Savoy Brown
Hellbound Train

"Hellbound Train" was released following the success of "Street Corner Talking," which also marked the beginning of a new collaboration. Alongside Kim Simmonds, practically three quarters of Chicken Shack joined the Savoy Brown lineup, remaining a constant in the band for at least four albums. The tracks included in the album bear the signature of Simmonds, but also the contribution of Paul Raymond (already a co-author with Stan Webb) and Andy Sylvester; The album is steeped in a very 70s atmosphere. A perfect example is the title track "Hellbound Train," which captures the concept of a train traveling through misty places, populated by strange creatures, with openings that highlight the grandiosity of its passage.

The album opens with the somewhat honky-tonk rock of "Doin Fine," evoking images of a train traveling through lush countryside, followed by "Lost and Lonely Child," perhaps my favorite track. It's a slow and evocative number with Dave Walker's voice standing out, as well as Paul Raymond's organ work, accompanied by acoustic guitar strumming interspersed with a typically Simmonds-esque solo.

"I'll Make Everything Alright" revisits more rock blues tones, with Dave Bidwell's driving drumming. It's then the turn of "Troubled by These Days and Times," at times somewhat gospel, yet always in the quintessential Savoy Brown style. Noteworthy is Walker's vocal performance in this track as well. "If I Could See an End" mirrors the sound and rhythm of the opening piece, with a very refined vocal line sometimes in unison with Simmonds' guitar, all held together by Bidwell's deep rhythmic sound. "It'll Make You Happy" takes on a more classic form and is led by an organ and bass riff that allow Simmonds' guitar to alternate effectively with Raymond's organ. The album closes with the title track "Hellbound Train," lasting 9 minutes and driven by Bidwell's repetitive and constant rhythm, reminiscent of a train in motion. It's accompanied by a gritty bass line and a guitar initially understated, then increasing in intensity. An epic piece. In the first American pressing of the album, this track ends abruptly; I believe the mix may be slightly different in the English version.