Orianthi – “O” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Orianthi – O

One of the best female lead guitarists in the world released her first studio album in over seven years on 11/06/2020. I have been a fan of hers for years, and recently I was fortunate enough to receive her new CD for review. Orianthi is a world class guitarist, playing arenas with rock royalty and global superstars like Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Carrie Underwood, Alice Cooper and more.

Playing on this album are: Orianthi Panagaris, on guitars, vocals, and programming; Evan Frederiksen, on drums and bass; Marti Frederiksen, on percussion, programming, and bass on Track 3.

The album kicks off with “Contagious’, a powerful blues rocker filled with awesome guitar programming and sounds. Orianthi’s voice is wonderful and full of spirit, “Medicated from a psychotic curse. Straight jacket cause the side effects hurt. There’s no escape from this fun house room. Take my hand and I’ll walk with you”. A commentary on the fact that hate is contagious, and the devastating effect it has played in this historic year, and over the centuries. Her guitar solo lifts this song even higher on the list of my favorites of the year.

“Sinners Hymn”, is a powerful blues guitar triumph. Orianthi sings, “There’s no answer to your prayers when you’re a sinner. There’s no streetlights on the road of regret. And the black dog won’t stop howling at your window. ‘Til you drink what’s left of that bottle by your bed. And sing the sinners hymn”. It’s a blues wonder even Stevie Ray Vaughan would be proud to call his own. The “Hey, Hey, does anybody care anyway?”, refrain gives the song an updated Nirvana feeling, familiar from the song, “Heart – Shaped Box”.

“Rescue Me”, slows down the pace after two powerful openers. The bluesy feel of this song is so welcomed after years of hearing very little blues. The powerful riffing brings back memories of some of my favorites. Probably my favorite blues song of the year. Absolutely, some of the best blues guitar I’ve heard in years.

“Blow”, is a cool break-up/desire rocker in the grand tradition of AOR rock and roll radio. Similar to Heart or Foreigner at their peak. Excellent salute to Jimmy Page with a little “Kashmir” sound on guitar, in the middle.

“Sorry”, opens with some guitar – work reminiscent of Eddie Van Halen, who we sadly lost this year. Orianthi’s voice is so sweet, when she sings, “All you had to say was sorry. All I hears the same old story. Just a simple little sorry”. The guitar – work and solos are memorable.

“Crawling out of the Dark”, opens with inlaid record static, like a vinyl record. The deep, bluesy sound of this song is just perfect. Memorable and riveting, with Orianthi showing off her vocal skills along with cool, bluesy guitar solos reminiscent of the blues greats. Another of the best songs on the album.

“Impulsive”, opens with cool, electric guitar distortion and then becomes a great bluesy rocker.

“Stream of Consciousness”, opens with cool keys and large electric lead guitar. The drums are well placed, on this city street scene, blues rocker. The lead electric riffs and licks on this track are some of the best on the album.

“Company”, opens with cool key programming and slow drums. Then Orianthi sings, “Lying here waiting. Thinking of you. Night is fading. So, what you gonna do? You don’t have to be alone. If you don’t want to”. A sexy, love interest song.

“Moonwalker”, could be either a salute to Michael Jackson, or just a warning to someone who is ignoring others at their own peril. I think it is both. Orianthi sings, “Hey man. You disappeared. Somewhere in the atmosphere. Where the air is clear.

Hey man. Are you lonely out there? Living without a care. Up above the stratosphere”. Either way, it is a wonderful album closer.

This is the best blues album I’ve heard this year. Now, I haven’t heard many. Blues seems to be a lost genre, with fewer blues heroes alive, making this treasured music. Thankfully Orianthi will help keep this genre alive with this solo album, and the music she collaborates with others to create.

This is a wonderful album that keeps hope alive that the blues will live on. I hope Orianthi’s next album will be a complete blues album. Until then, we have O to enjoy.

Track List