Fighting Words
Urban Noise, 2021
10/10
Even if the name Ellen Foley isn’t familiar to you, you’ve probably experienced her work in some form, as not only did she sing on Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell album, but she even starred on the TV show Night Court for a season.
On this fifth solo album and her first in eight years, Foley takes some exceptional help on a rock and roll album that’s as diverse as her career playing alongside The Clash, Ian Hunter and Joe Jackson, among many others.
Foley starts the listen with the thumping and animated rocker “Are You Good Enough”, where her firm but tuneful vocals are complemented by soaring backing vocals and a gritty rhythm section, and “Be Nice” follows with a calmer approach that even embraces some Americana.
Elsewhere, the retro flavor of “I Found A Love” emits much bluesy melody as Foley’s soulful pipes impress, while “I’ll Be True” recruits some honky tonk nods amid strategic keys and a rugged yet very catchy delivery. “Fill Your Cup” then turns the volume down as Foley proves she excels at poetic balladry, too.
Towards the end, the dense classic rocker “Leave Him Janie” brings an anthemic quality weaved in between buzzing guitars, and “Heaven Can Wait” exits with just Foley’s versatile pipes and mature piano that glow in the sparse reworking of the Meat Loaf tune.
Noted musicians like C.P. Roth, Slim Simon, Steve Goulding and the late Stephen B. Antonakos, to name a few, are in attendance, and Foley’s sharp songwriting and raw, personal delivery certainly points to the ‘70s as she creates a topical, timeless rock’n’roll gem.
Travels well with: Joe Jackson- The Duke; Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes