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Rating: How many of you worship Freddie Mercury? I don't need an answer, I'd rather give you some advice: get yourself this "United States".
Almost unnoticed in 2009, it comes from the mind of guitar hero Paul Gilbert (Racer X, Mr. Big), who recruits the almost unknown Freddie Nelson on the microphone. I don't know about you, but I've never heard of said person (there's little information about him even online), but I can prove that the youngster (so he seems from the photos) honors the name he carries. Personality to sell, but above all a style and vocal tone very similar to the God Freddie, don't you believe it, huh? Go listen to "Waste Of Time" and "Paris Hilton Look Alike" and then maybe we'll talk about it again. Done?? (yeah, I know I sound like Muciaccia), See? Trust me sometimes, won't you? For crying out loud! (now I sound like Sgarbi) Oops, my apologies friends, it was just to emphasize the point. Let's get back to the album.
Besides the two cited tracks, the entire work is very Queen-oriented, which I absolutely don't mind.
We find strictly hard rock pieces ("The Last Rock & Roll Star", "Hideaway" and "Pulsar"), in which the flamboyant Gilbert does anything but impress with his scorching riffs and solos; others more light-hearted ("Bad Times Good", "Girl From Omaha" and "I'm Not Addicted") that after a few listens will already sound like classics to you and two mid-tempo tracks ("The Answer" and "I'm Free") where the ghost of Freddie (Mercury) appears in a surprising way. So a total of ten tracks that for class and quality could easily enter the Queen's repertoire.
Having said that, all that's left is for you to listen and enjoy the performances of these two great artists.
Paul Gilbert: the confirmation, who delights as he has always accustomed us, even playing Brian May;
Freddie Nelson: the surprise, a vocalist with guts.
Rating: 4.5
Tracklist
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