NELSON Returns with “Lightning Strikes Twice”
Posted by admin | Posted in Uncatagorized | Posted on 16-03-2011
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Those who don’t believe lightning can strike twice may soon change their tune – especially if they’re NELSON fans. The duo recently released their sophomore album titled “Lightning Strikes Twice,” the long anticipated follow-up to their 1980 multi-platinum debut “After the Rain.” The record is a welcome resurgence of classic melodic rock, with NELSON’s signature harmonies accompanied by some serious “get off your a** and party” rock riffs. With a catalog of well-crafted songs, clever lyrics, and a Brand New take on a classic sound, the Nelson boys are back for strike two.
The album’s first single “You’re All I Need Tonight” is perhaps most reminiscent of the songs off The Band‘s debut CD, but the rest of the record is a highly charged sequel that reflects their musical maturity. “Kickin My Heart Around,” probably their biggest departure in terms of melodic structure and composition, has an edgier, grittier feel and contains all the makings of a kick-ass music video.
“In It For The Money” is a modernized ode to a gold-digger, while “How Can I Miss You” features the oh-so- familiar tale of a clingy female. The song’s gorgeous guitar intro and bountiful catch phrases like “Just give me some room before lust turns to hate. I’d rather starve than suffocate,” make this up-tempo ditty worth a listen.
NELSON twin lead front men Gunnar Nelson-Matthew Nelson (Photo: Brian Lowe)
No body of rock is complete without a set of power ballads, especially from a duo with such notable harmonizing skills. “To Get Back To You,” is a classic road song with haunting vocals, co-written by Gunnar and Slaugher’s Mark Slaughter. Gunnar lists it as one of his favorite tracks on the CD, along with the songs “Call Me” (which he labels “a straight ahead Elton pop/rock song”) and “Ready Willing and Able,” – a song we label “sexy rock at it’s best.”
“Take Me There,” the second ballad on the record, remains one of the most poignant tracks with it’s powerful lyrics and epic guitar solo. During a recent interview with Popstar, Gunnar stated, “I love to channel Brian May on that one because that’s probably my favorite guitar solo I’ve ever played. I also like The Theme of the song. It’s just a very positive song.”
One of the catchier pop tracks is “Call Me,” an upbeat serenade that has Gunnar – who performs lead vocals throughout the record – singing, “When you’re done being his Plan B, call me.” You Get the idea.
Where “After the Rain” left off with a younger, yet respectable collection of hit melodic rock songs, “Lightning Strikes Twice” picks up with a bolder anthology of bankable radio-worthy tunes. As the group has matured, so have their fan base - who will No Doubt appreciate the duo’s ability and desire to maintain the integrity of their signature sound, while cranking it up a notch for posterity.
Lightning Strikes Twice is now available on iTunes and Amazon. For more info, visit NELSON’s official website.
By Jennifer Maurer