With Robert Papst comfortably sitting on a label CEO’s chair and concentrated producing other artists, I wasn’t expecting another DOMINOE album, at least not now.
Well, the German creators of the classic hit ‘Here I Am’ are back with a brand new album, “Naked But Dressed”.
The core force behind the band, Papst and singer Jorg Sieber, this time have called some well known names in the industry to enrich their sound; on bass John ‘Rhino’ Edwards of Status Quo and Charlie Morgan (Elton John band) on drums & percussion.
But the guest stars are the vocalists; Larry Hoppen (who sadly died last week) of legendary band Orleans, Jimmy Hall of southern rockers Wet Willie and no other than Jimi Jamison can be heard on three songs in a duet with Jorg.
Dominoe has added a new (female) vocalist to their line up; Janina Dietz, whose role is much more significant than a back-up singer, as she not only adds different colors to the harmony vocals, the girl has her solo moments on various songs as well.
Fortunately, Papst and Sieber haven’t forgotten how to write a catchy song, and even better: how to write pure Melodic Rock tunes.
The first 4 tracks on this CD are like a four aces poker. Winners.
“What Happens” opens the album in the best Dominoe tradition, with their classic compressed sound (missed in the last couple of albums), an instant melodious hook and a ridiculously catchy chorus. Guys, this is pure Melodic Rock!
Next, “It’s Fine For Me” adds to the mix vintage organs and panned guitars, it’s a more classic rock sounding track but the catchiness is sticky like epoxy glue. I Love this track, it’s incredibly contagious.
With “Naked” arrives the first guest star vocalist. Larry Hoppen who sadly passed away days ago demonstrates how great he was. Larry provides his soulfoul register to this Classic Rock tune which it isn’t an ordinary four-tone track. The instrumentation is meaty (the rhythm section is awesome) and the vocal harmonies are excellent too.
And then we have the mighty Jimi Jamison in duet with Jorg Sieber. “Comin’ Home” is pure Melodic Rock bliss. Sorry if I’m biased, but this is how Melodic Rock should be composed, arranged and performed. The song looks specially written for Jamison who plays in his league here, singing completely the first and third verses, and then together with Jorg on the chorus and outro.
It should be noted that production on this album is superior than the average in the genre these days.
I don’t need more. These quaternary made it for me, and worth the disc purchase.
Yes, there’s more interesting tunes, like the AORish “Don’t Throw Our Love Away”, the melodic rocker “One More Sugar”, the semi-ballad “All The Sins Are Dying” or the acoustic and calmer “Love Is The Answer” and “Take Me As I Am”.
A few others are not so good and more standard Classic Rock oriented (a style that Papst seems to be pouring) but I don’t care, Dominoe is back with their instinct intact.
I can’t help but I am a fan of this catchy brand of Melodic Rock (and this band), and only can say that “Naked But Dressed” is Highly Recommended.
01 – What Happens
02 – It’s Fine For Me
03 – Naked (duet with Larry Hoppen)
04 – Comin’ Home (duet with Jimi Jamison)
05 – It’s Alright
06 – Don’t Throw Our Love Away
07 – Good Way Down
08 – Love Is The Answer
09 – My Girl (duet with Jimmy Hall)
10 – All The Sins Are Dying
11 – No Dude
12 – You And Me
13 – Take Me As I Am
14 – One More Sugar
Robert Papst: Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, Backing Vocals
Jorg Sieber: Vocals
Eddie Daum: Keyboards
Christian Birawsky: Drums, Percussion, Bass
Janina Dietz: Vocals
John “Rhino” Edwards: Bass
Charlie Morgan: Drums, Percussion
Larry Hoppen (Orleans): guest Vocals
Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie): guest Vocals
Jimi Jamison (Ex- Survivor): guest Vocals