Tesla have been splitting fan opinions with their last few albums, but from what it appears, perhaps ‘Shock’ has come close to impressing most of the fan base.
The most noise surrounding this album seems to be the ‘Leppardization’ of the sound, given then Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen is producing. Yes, it’s obvious, but how can that be a bad thing, really?
The production is big and fat and the guitars are front and centre, Jeff Keith sounds in better shape and the songs are very strong.
For me it is great to hear Tesla back to their classic tone, leaving the modern tuned down aspect of their last couple behind – for the most part. The album’s title track certainly delivers a bombastic modernized set of riffs, but it fits well within the album.
Two ballads in the first 5 songs might be pushing things a bit – but both are classic Tesla.
I do have to raise my concerns with the carefree, breezy California Summer Song. It’s horrid. Lets Get Rocked meets that jackass Kid Rock with a truly obnoxious song. Then it’s another ballad – and the weakest of the album. So the album really suffers for pace through the middle, but finally The Mission comes to kick ass and rescue us from the mid-album cheese.
From here out it’s nothing but hooks and riffs and little for any Tesla fan to complain about.
The album’s twelve tracks clock in at only 44 minutes, but a slight tweak in the sequencing and the abandoning of California Summer Song would bring this album closer to the band’s best work. Their first 4 albums are untouchable.
Welcome back Tesla!
