Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder has teamed up with a lot of heavy friends for his 2019 album, American Rock ‘N’ Roll. The crew on Felder’s third solo release includes Sammy Hagar, Slash, Richie Sambora, Peter Frampton, Mick Fleetwood, and Alex Lifeson sailing across the tunes here. As can be expected from the man instrumental in creating tunes like “Hotel California,” “Victim of Love” and “Heavy Metal,” there’s a fair share of catchy songs and inspiring guitar playing.
Name dropping American rock icons from Hendrix on up, the title track, featuring Slash and Chad Smith, sets the stage for lots of loud guitar riffery. We get big hooks from Felder’s slide and leads on “Hearts On Fire,” with its programmed backbeat and fat bass. “Rock You” thrives on a mid-tempo heavy strut featuring Joe Satriani on guitar, Sammy Hagar on lead vocals, and Bob Weir on backing vocals.
The ballad “The Way Things Have To Be,” offers a nice changeup, with some tasty Peter Frampton guitar noodling over a piano-led verse and sweet “ooh’s.” Another winner here is “You’re My World.” We get a subtle vocal from Felder and his acoustic guitar — a very nice way to end American Rock ‘N’ Roll. Even with all the help he has, this album boasts Felder’s unique guitar imprint and songwriting prowess — clearly in evidence and not about to go astray.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
