Bret Michaels Band is back with “Custom Built”
Bret Michaels Band's latest release
It’s been a wild ride this year for Poison frontman Bret Michaels – medical scares, a win on Celebrity Apprentice, appearance on the American Idol finale to name a few. So what’s next for this rockstar? Release a CD and take the Bret Michaels Band on the road with a tour schedule that zigzags across the US.
“Custom Built” was released earlier this month and it exceeded my expectations.
Track Listing:
1. Riding Against The Wind
2. Lie To Me
3. Nothing To Lose (featuring Miley Cyrus)
4. Wasted Time
5. What I Got
6. Every Rose (Country Version featuring Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down, Chris Cagle, Mark Wills)
7. Go That Far (Club Mix by Jason Miller of Godhead)
8. Driven (Rock Mix)
9. Open Road
10. Rock’n My Country
11. Nothing To Lose (Bret Only Demo)
12. I’d Die For You
“Lie to Me” and “Driven” are both ripe with not so subtle sexual innuendos but would we expect any less from the star who captivated us with Rock of Love? And speaking of Rock of Love, “Go That Far “is the updated version of the VH1 hit show’s theme song. BMB slows things down a bit with “Wasted Time” and I picture Bret sporting that well-loved acoustic guitar. Bret pays homage to music legends of varying genres in “Rock’n My Country.” Although I’m not a huge fan of country music, I rather enjoy the ride when Bret rocks the country twang…not a feat just any rock star can pull off. I was shocked to find a cover of Sublime’s “What I Got” as well as an appearance by Miley Cyrus. When I first read the lyrics to “Nothing to Lose” and I wondered how a veteran rocker could pull off a duet with the teen pop sensation. Instead of a traditional duet, Miley beautifully sang backing vocal to this very tender song.
My personal favorites? First listen through two songs instantly grabbed my ear. “Open Road” is about two kids who find solace in cranking their favorite tune, singing loudly and off key as they run away from their frustrating lives. The final verse has Jessie catching Jimmy’s eye as the sun sets. I love the simplicity of the song, the romantic quality and who can’t relate to cranking their favorite tune after a long day? I also can’t get enough of the demo for “Nothing to Lose” – just Bret and acoustic guitar. The sweet and tender lyrics seem to take on a more intimate feel, appealing to his female fans around the world.
As I listen to Custom Built, I’m reminded what a survivor Bret Michaels really is…and if there is any doubt he proved it this year. Personal struggles aside, he has survived the harsh cruelties of the music business for decades continually reinventing himself, trying new things but never forgetting what his fans want above all else – great music. This CD is a great mix of songs – perfect for the open road,a little country vibe, sexy as sexy can be with a side of sweet n tender.
The true test of any album, in my opinion, is how the songs translate to the stage. I can’t wait to see the BMB rock the stage next week!
Related posts:
- Bret Michaels back on stage!
- Celebs turn out at American Idol – Alice Cooper, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Bret Michaels, Carrie Underwood…
- Bret Michaels’ stabilized – reflection on his career in film and television
- Bret Michaels’ background includes head injury at 2009 Tonys
- Bret Michaels in critical condition after ‘massive brain hemorrhage’
