CD REVIEW: LEE AARON – Fire And Gasoline

Todd ‘ToddStar’ Jolicoeur
March 23, 2016

Label: Big Sister Records/ILS/Caroline
Release Date: March 25, 2016
Rating: 9.5/10
Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Excitement washed over me when I saw a press release regarding the latest disc from Lee Aaron. Yes, THAT Lee Aaron… the Metal Queen herself is back and ready to rock out with a new generation as well as all of those fans who have patiently waited for new music. “Tom Boy” kicks the disc off and we are treated to a killer riff and heavy bottom end that prepares you for what is to come. The guitars are tight and support Aaron’s vocals, which have matured nicely while sounding like they haven’t aged at all, especially on the infectious chorus. Title track “Fire And Gasoline” takes us back to Lee’s vintage rock vocal sound, while blending in a cool jazz-like groove underneath the rock track, especially on the verse. The vocals demonstrate the rocker inside didn’t disappear… she simply took a break. “Bitter Sweet” is a cool track that blends together a ballad sound, a cool rock vibe, and a mild jazz groove. The results are one of my favorite tracks on the disc. The lyrics are fun and add punch to the songs delivery. The vocals shine and are proof positive that the talent behind the decades of hits has not subsided. “50 Miles” is a smoldering track that brings together a sexy vocal and a blues-rock driven guitar riff, coming together in cool nod to rocks roots. The solo at the bridge, which is very different from the playing on the track leading up to it, pumps energy into the track and drives the rest of the song. “Heart Fix” leans into Lee’s past and rips some of the vibe and sound from previous tracks, while swirling in a more mature sound and lyrics than would have been released on Bodyrock or Some Girls Do (with the latter being one of my favorites of Lee’s catalog). The guitars are solid and mix well with the bass and drums, while Aaron’s vocals dance across the track. Disc closer “Find The Love” is a bit different from the other tracks on the disc, but a strong song that brings Lee’s vocals to the forefront and showcases her range and emotional delivery.

“Wanna Be” adds depth to the disc with a cool jazz-intro that quickly morphs into a cool punk / pop / rock hybrid that showcases Aaron’s vocals and the catchy lyrics that add punch to a cool track. The guitar, while simple in sound and rhythm, helps the track click along winding between verse and chorus. “Popular” is a fun track that swirls a great guitar riff around Aaron’s vocals. When the rhythm section kicks in, the song seems to grow and take on a different feel, especially once the chorus kicks in. “Bad Boyfriend” is another pop driven track that brings Aaron’s vocals and some killer guitar riffs to the party. The cadence of the track is contagious and sure to get the foot tapping. The lyrics are fun and help keep the track light and moving, even when the chugging guitars seem to slow the tempo. “Nothing Says Everything” is the full-blown ballad on the track, including a cool blend of guitar tones and sounds to accentuate the mood and emotion behind the lyrics. The vocals are layered and add a wall of sound feel to the track and disc. The song, while a slower track, is as impactful as the rockers on the collection. “If You Don’t Love Me Anymore” is a cool extension of the last track, but it swirls in a more rock driven groove, thanks to the guitar work and the killer drumming. The vocals are some of the best on the disc, thanks to Aaron’s rich tones and texture. These two songs coupled together are one of the best one-two punches on the disc. Lee Aaron has returned and it was worth the wait. All I can say is that it’s about damn time.

Tracklisting: Tom Boy – Fire And Gasoline – Wanna Be – Bitter Sweet – Popular – 50 Miles – Bad Boyfriend – Heart Fix – Nothing Says Everything – If You Don’t Love Me Anymore – Find The Love

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