Having formed in Finland way back in 1979 and split up in 1985 after the death of their drummer, Hanoi Rocks reformed in 2002 and are now very much making the most of their second wind. It is an interesting one that a band should reform nearly twenty years on, however I am very glad that they did as since returning they have released a further three albums of varying quality. ‘Street Poetry’ is the latest album from Hanoi Rocks and was given its release through Demolition Records in the UK in September 2007.
Although only two of the original band members remain in the band, those being vocalist Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy; you should not let this fact put you off as Hanoi Rocks are still making some great music. Featuring the single ‘Fashion’ which went straight to Number 1 when released in Finland, ‘Street Poetry’ is thirteen tracks strong and is definitely worth a listen.
‘Street Poetry’ is an album which will not be to everyone’s taste, however for those of you that enjoy a good bit of Rock music I am sure there will be something here to keep you entertained. Not all of the tracks are particularly pleasing, in fact there are some that left me wishing for the end to come sooner rather than later, however I would still say that it is an album which is well worth your while listening to. The aforementioned single ‘Fashion’ for instance is definitely a track which I’d advise you all listen to. With its highly memorable chorus, strong guitar riffs, and fine vocal styling it is simply unmissable. It is not hard to see why the track went straight to number 1 when it was released in Finland back in May 2007. Three minutes long and always exciting and highly appealing, ‘Fashion’ is definitely one of the highlights of ‘Street Poetry’.
Much of the album is made up of exciting Glam Rock, and when listening to it is obvious that the band had terrific fun when writing and recording this one. Hanoi Rocks are a band who seem to have a great love for what they do, and although in my opinion some of the tracks here are a little disappointing – for the most part the album is highly impressive and great to listen to. Tracks such as ‘Powertrip’ and ‘This One’s for Rock’n’roll’ stand out massively so when listening to this album as they are terrifically infectious slabs of Rock gold. Every track on ‘Street Poetry’ is extremely upbeat and this is a great thing to hear when listening to the album. The band are in a genre of music which is never going to bring them a great deal of success in this day and age, however seemingly they don’t really care about monetary gain and are making this music out of their love for it which is always refreshing to see.
Although not exactly my favourite album of 2007, ‘Street Poetry’ is still one that I have listened to a large number of times since receiving. The positive energy which exudes from much of this release is just so intense that even if this is not particularly a genre of music that you’re fond of, you’re bound to gain some sort of listening enjoyment from this album. Clocking in at around the 45 minute mark, it is easy to listen to this album in one sitting and so long as you’re in the right mood you’re bound to enjoy most if not all of the tracks that are present here. When the band reformed after so many years away I am sure there were many who were unhappy that the Hanoi Rocks name was still being used given that only two original members remain, however after listening to this album and hearing the quality which some of the tracks possess; the reforming of Hanoi Rocks must surely be viewed by most as an extremely good idea.
Label: Demolition Records
Release Date: 3rd September 2007
Rating:
UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.
