Lee Aaron: ‘Fire And Gasoline’
Metal Mike
March 28, 2016
LEE AARON
FIRE AND GASOLINE
Released on March 25, 2016 (Big Sister Records / Independent Label Services / Caroline)
Review:
Well, I guess someone has to do it, so I figured I’d take a stab at reviewing Fire And Gasoline. This ain’t your grandma’s Lee Aaron. The Metal Queen has mellowed over the years, evolving to explore jazz and mainstream singing for most of the past 20 years. In fact, she seems quite proud of that fact. Her bio states, “She’s no longer concerned by the stereotyping that relentlessly pursued her since the 1984 release of her iconic album Metal Queen. Instead, she’s now able to understand why the label stuck, and can – almost cheerfully – discuss her relationship with the mythology that is actually an acute counterpoint to her fundamental artistic vision.”
Fire And Gasoline is no metal album, to be sure. It’s not even all that heavy. The first release “Tom Boy” sort of reminds me of Avril Lavigne’s early output. “Tom Boy” is one of the more aggressive tracks on the album, along with “Wannabe” and probably the heaviest song “Bad Boyfriend”. Aaron’s second single “Fire And Gasoline” has a funky bass groove and a vocal line that works really well. “Bittersweet”, “Heart Fix”, and “Find the Love” may be good enough to make it onto adult contemporary radio. “If you Don’t Love Me Anymore” is a pretty cool mainstream rock song that would have been big in the ’80s with the piano and guitar line. Finally, “50 Miles” is almost Pink Panther like in its intro, which is kind of cool too.
Again, from Aaron’s Bio, “Having reconciled her Metal Queen image with real life, she understands her audience has matured with her. ‘Metal Queen’ is now more than just a rock chick shouting an anthem line to her fans – it belongs to a girl who grew up, and now embraces motherhood, music and life, with all its diversions and challenges, setbacks and joys.”
I’ll say it again. If you’re looking for Metal Queen or Bodyrock, this isn’t for you. That said, Fire And Gasoline is actually a good listen, filled with varying tempos and interesting writing. Lee Aaron has come back to her rock roots, and is exploring a different side — one that understands her image and reputation, but is moving on to a far more mature and interesting place.
© Copyright Sleaze Roxx
Great album to say the least, I keep listening over and over. That voice has never sounded better. So happy this album is doing so well with reviews and fan response. Your hard work shows and we’ll worth the wait. Much love from a fan for life.
Who the heck is sleaze rox?
If you are a fan of lee’s previous material you will have probably matured right along with her and really dig this new record. A bunch of truly great tunes with something for everyone. Don’t hesitate, get it and listen to it a few times over. It’ll grad you for sure.