Johnny Gioeli – One Voice (Album Review)

Johnny Gioeli is best known as the talented front-man for Blues-Rock act Hardline and Guitarist Axel Rudi Pell. Striking out on his own, Johnny Gioeli is proud to announce the release of his first ever solo album, One Voice, slated to drop on Friday, December 7, 2018 via Frontiers Music s.r.l.

After 25 years in music, Gioeli has been all over the music business lending his stellar vocals to a plethora of records. In 1992, the Brooklyn, NY native started Hardline and successfully reunited the band in the new millennium. In 1998, Gioeli became the singer for aforementioned German Guitarist Axel Rudi Pell and has fronted Pell’s band ever since. Perhaps Gioeli’s most anticipated reunion came this past summer when he teamed up with former Hardline bandmate Deen Castronovo on their new project called Gioeli-Castronovo. Together, the duo released their debut LP, Set the World on Fire, back in July – a jam-packed album of 1980’s style, Power Pop/Hard Rock heaven.

Wasting no time, Gioeli dropped the first single off One Voice, “Drive,” back in early Fall to gift fans a sneak peak at his new album. With 11 brand new tracks, One Voice once again sees Gioeli pouring his heart and soul into each and every moment. Having said that, in regard to One Voice, Gioeli commented: One day, I just woke up and said ‘I wanna do this’. I’ve always been so faithful to the groups I’m in, and I remain that way, but I just thought it was time that I do something on my own and see how it goes, for the creativity and the freedom to express myself.

Before we get deeper into One Voice, it must be mentioned Gioeli’s talented band features Guitarist Eric Gadrix, Bassist Nik Mazzucconi, Drummer Marco Di Salvia, and Keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio. A trademark sound for Gioeli, One Voice embodies the love of keyboard heavy, gripping Pop Rock tunes that tell a story as only Johnny Gioeli can. Opening things up, the single “Drive” is a carefree, inspiring cut that implores us to enjoy the simple things in life like hitting the open road. Keeping with the theme, “It” will compel the listener to appreciate the beauty of what makes us happy (“What is it that moves you?”). The title track, “One Voice” wishes we would all unite as one and make the world a better place (“We are one voice together”).

Reaching in, songs like “Deeper” will really tug at the heart strings, giving that good feeling of having the one you love by your side (“I’ve fallen in deeper with you”). In a soaring score, Gioeli captivates on “Let Me Know” (“Let me know if you need me”). Then, the punchy rocker “Hit Me Once, Hit Ya Twice” sees the band turn it up and make some noise. One song many will relate to, “Price We Pay” evaluates those living a fictional life and how a false facade will ultimately lead to nowhere (“How much is life gonna cost you?”). In a stirring tale, “Out Of Here” will have you discovering your own personal escape before One Voice closes via the gripping ballad “Oh Fathers.”

Rallying the senses and emotions, Gioeli’s One Voice is never at a loss for compelling thoughts, big choruses, and meaningful ballads. After listening to One Voice, fans may wonder, how does he do it? First a stunning reunion with Deen Castronovo and now an impressive solo album. It would be a crime for Johnny Gioeli’s One Voice to go unheard. All this said, songwriting doesn’t get much better than this. If you are a fan of Gioeli’s work, check out One Voice by one talented individual. For these reasons, Cryptic Rock gives One Voice 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Purchase One Voice:

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