From my Archives: Motorhead album Review

Back with another old review. As with the previous published archived review, Devildriver-Beast, it was originally published on the website misformusic.com. I wrote about a handful of reviews for the website until it became more trouble than it was worth. I was okay for a while with it not being a paying gig until it came too demanding. Instead of allowing me to request albums I wanted to work on, they started assigning them with a weekly deadline. On top of that the first album they assigned wasn't even close to the metal or rock genres I had signed up for. Until that point, it'd been fun way to gain some experience and score some free music. But I wasn't about to stress myself out for their benefit. So that's how that ended.

I thought the site had gone defunct but now it looks like it's curated links to content from other sites. So basically, they still aren't interested in actually paying writers for their work. Nice!! I may sound bitter, but...okay maybe I am. The whole not paying writers for whatever reason is a sore subject.

Anyway, enjoy reading. Hope it inspires you to go check it out.

Motorhead-The World Is Yours (Jan 2011)

I have to admit I have not listened to enough Motorhead in my life. Since their career spans longer than my life that’s not hard to pull off though. But I have always been a fan. That said what can I possibly say about Motorhead’s latest album, The World is Yours? Well it sounds like Motorhead. No, it’s not profound, insightful, or even helpful to some, and it’s been said before. But it pretty much sums it up, and lets you know what to expect if you know them. They have always had a distinct sound and style that over twenty albums hasn’t really changed. They play fast paced, gritty, heavy rock music. That is exactly what you will find on The World is Yours.

Though Motorhead is credited as pioneers of metal, Lemmy has always insisted they play rock and roll. A sentiment made clear in their ode to the genre, “Rock N Roll Music.” It has a real old-school rock sound with bluesy guitars. While lyrics like “rock and roll is a true religion and it will save your soul” are sung or rather growled in Lemmy’s signature raspy tone. The whole album is full of great music to rock out to, exactly what you expect from Motorhead. I can honestly say I enjoyed listening to the whole album. My personal favorites are “Devils in my head” and “Brotherhood of Man”, two songs extenuating their dark side. The last track “Bye Bye Bitch Bye Bye” just cements their mastery over all who have followed and is a great end to the album.

It does not sound like an aging band that should have called it quits already. And unlike some rock veterans it doesn’t sound like a rehash of old music from their days on the top of the charts. There is nothing really new, surprising or groundbreaking on the album, but I wouldn’t expect it. With Motorhead there is no conforming to trends, softening, or changing to fit into new musical landscapes. Put simply they make music they enjoy playing and it shows. They stick to their signature sound while still being original and without sounding dated. Many who have had half the career they’ve had can’t say that. For that reason they continue to be legends in my eyes. Simply put The World is Yours another great album from a band that consistently delivers great music.