on me and we can break through” really offer some hope; this is opposed to their 2014 Fuck EP which includes the title in every song, including lines such as “I don’t care, say fuck it.”
On the other end of the spectrum “Feels Like Love” is a strong love song which when compared to their 2013 song “Dreamin’ of You” off Confessions, is a bit more of a classic sounding. From here songs like “Keep on Fighting ” mentions the will to keep strong and give more no matter the risk, while “Pain” is a play on true heartache with a more piano and orchestral drive that showcases Todd’s vocals in a different light. And in the end, it all comes together with the aforementioned cover of “Summer of ’69.” Quite fun and perfect for a summer BBQ, Buckcherry’s version is a bit faster than Bryan Adams’, but still tingles your ears with memorable feelings.
Although it is not another Black Butterfly (2008) or All Night Long (2010), Vol. 10 is still riddled with good tracks. All the songs are not considered explicit, but utilizing the same heavy guitars matched with Todd’s intriguing vocals still bring you classic Buckcherry. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Vol. 10 4 out of 5.
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