BRET MICHAELS
Rock My World
VH1 Classic Records 2008
www.bretmichaels.com

Live Poison pics (2007)

Genre
Pop-rock / blues / glam / hard rock

The Good
A gritty guitar riff followed by an infectious guitar run dominates the opening track "Go That Far." A blusey guitar progression is the prefect match for Michael's breathy vocals as he laments about his current squeeze. "Raine" (whom I believe is Bret's daughter) is a loving and touching acoustic ballad about a special bond. "Bittersweet" inject a little Poison flare with it's energetic groove and singable chorus. It's all acoustics on "Songs of Life." Lyric wise this may just be Bret's most mature work. "Strange Sensation" is one of those arena rockers that will make you want to fight or f**k. Michael's divulges his hidden affection for when his lady gets made at him. "All I Ever Needed" is one of those looking back on life ballads. "It's My Party" is anthemic in it's delivery but quite funny lyrically.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
In the past Bret Michael's solo material has been a bit...how should I say ....boring. He didn't really want to know if he wanted to be an acoustic-blues guy, an arena rocker, or a country singer. On Rock My World, Bret finds a way to have his cake and eat it two. Michael mixes up his still from beginning to end, but still manages to keep it interesting. If you can get Poison out of you head, and listen to this album objectively, you're going to find some really good material.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Poison - Capitol Records Remasters
Poison - The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock
Poison - Seven Days Live DVD

--George Dionne