The Guess Who, the Canadian band responsible for rock classics like “American Woman,” “No Time,” and “These Eyes,” are back with a new album for 2018 called The Future IS What It Used To Be. This version of the classic band features founding member Garry Peterson singing and playing drums, D# singing lead, playing guitar and piano, Will E. on guitar, harp and vocals, member in long-standing Leonard Shaw playing keys, singing and blowing flute and sax, and Rudy Sarzo. formerly of Quiet Riot, Dio, and Ozzy Osbourne’s band, on bass and backing vocals.
There’s undoubtedly a pop vibe to these 10 songs, as D#’s voice rolls round the higher register. Almost all the songs, from the obvious first single, “Playin’ On The Radio” featuring an almost Beach Boys-like chorus and Sarzo’s tasty bass lead moments to the jangle of guitars across “Runnin Blind,” are built to tap one’s toes to and sing along with.
A band of these seasoned players manages some exciting moments beyond just radio-friendly songwriting. There’s “Baby Come Around,” with its mainly acoustic guitar and hand clapping momentum. “Haunted” is a piano ballad with the best vocal from D#, and a lyric much meatier than anything else here. These kinds of numbers change things up just enough so The Future IS What It Used To Be has some substantial variety to it.
Special guests across these tunes include Styx’s vocalist and guitarist Tommy Shaw, percussionist Brent Fitz, who’s played for Slash and Gene Simmons, Guess Who original bassist Jim Kale, and bassist Michael Devin of Whitesnake. A true return to form for this classic band, The Future IS What It Used To Be thankfully keeps us from guessing just where The Guess Who is going to be for the immediate future.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
