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Cherie Currie, formerly of the Runaways, released her new album Blvds of Splendor earlier this year, produced by Matt Sorum and released on Blackheart Records. It was originally released as a limited run on vinyl in 2019 before coming out digitally this year with a few extra songs. The album features collaborations with multiple other musical big named artists and a remake of a Runaways song. A great mix of solo songs, collaborations and covers. This album deserves to be turned up loud and while the music energizes the soul.
The album starts strong with the first track “Mr. X”. It has a good strong beat and power in the music. Featuring Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Nick Maybury; the first track comes in with a kick and makes the listener take note. It sets the tone well for the album. The third track, “You Wreck Me”, packs a bass line that can be felt in the bones. “Black Magic” has such an infectious beat that the toes do not want to sit still when it comes on.
Billy Corgan joins Cherie on the title track “Blvds of Splendor”. Their voices complement each other well and add more dimension to the song. Other artists join her on tracks in the release to add more layers to the songs and build on harmonies. The album comes to a close with a rendition of the Runaways’ song “Queens of Noise”. This track alone is filled with guest stars. Juliette Lewis, Brody Dalle and The Veronicas all come together to make this last track something not to be skipped.
Cherie delivers an album with heart, strength and groove. One theme evident in many of the songs throughout the album is owning your own strength and doing what is best for yourself. Her signature voice comes through strong in each track, yet adds something different to each one. From the melodic cover of “The Air That I Breathe” to the hard hitting “Breakout”.
Fans of the Runaways won't be disappointed with the mix of songs. Tracks like “Force to be Reckoned With” and “Bad and Broken” are reminiscent of the early rock sound of the group. If you're looking for something a bit different, then look no farther than “Shades” and “Rock and Roll Oblivion”. Cherie delivers songs that stay in the familiar territory of the sound she’s known for, all while giving the music a modern twist that will appeal to the larger audience.
Many artists are opting for smaller EP releases instead of full length albums. Keeping a listener’s attention for an entire album is becoming harder and harder to do. This album, however, goes from in your face rock to ballad and back seamlessly, grabbing attention at every turn. In a world where single songs get pinpointed in a larger release, Cherie manages to deliver a full album full of songs that all stand out on their own. Choosing a favorite track of this release is no small task. This truly is an album to listen to from start to finish, and then repeat.