Unaware of it as many of us probably are (unless you happen to be living in Germany), David Hasselhoff, star of TV’s Baywatch and Knight Rider, has released 14 studio albums and 12 compilation albums. He returns to music in 2019 with Open Your Eyes, a 13-song collection of covers featuring guest stars succumbing to the Hoff’s particularly low, yet effective singing.
From the heavy hit of opener “Open Your Eyes,” to the kinetic run of synths on what sounds almost like the original “Melt With You,” (featuring Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens) and the piano work of one-time Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz on “66 Mit Jahren” — Hasselhoff pulls off competent cover versions throughout. The lyrics on “66 Mit Jahren” is especially poignant, riffing on how life begins at 66, even the Hoff is 67.
The wide range of guests that includes guitarist Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MGs), Tracii Guns (LA Guns), and Todd Rundgren, among others, add to the fun. In one truly unique move, A Flock Of Seagulls back Hasselhoff on Echo and the Bunnymen’s “Lips Like Sugar.” It features probably the best vocal from KITT’s favorite driver.
Charlie Daniels’ fiddle doesn’t really lift “Rhinestone Cowboy” to anywhere, missing the mark somewhat. To make up for it, we get a brilliant rendition of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” by far the best track on the album. It’s so over the top in the best way possible, it’s irresistible.
David Hasselhoff says that Open Your Eyes was made to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, with his hope to musically join different countries and cultures. He’ll be touring behind the album in Germany and Austria to further his aims.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
