Have you ever listened back to those ’80s power ballads? Peering past the hairspray and flowing locks, you’ll find a genuine depth to songwriting that never fails to move.
When I heard Rock And A Hard Place by Matt DeAngelis for the first time, it struck a chord in the same way that a song like Every Rose Has Its Thorn did. But let’s straighten this out. Rock And A Hard Place probably won’t have you saying “this is an ’80s throwback“. Far from it…
Sure, it’s got that aforementioned timeless flair of songwriting. That could be something to do with 25-year-old Matt DeAngelis writing songs since he was 8. The comparisons lie in the choruses that stay with you, the relatable lyrics, and even an air guitar worthy solo. But make no qualms about it, this is classic rock for today. Listening, you’ll uncover pure emotion. It all seems so moving.
It’s the knack for songwriting that gives DeAngelis his footing to build this soft rock ballad. There’s no need for over-the-top production here. Just classic instrumentation performed expertly. Drums, bass, piano, acoustic, electric guitar, strings and vocals. The tried-and-true make up is exactly what Rock And A Hard Place needs. Ironically, as artists try to find unique sounds through tech, by not reinventing the wheel, Rock And A Hard Place does stand out.
Lasting melodies sung with relatable emotion soar beyond the choir like harmonies. It’s bliss and Rock And A Hard Place is a reminder that the raw great songwriting of yesteryear is alive today. Albeit drenched in emotion, Rock And A Hard Place feels like a warm, soft-rock hug from an old friend.
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