Don Felder’s fourth solo album, “The Vault (Fifty Years of Music)” marks a unique milestone in his storied career, offering a stunning collection of newly recorded versions of songs originally demoed over a span of five decades. In 1974, Felder joined The Eagles . He co-wrote and performed the legendary guitar solo for “Hotel California”, one of the most celebrated songs in rock history. His contributions extended to other notable tracks, including “Victim Of Love” and “Those Shoes”.Following his departure from The Eagles in 2001, Felder pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as “Road to Forever” (2012), and “American Rock 'n' Roll” (2019). Over the years, Felder has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Stevie Nicks, Barbara Streisand, and Michael Jackson, further solidifying his legacy as a versatile and influential guitarist in rock music.

I must confess that this is the first time I have heard this collection of songs,so I am not familiar with the original versions apart from one of them! ,but I am aware of the legend Don Felder! “Move On “ the opener on this collection is a straight up solid rock track with some great guitar trickery & bold riffs & some cool vocals,with a Bryan Adams style sound. Next up “Free At Last” has a feel good ambience about it,the melody is addictive as well as the chorus which has some great harmonies,a great track which is instantly appealing. There is plenty of different genre styles on this record “Hollywood Victim” is that cool 80's AOR track with great rhythm & groove & guitar touches with a slick vocal and chorus to match.”Last All The Night” is infectious with it's bouncy melody and energy,which has you singing along to the feel good addictive chorus.

”Digital World”is a track about how a digital world effects us,with it's summer/reggae style vibe & swagger,very catchy with lyrics that are very relatable. The very nostalgic “All The Girls Love To Dance” has 80's written all over it,the keys,the lyrics,melody & superb guitar work,one of the best tracks on the album which would fit nicely on any big 80's film soundtrack.”Together Forever” is a ballad style track with a bluesy atmosphere,with acoustic and electric guitar passages with smooth vocals.”Heavy Metal” of course from the film of the same name,has those solid guitar riffs and rhythm is a great re-recording of the original a classic track.”Let Me Down Easy” sees the vocals duties handed to Nina Winter who delivers a powerful vocal,another ballad style track which certainly has that country feel,very soulful melodies which awesome.”Blue Skies” the final track on the album mainly instrumental apart from vocals towards the end of the track has orchestral elements & acoustic guitar just has to be appreciated as fantastic musical passage.

A really great album so many layers of great music. Don Felder's great musicianship and 50 years musical experience just shine through in droves. If I counted correctly 34 musicians were involved with making this album which makes this project that more special. A really great album which I highly recommend. Released via Frontiers Music on 23^rd May