Valentine (Robby) - The Most Beautiful Pain (2006)
Posted by Nick_L on April 10, 2006
VALENTINE - THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PAIN (2006, FRONTIERS)
Robby Valentine - all instruments
Nop Ton - drums
Juan Van Emmerloot - drums
Johan Willems - backing vocals
Background
March 2006 sees the release of album number five for Dutch keyboard virtuoso and multi-instrumentalist Robby Valentine. Considered possibly one of the greatest artists in his native Holland and a bonafide superstar in Japan, he has released nine (four of which issued as a solo artist) albums in the last 14 years. Despite being such a prolific artist, Robby Valentine's releases have so far only found release in the land of the Rising Sun. Hence it is somehow a positive sign knowing that Mr Valentine has after considerable effort, gained the attention of record companies here in Europe, some 16 years after his last venture with Zinatra in the shape of 'The Great Escape', released on Mercury/Polygram.
The Songs
With 14 songs and 3 intermezzos, 'The Most Beautiful Pain' is quite hard to digest at the first spin. All of the tracks presented here bear their author's trademark and noteworthy musical dexterity from start to finish. Robby plays all instruments here - with the exception of a few drum tracks, for which he's aided by Nop Ton (ex 1st Avenue) and Snowy White's White Flames drummer Juan Van Emmerloot. Robby produces the album, and sings all lead vocals. Despite the one-man-band situation, Robby is once again capable of constantly diversifying rhythms, moods and atmospheres. Luckily there's enough variety here to satisfy even the even the most demanding listener. Dream Theater (especially in the first two tracks), Styx, obviously Queen and even lost glam rock icon Jobriath (anybody remember him?) are the most immediate comparisons, but certainly Robby possesses enough talent in order to not plagiarize his idols/influences.
In Summary
Had it came out at the time of Aldo Nova's 'Subject', this album would have achieved immediate success. This of course doesn't mean that Robby hasn't come up with a modern and fresh sounding opus. We at G-D can only wish him the best of luck, as so far he's proven to be one of Holland's greatest talents and one of Freddy Mercury's most credible heirs.
URL: www.robbyvalentine.com
Sponsor: Frontiers Music
Track Listing:
01 I Should Have Known Better
02 A New World
03 I'm Going Under (Sedated)
04 One Of These Days
05 The Cold And Lonely Lie
06 She (Abandoned Heart)
07 Magnum Opus
08 Everyday Hero
09 Supernova
10 Magical Memories
11 How Many Times
12 Mickey
13 How Can I Live Without You
14 One Heart
15 Back To The Future Theme
16 Now On Never
17 Exodus Elephantes
Rating:
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Robby Valentine - 2006 The Most Beautiful Pain
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