The most known drummer of Hard lock legends SCORPIONS is back in town. Herman Rarebell, the man behind the German band's kit during their most 'classic' period, releases his newest solo album and - while listening to the CD for the x-th time - he seems rather in good mood to deliver some plain hard rockin' 'n' rollin' tunes that will surely not 'drive' some either crazy or bored. On second thought, the term 'anyway good' stands in line with I'm Back!. And, for those not aware of the fact, this is not Herman's first solo effort. We should travel back in time to supply more info.
Rarebell's first 'proper' solo album was released back in 1982; the mediocre Nip In The Bud was totally re-mixed (Micheal Wagener, be him) plus vocal parts were totally re-recorded to see an 'updated' release in 1986 in the Herman Ze German And Friends title. No grand sales wre scored, though...1993 sees Rarebell leaving SCORPIONS (after the Face The Heat album) while 1995's In The Mood single was all of his post-SCORPIONS 90s deeds. Nealry a decade later, his new outfit R&R toured in 2004, the gigs showing an expanded collage of art featuring paintings of ROLLING STONES guitarist Ronnie Wood and Ronald Muri ('Pop-Expressionist Movement' founder) plus onstage dancers. The touring band included ex-7 SINS saxophonist and well known actress Claudia Raab, a lady also featured in...
...2007's I'm Back!, too. The album sees a tracklist of twelve hard rockin' tunes and the conclusion - after several auditions - is 'stable' by far. I'm Back! is an honest record, in terms of songwriting approach, but lacks spirit and fresnhness. There are four or five songs that can draw your interest, but the overall mood is quite flat. The 'pale' production may also be a good reason for this. Singer Stefan Erz has an interesting voice; quite immature though. Rarebell's playing is simple but thorough, while the rest of the players contribute nothing more (or less) than normal instrumentation. The tempo of Don't Lose Your Trust, the aura of Your Love Is Hurting (the ballad of the album) plus the vibe of Backattack may leave a more-than-good impression, while there are more than four tunes which could easily be absent from the CD.
This attempt of Herman Rarebell bears a strong ace in the man's will to release a sincere Hard Rock album. If you can see it this way, then give it a try. Otherwise, you can pass it without crying afterwards. I hope the album had eight tunes; the grading would be higher, then...