Thin Lizzy
Black Rose

THE REVIEW

The year was 1979, and in England, the early murmurs of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal were already being felt—this musical movement revitalized the conventions of '70s hard rock by blending its elements with punk, which had exploded like a bomb around the mid-seventies. Thin Lizzy, fresh from their worldwide acclaim due to the success of albums like Jailbreak, Johnny The Fox, and Bad Reputation, came forth in splendid form at the end of what is arguably the most ingenious decade of Rock music (or at least it is for me!) with the album Black Rose. Lynott is more inspired than ever, and the arrival of the great Gary Moore on the second guitar (though for me, he's the first!), replacing Brian Robertson, adds a touch of class to the record that allows Lizzy to make a decisive leap in quality compared to their previous works.

It begins with the lively "Do Anything You Want To" which paves the way for "Toughest Street In Town," a vigorous track where the guitars take center stage, accompanying Lynott's always captivating voice. Once past the enjoyable "S & M," we encounter what is Lizzy's most well-known song (of course, after the eternal "The Boys Are Back In Town"), namely "Waiting For An Alibi," and here you find yourself facing an authentic 3-minute masterpiece—listen to believe! Lynott's bass intro is as simple as it is driving, and the two guitars almost seem to "talk" to each other, especially in the final part where both sound absolutely magnificent!!! The fifth track, "Sarah," is characterized by Moore's skillful guitar work, along with Lynott's usual exceptional performance, making this ballad absolutely delightful. We charge forward with three explosive tracks: "Got To Give It Up," "Get Out Of Here," and "With Love," which precede the album's gem "Roisin Dubh" (Black Rose), a 7-minute jewel inspired by a collection of 19th-century Irish poems contained in the work "Dark Rosaleen," dealing with the theme of the desire for independence that ignites the hearts of Ireland. Within the track, the guitars also perform four traditional Irish pieces like "Shenandoah," "Will You Go," "Danny Boy," and "The Mason's Apron"—absolutely a track to listen to!

This is the Thin Lizzy album that moves me the most, I even prefer it over Jailbreak, which made them famous; every lover of good rock music should own it, for those in the know...