Friday 11 March 2022

Hellbound Train - SAVOY BROWN***

Doin' Fine/Lost & Lonely Child/I'll Make Everything Alright/Troubled By These Days & Times/If I Could See An End/It'll Make You Happy/Hellbound Train

The British blues-rock band Savoy Brown releases were always a lot more commercially successful in the USA than in their homeland. Hellbound Train was no exception being their highest place chart album. (US:34)

“The album opens with the fine bouncy boogie, Doin’ Fine, it shifts gears immediately with Lost & Lonely Child, a slower progressive psychedelic song. The next track, I’ll Make Everything Alright, is another boogie number with a really cool haunting organ solo. Hellbound Train is certainly the standout song, as the boys stroll through nearly every rock and blues genre there is, building the song, allowing it to ebb and flow for an epic ride.”

“Even less inspired than its predecessor, this one is also less dependent on the boogie blues formula that has gotten them where they are. The title track is enjoyable enough, but the rest of the album is slick and faceless.”

“While the first six cuts are pleasant, even likeable, they are not strong enough to stand on their own merit. Then comes the unforgettable title track. Starting slow, the drums setting up the sound and motion of train wheels, the bass churning along, gathering speed, then comes the vocal. Dave Walker lets the passion build gradually, then falls back as the song speeds along. Then outstanding solos by organist Paul Raymond and Kim's fabulous guitar figures push the train into overdrive.”

“The vocals are gritty and powerful while the keyboards and guitars wail. Very tight and punchy rhythm section also. The title track is an eerie masterpiece, creating an aura of a runaway train speeding to its ultimate demise.”

“This is a classic blues album. There is not one stone left unturned by Savoy Brown on this one. From the fun-time opening track Doin' Fine to the hard driving finale Hellbound Train Savoy Brown take you on the most enjoyable ride to hell you'll ever have.”

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