We’ve gotten older; you don’t have to tell me that. And along with the aging comes a change of focus; rather than a trip to the local record store for the latest releases from our favorite bands, our thoughts are dominated by things like work and mortgages and how college tuition might fit into an already stretched budget.
Still, many of our heroes continue to make music, a lot of which we miss in the hustle and bustle. These little posts are designed to help you stay somewhat caught up with some of what is going on with classic rockers while we’re busy with the more pressing details of our lives.
The realm of new music from rock and roll legends is substantial, and these latest releases include some of the biggest names in rock history.
Ozzy Osbourne “Under the Graveyard”
When it comes to legends making music, Ozzy’s latest album doesn’t stop at just Ozzy. Ordinary Man, which is to be released in January, sports a legendary lineup. Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Duff McKagan (Bass) of Guns n Roses and Chad Smith (Drums) of Red Hot Chili Peppers join him. The band is completed by 29 year-old Andrew Watt. While he hasn’t been around as long as the others, Watt has put together quite an impressive list of credits, playing with the likes of Post Malone, The Chainsmokers, Lana Del Rey, Blink 182, and 5 Seconds of Summer.
Bon Jovi “Unbroken”
Bon Jovi’s latest comes from the soundtrack of the film “To Be of Service,” a documentary on the use of service dogs to help soldiers suffering from PTSD. I’ve said it before, recently even, Bon Jovi doesn’t always hit the mark, but they certainly do with this one. There are some lyrics here that really paint the picture well. This is important work, and I applaud the band for helping the cause. Thanks and prayers to all those who have served and are serving.
U2 “Ahimsa”
I can imagine my brother grumbling now. U2’s new song not only features Indian musician A.R. Rahman but his daughters as well. It’s what Rolling Stone describes as a “meditative song” about ahimsa, the Buddhist concept of non-violence. I imagine his grumbled curses and questions about why musicians can’t just make music and stop trying to save the world. Still, whether it’s pompous or self-elevated or not, the song works. The lyrics are strong, and it seems as if the band succeeds in what they set out to do. This is a pretty good little song with a strong message. No, it’s not “Sunday Bloody Sunday” or “Bullet the Blue Sky,” but they all can’t be.
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So, there’s just a bit of the music being made by classic rockers right now. I’ll hit you up with some more sometime soon. Until then, be well and kind to one another. Love and prayers.
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