BRYAN ADAMS: Shine A Light (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

The problem with artists like Bryan Adams is that they have a talent and a voice that would make the genius cry out even if they sang 'Baby Shark'. Of course, the Canadian has never taken such a risk, but it must be admitted that he didn't have to force himself too hard for his latest albums to make their way into the charts when they didn't have the scope of opuses such as "Reckless" (1984), "Into The Fire" (1987) or "Waking Up The Neighbours" (1991). Four years after a "Get Up" that was still pleasant but a little light in terms of content, the man with the raspy voice is back with a "Shine A Light" for which he has surrounded himself with many guests.

Among the most famous, it would be difficult to miss Ed Sheeran who co-wrote the eponymous track and Jennifer Lopez who shares the microphone during the mid-tempo ballad 'That's How Strong Our Love Is'. In both cases, the choruses and the tempi are catchy and the moods are light and positive. But it is not enough to make this record essential in the discography of a Bryan Adams. As on "Get Up", several tracks take root in the 60s and 70s with good old school rock'n' roll songs that are effective if not particularly original ('Driving Under The Influence Of Love','No Time For Love','I Could Get Used To This').

But unlike his predecessor, "Shine A Light" varies the pleasures with a few nods to friend Bruce Springsteen. The energetic rock of 'Part Friday Night, Part Sunday Morning' and the acoustic version of 'Whiskey In The Jar' made famous by Thin Lizzy and performed just with a guitar and harmonica remind us of what The Boss is capable of producing regularly. Another barely disguised and more surprising tribute,' All Or Nothing' has an AC/DC riff worthy of that of 'Highway To Hell' and a hyper catchy chorus. And then there's what Bryan Adams does best: some Bryan Adams. With the pair of 'Nobody's Girl' and 'Don't Look Back', it's nice to finally find some of the most powerful and full-bodied tracks the Canadian has not offered in a long time.

Although it is not a new feature of the author's discography, "Shine A Light" nevertheless easily passes the examination that gives an album the title of an opus that deserves to be heard. The pleasure is real and the variety allows you to capture attention from beginning to end. It remains to be seen whether Bryan Adams will one day set the scene again to offer us a new and essential work in which he will not only rely on achievements that allow him to remain an interesting and engaging artist. - Official website

BRYAN ADAMS

SHINE A LIGHT

POLYDOR

ROCK