I've been deliberating for the past little while on what album I should choose to write my first ever review on. Eventually, inspiration struck and I finally decided upon reviewing one of Orianthi Panagaris' albums, Heaven in This Hell. Both her music and incredible talent has played a huge part in my life by inspiring me to learn guitar and more recently bass. Seeing Orianthi play on Michael Jackson's This Is It film for the first time back in 2009 really blew me; I was in awe and immediately wanted to play guitar just like her. Last year one of my dreams came true and I actually got to meet with Orianthi before one of her shows with former Bon Jovi member, Richie Sambora! Perhaps I might write about meeting them both sometime in the not so distant future.
As a solo artist I'd love to see Orianthi recieve more recognition, particularly here in the UK. With that in mind I decided to write my first review on her latest album named Heaven in This Hell which was released back in 2013.
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| Orianthi & I last year |
Orianthi's previous album titled Believe which was released in 2010 featured a more mainstream pop/rock sound. Believe had some really catchy songs including "According To You" which (I think!) was really popular in the US and Australia. The album also included a guitar instrumental track; a duet with Stevie Via named "Highly Strung".
Heaven in This Hell on the other hand has a more heavy rock/blues sound flowing through the album. Each track showcases Orianthi's amazing guitar playing which of course, I just can't get enough of!
My favourite tracks from Heaven in This Hell consists of songs such as You Don't Wanna Know, which I heard Ori perform live on tour with Richie Sambora last year, Frozen and Better With You.
The album starts off with it's title track Heaven in This Hell, a heavy rock song with one of those outstanding guitar solos as it approaches the last two minutes or so. You Don't Wanna Know then follows as the second track in the playlist. Like I said above this is one of my favourite tracks on the album. I love that this particular track has a strong acoustic sound throughout it. Previously, I'd never actually heard any of Ori's solo material live so hearing it performed on tour last year was absolutely brilliant!
Next on the album is "Fire" which just so happened to be one of the first songs from Heaven in This Hell that I ever heard. "Fire" is another heavy rock track filled with some awesome riffs and guitar solos. It was released on an EP a good few months in advance of the album's release date featuring four new tracks from what was at the time soon to be released album.
If You Think You Know Me is another great song from this fantastic album. I read an interview from around the time "Heaven In This Hell" was released and Orianthi mentioned that the track was one that she wanted to be able to play live. Believe it or not, the very first time I listened to that specific song, that was one of the first thoughts that came to my mind. I could completely imagine it being performed live. There are just some songs out there that you hear and know would sound great in concert.
As the album goes on How Do You Sleep?, a blues inspired track begins to play. As someone who plays bass guitar, I'd say that blues is definitely one of my favourite styles to play. Blues in my opinion is one of the most relaxing genres to play, it really gives the musician the opportunity to portray emotion in their music.
One of my favourite songs in the album, Frozen just so happens to come next. Frozen is a great rock song, which I love to sing along to (as you do!). If you love to listen to Orianthi's amazing guitar solos, then you'll definitely love this song!
Following the loud, heavy rock sound featured in "Frozen" we have the opportunity to wind down after the rush of adrenaline and excitement from the pervious tracks. "Rock" is a relaxed, country number that reminds me of warm summer days. I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of country music but this track is most definitely an exception. I really love how songs/music such as "Rock" can take you to another place and help you forget the craziness of the world around you for a little while.
The album continues with a ballad "Another You" which features a powerful guitar solo approaching the end of the song. I love listening to guitar solos, particularly solos performed by Orianthi. So as you can imagine; I just can't get enough of her music!
"Heaven in This Hell" draws to a close with the final three tracks which are named "How Does That Feel?", "Filthy Blues" and "If You Were Here With Me". However, a Deluxe Edition of the album was also released on iTunes which had a couple of bonus tracks. The bonus songs include the brilliant rock track "Sex E Bizarre" a duet with rock legend and lead singer of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler. Then of course there is one of my favourites "Better With You" a pop song which I just can't help but love! "Better With You" is another of those catchy songs that you find yourself singing along without thinking. Finally, there is also a radio mix of "Another You" included.
Overall, "Heaven In This Hell" in my opinion is a great album featuring some brilliant songs. The album includes a wide variety of genres and style so there's something in there that'll appeal to almost everyone! I'm pretty sure her music and guitar playing has and will continue to inspire young girls out there to pick up a guitar and rock out!
The album starts off with it's title track Heaven in This Hell, a heavy rock song with one of those outstanding guitar solos as it approaches the last two minutes or so. You Don't Wanna Know then follows as the second track in the playlist. Like I said above this is one of my favourite tracks on the album. I love that this particular track has a strong acoustic sound throughout it. Previously, I'd never actually heard any of Ori's solo material live so hearing it performed on tour last year was absolutely brilliant!
Next on the album is "Fire" which just so happened to be one of the first songs from Heaven in This Hell that I ever heard. "Fire" is another heavy rock track filled with some awesome riffs and guitar solos. It was released on an EP a good few months in advance of the album's release date featuring four new tracks from what was at the time soon to be released album.
If You Think You Know Me is another great song from this fantastic album. I read an interview from around the time "Heaven In This Hell" was released and Orianthi mentioned that the track was one that she wanted to be able to play live. Believe it or not, the very first time I listened to that specific song, that was one of the first thoughts that came to my mind. I could completely imagine it being performed live. There are just some songs out there that you hear and know would sound great in concert.
One of my favourite songs in the album, Frozen just so happens to come next. Frozen is a great rock song, which I love to sing along to (as you do!). If you love to listen to Orianthi's amazing guitar solos, then you'll definitely love this song!
Following the loud, heavy rock sound featured in "Frozen" we have the opportunity to wind down after the rush of adrenaline and excitement from the pervious tracks. "Rock" is a relaxed, country number that reminds me of warm summer days. I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of country music but this track is most definitely an exception. I really love how songs/music such as "Rock" can take you to another place and help you forget the craziness of the world around you for a little while.
The album continues with a ballad "Another You" which features a powerful guitar solo approaching the end of the song. I love listening to guitar solos, particularly solos performed by Orianthi. So as you can imagine; I just can't get enough of her music!
"Heaven in This Hell" draws to a close with the final three tracks which are named "How Does That Feel?", "Filthy Blues" and "If You Were Here With Me". However, a Deluxe Edition of the album was also released on iTunes which had a couple of bonus tracks. The bonus songs include the brilliant rock track "Sex E Bizarre" a duet with rock legend and lead singer of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler. Then of course there is one of my favourites "Better With You" a pop song which I just can't help but love! "Better With You" is another of those catchy songs that you find yourself singing along without thinking. Finally, there is also a radio mix of "Another You" included.
Overall, "Heaven In This Hell" in my opinion is a great album featuring some brilliant songs. The album includes a wide variety of genres and style so there's something in there that'll appeal to almost everyone! I'm pretty sure her music and guitar playing has and will continue to inspire young girls out there to pick up a guitar and rock out!
