I was originally slightly wary when I heard that former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan was releasing an album with his project, simply called Loaded (or Duff McKagan's Loaded depending on who you talk to). This wariness stems mainly because of my love for old GUNS N' ROSES; I was afraid I would get my hopes too high and be disappointed. While VELVET REVOLVER has had its moments, I feel that they haven't lived up to their full potential.

LOADED was formed in the late 90's after Duff's departure from GUNS N' ROSES and released a live album and a studio album before going on hiatus while Duff was occupied with VELVET REVOLVER. Now that VELVET REVOLVER is on hold while the band searches for a singer, LOADED was made active again and the band released an EP, entitled Wasted Heart which was released in 2008.

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to review their second full-length (their first album, entitled Dark Days was released in Europe but was difficult to find in the United States, mainly only through expensive imports) and let me tell you, Sick not only lives up to expectations, it exceeds them! The sound of the band is mainly blues-rock, although there are some heavier moments as well as some punk-influenced ones (I See Through You). Perhaps the biggest surprise is how good the vocals are. Not only does Duff seem right at home; he never sounds strained and the songs are littered with strong hooks and melodies.

The material is strong from start to finish; there is not a weak song to be found. The title track and Sleaze Factory are great songs to rock out to, and Mother's Day shows a more introspective side of the band. The album never runs short on ideas, nor does it repeat any of them. There are songs that rock, songs that are more laid-back and even some that are ballads; and every style is done superbly. Lead guitar shows up every once in a while, and at times it's enjoyable, but it leaves me wanting more.

In fact, perhaps the album's biggest flaw is in the lead guitar department. The songs are so strong, they need a charismatic guitarist to solo and play leads. I'm not necessarily going to say that Duff needs Slash to play, although that would be amazing, I'm just saying that a blues-based guitarist needs to be present in order to fully establish the songs, and some songs feel like they do not reach their full potential.

Despite this slightly annoying setback, Sick is a terrific album, far exceeding anything any of the other members have put out, including the two VELVET REVOLVER albums and even Chinese Democracy. I'm glad that Duff is sticking to a more blues-based hard rock direction and has left the post-grunge of VELVET REVOLVER behind him, at least for the time being. This album is essential for fans of older GUNS N' ROSES material as well as fans of blues-rock in general.