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IN REVIEW
BRYAN ADAMS
LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Reviewer: David Weddle
Canadian rock icon Bryan Adams is a household name the world over, an artist whose career spans over 40 years. A multi-platinum award winner whose 1991 hit '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You', saw him hitting the number one spot in at least 19 countries. With an astonishing 15 studio albums under his belt, Bryan has created a back catalogue that would make most bands and artists green with envy, and that is evident in the turnout for his three sold-out nights at the world-renowned venue, The Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, back in 2022.
Across the three nights, Bryan played one of his classic albums in its entirety. This amazing spectacle was recorded in full and is now being made available for the first time to the public in the form of a CD box set, digital formats, as well as a Blu-ray of the three nights. To top it off, there will also be a 32-page photobook showcasing photos from the shows.
The classic albums that Bryan played are:
Night 1 - 'Cuts Like A Knife'
Night 2 - 'Into The Fire'
Night 3 - 'Waking Up The Neighbours'
Originally released in 1983, Bryan's third studio album 'Cuts Like A Knife' is arguably the album that took Bryan Adams to the next level all those years ago, and to hear him perform those songs nearly 40 years later, it is clear that he had created a timeless album of great rock songs that have stood the test of time and sound as good today as they did in 1983. The album featured singles 'This Time', 'Straight From The Heart', and the title track, 'Cuts Like A Knife', all of which Bryan and his band performed with enthusiasm and skill, but my personal favourite is 'Don't Leave Me Lonely', with that stunning guitar work and a groove that just makes you want to move.
On night 2 at the Royal Albert Hall, Bryan took the audience all the way back to 1987 and his fifth studio album, 'Into The Fire', and this high-quality recording captured the energy and emotion of the night. The powerful opener and title track give a glimpse of good things to come.
The 1987 classic featured the single 'Heat of the Night', which still stands up today. With glorious guitar work and Bryan's stunning vocals, it is a real gem and a definite highlight. The mid-eighties record was massively underrated upon its release, so it is great to hear it getting the attention it truly deserves.
On the third and final night, Bryan played the entirety of his hugely successful 1991 album, 'Waking Up The Neighbours'. An album that hit the top spot on charts around the world upon its initial release. The album included the record-breaking hit single (Everything I Do) I Do It For You', as well as the awesome rock classic 'Can't Stop This Thing We Started'. Bryan and his band gave the whole 15 tracks 110%, making for a night of pure rock pleasure. Keeping the energy levels high from start to finish and thanking the crowd for their patience in waiting for the shows to happen with the crowd eagerly cheering and applauding.
In fact, the audience was in fine voice that night as they sang along, with Bryan telling them they sounded amazing. Introducing the final song on the album, Bryan reminisced briefly on his time spent in England and how he recorded the vocals for '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You'. The crowd sounded audibly thrilled to get to hear Bryan play that song in particular. It is very nostalgic for anyone who remembers the release.
Few songs resonate with an audience as much as that one. The entire collection showcases Bryan at his very best. These days, it is easy to flick through an album without really hearing the recording as an entire body of work. It is refreshing to hear these albums played the way the artist originally intended.
It is a collection that is definitely worth checking out. Whether you are an avid Bryan Adams fan or just a fan of amazing music, you will not be disappointed.
Across the three nights, Bryan played one of his classic albums in its entirety. This amazing spectacle was recorded in full and is now being made available for the first time to the public in the form of a CD box set, digital formats, as well as a Blu-ray of the three nights. To top it off, there will also be a 32-page photobook showcasing photos from the shows.
The classic albums that Bryan played are:
Night 1 - 'Cuts Like A Knife'
Night 2 - 'Into The Fire'
Night 3 - 'Waking Up The Neighbours'
Originally released in 1983, Bryan's third studio album 'Cuts Like A Knife' is arguably the album that took Bryan Adams to the next level all those years ago, and to hear him perform those songs nearly 40 years later, it is clear that he had created a timeless album of great rock songs that have stood the test of time and sound as good today as they did in 1983. The album featured singles 'This Time', 'Straight From The Heart', and the title track, 'Cuts Like A Knife', all of which Bryan and his band performed with enthusiasm and skill, but my personal favourite is 'Don't Leave Me Lonely', with that stunning guitar work and a groove that just makes you want to move.
On night 2 at the Royal Albert Hall, Bryan took the audience all the way back to 1987 and his fifth studio album, 'Into The Fire', and this high-quality recording captured the energy and emotion of the night. The powerful opener and title track give a glimpse of good things to come.
The 1987 classic featured the single 'Heat of the Night', which still stands up today. With glorious guitar work and Bryan's stunning vocals, it is a real gem and a definite highlight. The mid-eighties record was massively underrated upon its release, so it is great to hear it getting the attention it truly deserves.
On the third and final night, Bryan played the entirety of his hugely successful 1991 album, 'Waking Up The Neighbours'. An album that hit the top spot on charts around the world upon its initial release. The album included the record-breaking hit single (Everything I Do) I Do It For You', as well as the awesome rock classic 'Can't Stop This Thing We Started'. Bryan and his band gave the whole 15 tracks 110%, making for a night of pure rock pleasure. Keeping the energy levels high from start to finish and thanking the crowd for their patience in waiting for the shows to happen with the crowd eagerly cheering and applauding.
In fact, the audience was in fine voice that night as they sang along, with Bryan telling them they sounded amazing. Introducing the final song on the album, Bryan reminisced briefly on his time spent in England and how he recorded the vocals for '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You'. The crowd sounded audibly thrilled to get to hear Bryan play that song in particular. It is very nostalgic for anyone who remembers the release.
Few songs resonate with an audience as much as that one. The entire collection showcases Bryan at his very best. These days, it is easy to flick through an album without really hearing the recording as an entire body of work. It is refreshing to hear these albums played the way the artist originally intended.
It is a collection that is definitely worth checking out. Whether you are an avid Bryan Adams fan or just a fan of amazing music, you will not be disappointed.
LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL will be available in the following physical formats and is available to order HERE.
BRYAN ADAMS - LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL TRACKLIST
CUTS LIKE A KNIFE (NIGHT ONE)
BRYAN ADAMS - LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL TRACKLIST
CUTS LIKE A KNIFE (NIGHT ONE)
- THE ONLY ONE (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- TAKE ME BACK (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- THIS TIME (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- I'M READY (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL) [LONG FORM VERSION]
- WHAT'S IT GONNA BE (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- DON'T LEAVE ME LONELY (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- LET HIM KNOW (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- THE BEST WAS YET TO COME (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- CUTS LIKE A KNIFE (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL) [LONG FORM VERSION]
- STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- INTO THE FIRE (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- HEAT OF THE NIGHT (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- VICTIM OF LOVE (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- ANOTHER DAY (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- NATIVE SON (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- REBEL (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- REMEMBRANCE DAY (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- HEARTS ON FIRE (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- HOME AGAIN (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- IS YOUR MAMA GONNA MISS YA? (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- HEY HONEY - I’M PACKIN' YOU IN! (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- CAN’T STOP THIS THING WE STARTED (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- THOUGHT I’D DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- NOT GUILTY (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- VANISHING (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- HOUSE ARREST (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- DO I HAVE TO SAY THE WORDS? (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER TONIGHT (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- ALL I WANT IS YOU (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- DEPEND ON ME (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- TOUCH THE HAND (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- IF YOU WANNA LEAVE ME (CAN I COME TOO?) (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- DON’T DROP THAT BOMB ON ME (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)
- (EVERYTHING I DO) I DO IT FOR YOU (LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL)