Beggars and Thieves - We are the Brokenhearted

When a band you dig disappears for awhile, it is sort of a homecoming when they release a new album.  That is the way I felt when I heard Beggars and Thieves had a new CD coming out on Frontiers.  The band hit the ground running with their much underrated debut in 1990, but was killed by the grunge movement a few short years after it's release.  The band has stayed active over the years, releasing new music sporadically, but unfortunately has not broken through.  Fast forward to 2011 and the band has just released their 4th full length studio album, We Are the Brokenhearted, which might be the best of their 20+ year career.

We Are the Brokenhearted is a nice companion to their debut.  The songs on this CD touch on the same vibe as the debut had.  Don't get me wrong the songs are not dated sounding, they just have that same classic vibe.   As with the debut the songs are well written and will stay with you.  WE Are the Brokenhearted contains a nice variety of rockers and ballads, that mix in a touch of blues.  The band has always had a bluesy edge, but with a melodic hard rock vibe. 

The CD starts off strong with the melodic midtempo rocker We Come Undone.  From the first note, you know you're hearing vintage B & T.  It has a cool melodic riff that is followed by the killer vocals of Louie Merlino.  Merlino still sounds amazing after all of these years.  Another highlight in this band is the melodic riff-age of guitarist Ronnie Mancuso.  Mancuso has a nice fluent style that is very tasteful and melodic.  The next track Oil and Water is the first ballad on the record, and would be a hit, if it got some airplay.  Actually the whole CD would be a hit with the proper airplay.   A solid lisen from start to finish that will stay in the CD player for awhile.  We Are the Brokenhearted is so solid, it could be the strongest hard rock release of the year.

Bottom Line: Beggars and Thieves are back and sounding better than ever.  A solid collection of hard rock tunes full of melody.

Standout Tracks: We Come Undone, Oil and Water, Stranded and Wash Away.

-Ragman thinks he may have one of his picks of the year.