House of Lords - Big Money

You gotta hand to to James Christian, because he has kept House of Lords running on and off for over almost 20 years  James took the reins in 2000, when the band reformed and has really taken control ever since.  James is the only original member left, but that has not tarnished the name whatsoever, because the band has continually put out solid music.   Since their reunion, the band has put out 5 studio albums, with their latest entitiled Big Money.  HOL records are pretty much hit or miss since their reunion, but for the most part, they have been hits.  The last few records Come to My Kingdom and Cartesian Dreams, were very solid and basically put the band back on the AOR/Hard Rock map.  Big Money marks the band's 8th studio recording.

Big Money is a throw back to the late 80's early 90's, but without some of the punch.  The CD is not band and there are some standout tracks, but unfortunately there are a fair share of duds included as well.  Unlike the two previous releases, not every track is solid.  The songs on Big Money have a late 80's early 90's feel, but that is about it.  About half of the songs on the record seem dated and are just not strong enough to grab you by the yin yang. Don't get me wrong, there are some strong tracks like Hologram and One Man Down, that will kick your ass, but it's the mediocre tunes that bring this relase down for me.  It is unfortunate because I'm a really big fan, but for some reason or another, this one just didn't grab me.

Bottom Line: HOL going though the motions on this one.  The vocals are strongs, the ripping is superb, but the songs, for the most part are just average.

Standout Tracks: Hologram, One Man Down, Blood and Someday When.

-Ragman was is pain writing this one, because it hurt.