In the leather-bound history of heartfelt rock ‘n’ roll, not only will Michael Monroe have at least one chapter all to himself, but his name will be colourfully threaded throughout, such has been his impact, his appeal and his ongoing never-surrender story; a powerful, inspirational tale told in detail on ‘The Best’ – the first official collection of his (ongoing) solo musical exploits, featuring prime tracks from 1987 right up to 2017…
“This album is a great representation of my 30-year solo career, including four songs from the Little Steven produced ‘Demolition 23’ album, which has been unavailable for over 20 years, plus some special rarities and previously unreleased bonus tracks.”
Right from the get go this collection of songs immerses the listener into the flamboyant world that is Michael Monroe. Released in 1989 “Dead, Jail or Rock ‘N’ Roll” sums up Monroe perfectly. But the fact is, he is none of those .. and continues to produce top quality music and outstanding performances.
Although the original Hanoi Rocks rollercoaster never quite reached the arena-filling, global heights they deserved, Monroe has gone on to perform alongside, and share the studio with, some of the greatest bands in the history of rock such as Guns N’ Roses and Slash; Lemmy, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Little Steven, and Ian Hunter. At the same time, his solo career has gone from strength to strength.
In the true sense of the words what we have here is an album of all killer and definitely no filler. 29 glorious tracks of adrenaline-fuelled, glam-punk, good old fashioned rock and roll. Compare the opening track to the latest single “One Foot Outta The Grave” and we hear no change in the passion for live performance the attitude that has always run through Monroe’s music.
If you have never heard of Michael Monroe, then where have you been man..? Living under a rock!! But now is your chance to hear, in one massive collection, just what the hype is all about and more importantly how Monroe lives up to it .. and delivers !!!
Stand out tracks… Well, there are so many .. but for this reviewer… “Dead, Jail or Rock ‘N’ Roll”, “Man with No Eyes”, “78”, “It’s a Lie” (with Stiv Bators) and “Magic Carpet Ride”(Feat Slash) are up there with the best.
Michael Monroe is famed for his high energy rock and roll shows, this release is the next best thing to catching him live.. Go buy it, you won’t regret it .. a mahoosive 5/5 from me
