Nazareth
Razamanaz

THE REVIEW

If someone today asked you who are the true dinosaurs of hard rock, who, among all the bands of the '70s, truly inspired the cheeky and immediate sound of groups like AC/DC, I think few of you would have any doubts in answering Nazareth!

In fact, Nazareth, originally from Scotland, had the merit of winking at overseas blues-tinged hard rock sounds, anticipating the sounds of Angus & co. by a decade, embedding in their riffs the explosive power of the most sincere and compact hard rock, mixed with the most raw and rocky rock'n'roll and a good dose of blues, moreover supported by intelligent songwriting and sometimes very introspective.
It is interesting to note how even McCafferty's voice, with its dirty and high-pitched tone, unmistakably recalls some sacred monsters of hard rock beyond to come. And with that, I am referring to Brian Johnson himself and I dare to say also to Axl Rose in certain passages - in this regard, the Guns N' Roses cover of "Hair Of The Dog" takes on an interesting meaning -.

And certainly "Razamanaz," the third studio effort by Nazareth, is the most complete, most genuine work, without a doubt a milestone in the genre, capable of capturing you at the first listen, moving you and shaking you deep within your guts.
Manny Carlton, author of most of the songs, admittedly, is able to deliver power and sweetness, carefree and depth in his work on the six strings and banjo, building unmatched musical moments starting from the title track - which is also the opening track - "Razamanaz", a true sound manifesto of the group, a condensation of truly enviable electricity and energy. In short, a piece from the rock anthology.    

Followed by two covers: "Alcatrazz" by Leon Russell, tireless sessionman of the '70s rock blues scene, with its blues flirtations and driving, naughty rhythm, and "Vigilante Man", a reinterpretation of an old Woody Guthrie song, undoubtedly one of the most delicate moments of the entire package, introduced by a dreamy, soothing slide and supported by a heart-wrenching pace and an amazing vocal performance by McCafferty, that vibrates powerfully in your limbs. After the captivating mid-tempo "Woke Up This Morning", which exudes freshness and energy without ever tiring, here we are, in my opinion, at the other sweetest moment of the platter in question. The tribal rhythm - interesting bass/drum work by the Sweet & Agnew combo - and Charlton's wah-wah make "Night Woman" a true poem, and create a delightful and delicate feeling.

Impressive tracklist that continues to unveil brilliant moments like "Bad Bad Boy", a nice, catchy rock'n'roll with Charlton's usual acid guitar, "Too Bad Too Sad", with a nice ignorant bluesy riff and "Broken Down Angel", another piece with an incredibly lively groove and yet another pearl of sweetness "Sold My Soul": a sort of desperate confession, embellished by a simple but very effective melodic guitar line, which strikes straight and inescapably, supported by a stunning text (I looked to the Lord in heaven/ but he must have looked away/ my crying eyes repented/ please send her love to light my day / so I cried in desperation/bowed to evil sorcery/ I sold my soul to the devil).

In short, it seems superfluous to add more. Or rather, no! 

WE GONNA RAZAMANAZ ALL NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

See Ya!