Grunge was a movement that had a short duration, possibly four years at its maximum peak. However, the genre continued to evolve over the years, giving rise to bands like Alice In Chains. Eventually, the genre transformed by incorporating elements of Alternative Metal, giving birth to bands like Nickelback or Creed, who, by the way, are returning to the mainstream spotlight after their recent reunion.
Speaking of Creed, Alter Bridge was formed after its dissolution in 2004, with a lineup based on former Creed members: Mike Tremonti on guitar, Brian Marshall on bass, Scott Phillips on drums, and the new member Myles Kennedy on vocals and guitar. Kennedy brings an impeccable touch to the band, not only possessing an incredible voice but also impressive guitar skills; he has even been a guitar teacher in the United States.
In 2007, the band released ‘Blackbird,’ one of their best albums in almost 20 years of their career.
What can we hear?
“Blackbird” is a subtle album that, when listened to carefully, reveals a richness of very interesting technical details. However, if played in the background, it is quite enjoyable as it always maintains a melodic consistency thanks to Myles Kennedy’s vocals. The musical style mostly suggests modern rock with powerful metal undertones. Light but potent, the album features contrasts between songs like “Rise Today” and “Ties That Bind”, showcasing the best of the album’s polarity.
In truth, “Blackbird” is an album we recommend listening to attentively. Much of the charm of this record lies in the fact that you can immediately sense it is made by individuals with a deep musical understanding. The guitars of Mike Tremonti and Myles Kennedy complement each other between the heavy and the melodic. While one plays arpeggios, the other shines with solos in a “New Blues Rocker” style, as seen in the titular track “Blackbird,” an uncommon composition in minor tones.
The bass and drums reinforce the riffs with accents that make the songs even heavier or more profound, such as in “Come To Life”, where Scott Phillips’ drumming does a phenomenal job. It is clean and discreet, yet it takes advantage of spaces to add simple fills that feel organic. The drum production is very natural, showcasing each piece of his kit as faithfully as possible.
Blackbird, an album full of solos
Undoubtedly, in “Blackbird,” we are listening to a pair of guitar masters who are completely underrated. We hear melodic arpeggios, powerful and heavy riffs, but above all, a series of epic solos in most of the songs that undoubtedly surpass even some of the more commercially successful classic rock and metal bands.
Indeed, in “Blackbird,” we hear glorious guitar solos that showcase the technique of both Myles Kennedy and Mike Tremonti. Notable among them are the solos in “Brand New Start,” a song designed to appeal to Alternative Metal enthusiasts, or “White Knuckles,” a guitar exhibition and a band perfectly ‘locked in’ with flawless timing between sections and accents.
The balance of the album also makes it very entertaining. We can find headbanging-worthy riffs in lower tunings like in “One By One” and then transition to the ballad “Watch Over You.” All of this is unified by Myles Kennedy’s unique vocal timbre, responsible for adding a soothing touch to the album with a technique balanced between exciting vibratos and high notes at the album’s climaxes.
Blackbird, an underrated album
“Blackbird” is an excellent album that, to be honest, should have been even more widely known and successful at its time. Everything you hear is musical quality, top-notch compositions and arrangements, surrounded by phenomenal production that still sounds impactful today. Undoubtedly, Alter Bridge is a band worth listening to with meticulous attention; the more you listen, the more you appreciate them.
Certainly, one of the best Rock and Metal albums of the 2000s. What are your thoughts on this album? Leave us your comments!
