Rise is the album I’ve wanted to hear for a long time, atmospherically it oozes with passion and creativity. Opening with a classic hard rock song bound to please many ears, Rise sets itself as the best album I’ve yet heard this year. Johnny Depp cements himself as an excellent musician in his own right along with the all-star cast of Alice Cooper, and Joe Perry…no strangers to excellent albums themselves. Perhaps for me, the best part about Rise is that it’s just a bunch of friends having fun. I think that’s something lost in music these days, a true jam session. Clearly the album does have a statement to make, but the music behind it and joyfulness that goes into it really helps solidify its staying power. I found myself coming back to it again, and again. The repeat and shuffle buttons were made for albums like this, when every song is awesome, and you can’t exactly pick a favorite because they’re all equal in integrity and love. Personally, I’ve chosen a few to talk about “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory” and “Git From Round Me” are absolutely heartfelt but for me, “Mr. Spider” is uniquely charismatic and Johnny’s playing really come alive here. “Congratulations” is also another amazing song/poem, it really conveys a sense of spatial awareness as if you’re in the room with them, the album yes…but this song especially. To everyone involved this is a wonderfully constructed album. This one’s got weight.

 

Thank you earMUSIC!