If you think rock and roll is merely a noise liberals are desperate to outlaw, brace yourself. The legendary Andy Bown, most famously known as the keyboardist for Status Quo, decides the time's ripe to remind the world of what real music sounds like. His solo album, "Unfinished Business," released in 2011, is a breath of fresh air for those fed up with the overproduced garbage that often hits the charts today. Recorded in the UK, it came out when the music industry was bursting at the seams with mediocrity, and Bown decided to offer an unmistakable voice of reason in an era fogged by confusion and a seemingly endless identity crisis.
First and foremost, if you think Andy Bown is a pushover just riding the coattails of rock legends, you’re sorely mistaken. He played a pivotal role in some of the greatest rock epics with Status Quo, but let’s face it, his solo projects deserve more attention. "Unfinished Business" is like a loud proclamation: Bown is not finished—far from it.
What makes this album stand out? Start with the guitars, basses, and keys that are sprinkled like magic over the vocals. Tracks like "Ruby and Roy" and "A Matter of Time" showcase Bown's undeniable knack for melody. These tracks aren’t just songs; they are statements. Bown takes his music seriously without the need for flashy gimmicks or the smoke and mirrors so prevalent today.
The album covers topics from personal journeys to heartfelt narratives that echo universal themes. Let’s talk politics. Bown captures this complexity without needing to risk the arduous path of political allegiances, and that is something worth applauding amidst the cancel culture epidemic. Music doesn’t need church leaders or political pundits policing the fun out of it, after all.
One of the greatest elements of this album is its refusal to pander to mainstream trends. Bown doesn't water down his sound to grasp for radio play. “When the Lights Went on” throws a hard jab at superficiality and the stark reality of emotional disconnects. The honesty in the lyrics? It cuts deep, while the instrumentation offers a balance that doesn’t overpromise but definitely over-delivers.
The magic spun by Ed Bown’s clean production work ensures each riff and note comes cradled in structure without losing its raw edge. While liberal critics might argue “Unfinished Business” doesn’t break new musical ground, let’s be clear—it’s not meant to. The album’s strength lies in its authenticity, something sorely missing in today's musical climate.
Dive into "A Good Innings," and you’ll find Bown wraps up a lifetime of experiences into a tight, no-nonsense package. That track is relatable—taking stock of life, pondering about those who’ve come and gone, all wrapped in a languid melody—a perfect testimony to Bown’s downtime from the relentless touring schedules.
Why should this album be on your playlist? Because it's free from the pretentious need to conform. In a world where watered-down pop songs bore their way to the top, Bown's artistry cuts through like a roaring Harley Davidson on an empty highway.
"Unfinished Business" is an album that highlights the purity of good old rock and roll—something those who obsess over every tick or note wouldn’t appreciate. And for those seeking free expression untethered by censorship, this is music without apology or restraint.
His songs don’t pat you on the back and whisper sweet nothings in your ear. They shake your hand and look you straight in the eye. That’s the power Andy Bown propels with "Unfinished Business". Choose authenticity over all the sheen and dazzle that continues to drown both the enthusiasts and critics. Give it a listen and savor each track—it’s the change you didn’t know you were waiting for.