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Ian Hunter – When I’m President – Review

With gritty guitars, gravelly vocals and rocking rhythms, Ian Hunter and the Rant Band‘s When I’m President promises a plethora of songs that will go down in the annals of classic rock history.

Comfortable (Flyin’ Scottsman), with its prevalent piano piece, foot tappingly infectious beat and vivacious vocals reminds us of Scotland’s son, Rod Stewart and his FACES. This had us rocking around the office.

The beautiful melody of Fatally Flawed crafts a tonal tapestry through which Hunter’s soulful vocals thread their way, weaving an introspective tale of failures and flaws.

When I’m President, the title track of the album, is a critical commentary on modern life; with an upbeat tempo, Hunter certainly has us convinced that we should vote for him! Continuing the theme of social commentary, What For? questions the inane emptiness of current culture to the backing of an infectious dance inducing tune that perfectly encapsulates music with meaning.

Black Tears is an elegant musical muse on melancholy, this track is a heartbreakingly haunting song of sorrow that creates a lovely lament.

Saint, with its repeated refrains, is a catchy though cautionary tale of trauma with a vibrant vibe that offsets the dark depths of the lyrics.

In Hunter’s long standing tradition, Just the way you look Tonight is dedicated to his wife;  An anthem of an ode to beauty is a classic American rock theme sure to have crowds clapping along at concerts.

Wild Bunch is a riotously rhythmic anecdote on running with the wrong pack. Hunter’s distinctive vocals are accompanied by a much more prominent Rant Band and this creates some perfect harmonies.

The ghosts of warriors past stalk through Hunter’s Ta Shunka Witco (Crazy Horse). As we are transported through time, Hunter’s passionate vocals evoke a tribal tradition suggested by this atmospheric call to arms.

The lascivious guitar and pounding drums of  I Don’t Know What You Want features Hunter’s son, Jesse on guest vocals. between them they create a swaggering slice of sleazy rock.

A lyrical lullaby on living and loving life, which struck a chord with my own philosophy of existence, Life rounds of this stand-out album. This beautiful ballad has us caught in Hunter’s grip by this clutch of cleverly crafted classics.

Tanya Russell

Editor
Editor of LLR since 2005

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