FOGHAT
"Under the Influence" (Foghat
Records)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I didn't even do any research before I listened to "Under the Influence." I don't know how many, if any, original Foghat band members are here. I don't know who wrote the songs. And I did it that way on purpose. I wanted to see if "Under the Influence" held up before I had that other info. I wanted to listen on its own merits.
And, hey, it's pretty good.
"Under the Influence" is a collection of bluesy classic rockers (sometimes, really bluesy) that are solid and old-fashioned. When I say "classic rock" here, I mean it. The songs on "Under the Influence" could have been released any time during Foghat's career, and that's okay with me. That's exactly what I wanted when I listen to a Foghat album.
The best song is probably the first one, the title track, but although things don't get better from there, they stay strong enough. There aren't any stand out soon-to-be new classics like "Slow Ride" here, although there is a cover of "Slow Ride" itself, which is virtually a note-by-note copy of the original. Not sure what it's doing here but it's always good to hear that song.
Bottom line: If you're a Foghat fan, you'll probably like "Under the Influence" just as much as I did.
For more information (such as finding out who's currently in the band), check out http://www.foghat.net.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2016 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
