BRYAN ADAMS

"Roll With the Punches" (BMG; 2025)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I saw Bryan Adams' "Cuts Like a Knife" tour in 1983 when he opened for Journey on their "Frontier" tour and as I remember it both bands rocked hard.  A couple of years ago I reviewed his previous release, 2022's "So Happy It Hurts" (which I really liked). This release is called "Roll With The Punches" and I can honestly say Adams has not lost a step since the 80s.

Classic rock music, done with a shitload of talent and attitude. Songs that are fun and easy to listen to, written from the heart from a talent that, frankly, I had forgotten about. 

Every couple of years this Canadian musician has released music and his legion of fans worldwide are always ready for it. At the time of this writing, Adams is just about to start a 2025 world tour, and I can only imagine that he would sound just as good has he did in the 80s.

Adams' music is not deep or heavy. It is about life and love and every aspect of those two things. He has not changed his approach to music in 45 years and, frankly, why the hell should he? His talent and charisma shows with each of the ten cuts here and I was so wrapped up in the music I was surprised that the recording was suddenly over and I have to start it again.

Good music, talented musicianship, good record (done on his own record company for the first time). All this makes Bryan Adams not only a survivor but a tribute to the axiom: if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Rock on Bryan! Keep up the good work.

For more information, check out https://www.bryanadams.com/. 

"So Happy It Hurts" (BMG; 2002)

Reviewed by Snidermann

The year was 1983. The band Journey was hitting their stride with the Frontiers tour and they were literally everywhere: MTV (they actually did play music at one time), millions of records sold, sold out tours and, yes, one of those stops was at the Los Angeles Forum where I saw them perform live.

Bryan Adams opened for them and what I remember was quite a show. I have not followed Bryan Adams since then (don't know why, just never reconnected) but that is all about to change with his recording of "So Happy It Hurts."

If you're of a certain age, you remember Bryan Adams with his hits from the 80s: "Cuts Like a Knife," "Summer of '69," "Heaven" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." Harsh and raspy, Bryan Adams' voice has not changed a bit since the 80s. "So Happy It Hurts" is one great rock release, done in the style of the vintage singer/songwriters of the 60s. This release has a track will never get airplay just for the name of the cut: "I Ain't Worth Shit Without You." What a great song! Actually, all of the songs are kinda fun, not complicated, with no hidden meanings, just solid, good guitar rock.

I am having a frickin' great time listening to this recording. You can tell this performer has a solid relationship with his kids and, frankly, I have been in a happy relationship for the last forty years (with kids and grandkids) and could not be happier, myself! I know where Bryan Adams is coming from when he says "So Happy It Hurts." Good solid rock'n'roll, done with class and style. Good job, Bryan! Keep it up.

For more information, check out https://www.bryanadams.com/. 

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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