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TESLA
"Homage" (Frontiers Srl; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I love cover songs and even cover albums. There's something about a band taking a song that someone else made popular and putting their own spin on it that makes it fun to listen to, interesting to analyze, and, gauging the success of the cover tune.
Unfortunately, too many of these covering bands either sound too much like the original artist, or make the song so unrecognizable, you just want it to end. I've always said, if you're cover someone else's music, put a dose of yourself in it but don't make it so unfamiliar the original flavor goes away. And please don't just pick a band's biggest hits. I mean, how many cover versions of Kiss's "Rock'n'Roll All Nite" do we really need to hear?
Thankfully, Tesla's "Homage" does it right. First of all, if you didn't know better, you might think this was an original Tesla album. The band's unique, trademark sound flows throughout the entirety of "Homage," and works exceptionally well, especially on tracks like Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and Bob Seger's "Night Moves." The album even begins with a brand new Tesla song, "Never Alone," which tells your listening palate what to expect in the upcoming tracks.
Second, for the most part, Tesla have chosen some tracks that, while perhaps not deep cuts, are songs that you don't hear so often. I mean, there are so many Elvis Presley tunes out there to cover, all of them bigger hits than "If I Can Dream," but that's the song the band chose for their Presley cover here. Same goes for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tesla could have chosen "Gimme Three Steps," "What's Your Name" or even "Free Bird," for crying out loud. But they went with "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" here instead. And it's great to hear Tesla grind out a Southern-fried tune here.
Finally, there are some surprises here as well. Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind" is an unexpected choice for a Tesla cover album, but the band does it pure justice here. And the album closes with Hank Williams Sr.'s. "Mind Your Own Business," a track with great boogie-woogie piano and a driving rhythm that closes things out just perfectly.
Strangely enough, I'm not the biggest fan of Tesla. They're one of those bands who I respect, and I appreciate, and I'll never turn the dial when one of their songs comes on the radio. "Homage," however, makes me want to go back and explore their catalog; to see what I've been missing. It's something I'm look forward to.
So, if you enjoy cover tunes and are a fan of Tesla, I can't see you disliking any of the tracks on "Homage." They all sound terrific, are respectful of the original artists, and remind us of not only the greatness of the original artist but also while Tesla is still around and going strong today.
For more information, check out https://teslatheband.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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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
