Album Review – Richie Kotzen – 50 For 50 – Headroom-Inc

Artist – Richie Kotzen
Album Title – 50 For 50
Label – Headroom-Inc
Release Date – February 3rd 2020

On February 3rd 2020, one of the most ambitious recordings by any artist was unleashed, 50 songs spanning 3 CD’s. I am talking about Richie Kotzen’s “50 For 50.” What is “50 For 50” you ask? I’ll let the man himself explain it.

“The idea of a 50 song album came to me while I was on tour sometime last year,” KOTZEN explains. “I had completed what would have been your typical 10 to 12 song album and was anticipating a 2020 release. Somewhere along the line, I discovered a few completed songs that for whatever reason were never released. Along with that, I found a massive collection of material that was in various forms of completion. Some songs had drums bass and piano with no vocal, other songs were nothing more than a bass line and a vocal melody and so on.

I decided to take that summer and fall, stay in the studio, and see how many of these ideas I could bring to completion. The concept was to include the already completed works and finish the other ideas and then stop once I reached 50 songs. Reality is we’ve got way more sitting on the hard drives waiting for attention. I figured if I can walk out of the studio with 50 songs (that I like) mixed and mastered, I can release a 50 song package on my 50th birthday.”

When news of this project broke in the Summer of 2019, to say I was highly intrigued would be a massive understatement! My love of all things Kotzen is well documented but I couldn’t help but harken back to my interview with Richie in November 2015 and wonder if ’50 For 50′ was a vault dump of sorts.

“LRI: Do you ever foresee a time in the future where you decide to dump the vault and compile a box set of demos, unreleased tracks, the songs you submitted to Poison (Stand, Until You Suffer Some {Fire & Ice}, 7 Days Over You, Body Talk) and/or Arthur’s Museum to release?

RK: Believe it or not, there is not a lot of that! I don’t really have a lot of that lying around. We did do “The Essential Collection” which was a really cool thing for people who really weren’t following my career or that are not really attached to what it is that I do but knew my name. I think that “The Essential Collection” is a great introduction to people that have never heard of me but at the same time, it’s a cool collector piece for people that have been following me because there are some outtakes and a couple of new songs on there. We did that and it worked really well. I’m really happy with the way it came out.

Believe it or not, I don’t really have a ton of unreleased stuff. I have plenty of undeveloped ideas. The concept of unreleased stuff, at least in my perspective as an artist for lack of a better term, things that are unreleased are unreleased for a reason. The things that I don’t release are things that I don’t think are very good and are representing me at my very best!

It is always weird to me when I see artists that have been dead for like a really really long time and suddenly there is this unreleased, never-before-heard material. I always wonder, for me, I’d be like spinning in my grave! Like “How dare you release something that I recorded that I didn’t release it because it wasn’t ready or didn’t want to put it out!” It is an interesting perspective that I have on that versus the fan side of just wanting to hear everything. I think that there is the element of not everything is meant to be heard by everyone. There are things that are developmental, personal and private.

I wonder about some of the artists that have had things come out. If they knew they were coming out, would they really want them to be released? It’s a weird thing to me. But to answer that, I really don’t have a huge stockpile of songs that are just sitting there. I have undeveloped stuff that I might finish one day but that’s pretty much what it is!”

– DISC ONE –

01. “Stick The Knife” kicks off with a blazing run across the fretboard reminiscent of the opening of ’24 Hours’ but settles into an uptempo soulful groove.

02. “As You Are” is an early candidate for my favorite song off of disc one. The verses are delivered with a bit of attitude vocally whereas the choruses have a sense of yearning to them.

03. “Dogs” slows things down a bit and features some of the most gorgeous guitar tone I’ve heard from Richie atop some subtle tickling of the ivories. The melancholy lyrics add to the overall vibe.

04. “More Than This” feels like a prequel to “Dogs” lyrically. I digg the slower tempo, instrumentation and pop sheen on this cut. Very radio friendly if radio didn’t suck.

05. “Dirty Tricks” has a ‘Slow’ vibe musically. Horns and the effects give this a funky 70’s vibe. Richie’s Sly & The Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder influences really shine here. Best played LOUD!

06. “Nickel Hustler” was inspired by his wife Julia’s misuse of the English language. Another funky jam where Richie’s bass and drumming are the star. The breakdown/solo section are sick!

07. “Devil’s Hand” clocks in at 7:39 and is the first video from this collection. It was directed by Vicente Cordero.

Moody, atmospheric, textured, percussive and epic is the only way to describe this opus. The extended soloing is made even more grandiose with Richie vocally harmonizing along to parts of the guitar solo.

08. “Mad Bazaar” is a slower tempo, key driven tune with a Hall & Oates flavor to it.

09. “Turning The Table” picks up the pace and lays down some serious funk. The lyrics are extra zesty. Another tune with a ‘Slow’ vibe.

10. “Already Scarred” is a R&B tinged ballad. The intro has one of the coolest guitar tones I’ve heard over Richie’s 30 plus year recording career that thankfully reappears in the outro.

11. “Black Mark” is peppy musically in juxtaposition to the lyrics. The brief solo at the end was just cruel. I would love to hear where Richie would have taken it had he stretched it out.

12. “Living The Dream” is another keys driven tune that packs a punch rhythmically and has a ‘Slow’ vibe sonically. I hope this cut makes it into the live show as I think the band and crowd could really have some fun together.

13. “When God Made You” is another funky romp that changes stylistically in the choruses. One of my favorite solos on disc one is contained within.

14. “Wait For Me” is what I’d imagine a collaboration with Stevie Salas in 2020 would sound like! Richie is so underrated as a bassist. A slammin’ funk fest, digg it!!!

15. “Life Gonna Give It To Ya” lyrically questions life’s highs and lows over a frenetic Prince flavored funk.

16. “Innocuous” is an interesting, in a great way, closer to disc one. Portions of the vocals have a Ville Valo tonality accented by haunting acoustic guitar. Chill inducing.

– DISC TWO –

01. “Radar” kicks disc two off with a mid-tempo funky jam. The notes his vocals soar to at the 1:16 mark are jaw dropping. The solo is rather tasty as well.

02. “Freeze” opens up with fuzz driven guitars and never lets up. Yet another sweet solo and rippin’ guitar outro.

03. “Warrior” keeps up the tempo set by the previous two tracks. Diggin’ the ‘Change’ vibe here within. Anthemic lyrics and vocal performance that should be rather fun to participate in live.

04. “Pray For Me” brings the tempo down for an interesting tune both vocally and musically. The lyrics are rather intriguing.

05. “Who I Am” oozes with sensuality and longing across all aspects. Songs in this vein have always been my favorite of his catalog.

06. “Last Laugh” has a funky ‘Slow’ mixed with ‘Wave Of Emotion’ Prince feel. The choruses soar vocally. The Spanish vibe of the breakdown into the rippin’ solo push this into favorite territory.

07. “Taking On The Pain” is a soulful mid tempo tune. Another example of Richie’s excellent since of rhythm and groove. Pay attention to his work behind the kit and on the shakers. Stellar solo as well.

08. “Feather Weights” is the first of two instrumentals on disc two. Fans of his ‘Electric Joy’ and ‘Inner Galactic Fusion Experience’ albums will digg this cut. I’m usually not a fan of instrumentals as most tend to be self-indulgent wankfests. Richie’s the exception. I can easily envision his instrumentals with vocals.

09. “Going Back” takes me back to some of my favorite ballads of his, ‘A Woman & A Man,’ ‘Remember,’ ‘Chase It’ and ‘Catch Up To Me.’ Introspective and emotive, this hit me in my core. Bravo Richie, Bravo!!!

10. “Happy Here” is a funky toe tapper. Elements of “shred,” fuzz and flemenco make the solo shine. The abrupt ending of the tune had me worried something went wrong in the mastering process. Good one, Richie!

11. “Second Page” is another ballad dripping with soul. The guitars and layered vocal harmonies are lush.

12. “Circus Song” is the second of two instrumentals on disc two. Again, fans of ‘Electric Joy’ and ‘Inner Galactic Fusion Experience’ albums will digg this cut.

13. “Trophy” has a really sweet chorusing/wah effect on the intro. Mmm, the guitar tone throughout this song and especially in the smokin’ hot solo harkens back to a blend of ‘Remember,’ ‘Slow’ and ‘Wave Of Emotion.’

14. “So Fast” is almost a spoken word with Richie exploring a deeper and gravely register of his voice for the first few minutes before segueing into more familiar vocal terrain. The spoken word portion feels like LeBron & Kent’s demonic lovechild took over for the first two minutes of the tune! I LOVE IT!

15. “Deluxe” is so sultry. The chimes are a nice touch. Chicks and romantics will love this track. Short, sweet and to the point!

16. “Lay It On” has a Vintage Vibe feel. I really digg Richie’s keys driven tunes and this does not not disappoint. It is a great compliment to his soulful voice.

17. “I Am The Clown” is mournfully introspective from a lyrical aspect laid atop a sonic landscape that leaves the listener feeling the pain he expresses within.

– DISC THREE –

01. “Play The Field” kicks off disc three with some nasty riffage. A funk rocker that will have you groovin’! I’ll be honest.. fellas, it was sounding great. But.. I could’ve used a little more cowbell!!!

02. “Wide Open” is truth in advertising vocally. Richie is putting a little extra stank on the drums. The ‘Slow’ scratchy guitar effect is a cool touch.

03. “Dark Places” explodes right out of the gate. Richie utilizes the deeper registers of his vocal range throughout the song which ties into its theme lyrically. Fans of his shredding, wait until you hear the solo.

04. “Miss My Girl” has a southern bluesy feel in the guitars while Richie is wailing vocally.

05. “My Circles” has a definite EVH influence to the guitar tone. The song hit me right in the feelers. The last four years has been an ongoing battle due to health issues and financial issues. I’ve watched friends drop out of my life like flies however, I persevere and wish them well. This song conveys my feelings that at times I can’t express! Thank you, Richie!

06. “Edge Of The Earth” brings things down a notch. Some of Richie’s finest acoustic fretwork is within this composition. The lyrical theme of unity and love will bring the listener a sense of hope.

07. “Mountains” is a gorgeous piece of orchestration. From the strings, crisp drum sounds, intricate guitars, keys and other sonic textures, you’ll find yourself getting lost in your groove or pulling your significant other close.

08. “Decree” flat out thumps between the bass and drums. It’s an uptempo funk flavored with Richie’s soulful voice. He goes off in the solo.

09. “Same Old Town” is a tune that everyone should be able to relate to. The lyrics speak to the situations you deal with where you live. Lots of guitar in this ditty.

10. “She’s The Man” starts with over one minute of guitar. His tone on this song is tasty. I feel that the song would be better off as an instrumental as the lyrics are sparse.

11. “Brother Brother” is straight groove. A nice R&B infused song. The lyrics paint a very clear picture, they are a side that Richie rarely explores.

12. “July 14th” is the only instrumental on disc three and his bass playing is the star of this track but fear not, there’s some sweet licks in it. Again, fans of ‘Electric Joy’ and ‘Inner Galactic Fusion Experience’ albums will digg this cut.

13. “Confession” finds Richie pouring his soul out for all to hear. Moody and heartfelt. The solo is AMAZING!

14. “Hide From Me” feels like a companion piece to the previous track. Ohhhh, I hear some funky Wurly here and I want more.

15. “Let It Slide” is just so smooth vocally. The trippy Vintage Vibe tone in the breakdown is yet another reason I’d love to hear an entire album from Richie where his playing of the ivories is the focal point.

16. “Breaking Off” busts out some stellar vocal harmonies in the choruses. It’s a choir of Richie in the breakdown, keys solo section.

Lyrically, this struck a HUGE nerve with me. I wish I had the conviction to do what Richie is singing about here. I’ve had two long term relationships where it was very unhealthy yet I put up with it instead of “breaking off!” Thankfully, those ladies put me out of my misery and because of their fortitude, we remain on friendly terms.

If I find myself in another situation like that, I will not go back inside what is in her head. I lost back when, I have learned, I don’t lose again!

17. “This House” has an eldritch organ throughout this gorgeous haunting song. This one gave me goosebumps!!!

I would have been over the moon with a “vault dump” but ’50 For 50′ is not that, it is a cohesive collection of 50 songs spanning three discs. Each disc could have been released seperately over the span of a few years and it’d make perfect sense.

Instead, Richie has unleashed 50 brand new songs in one shot in honor of his 50th birthday. While this undertaking is a celebration of his 50 years as a creative force, I feel his fans are the ones receiving the real gift!

In conclusion, the three discs explore the funkier R&B side of Richie without disappointing those who enjoy those who prefer his masterful fretwork and vocals. His skills on the keys, bass, drums and as a mixer are grossly underappreciated, IMO! ’50 For 50′ is a tasty blend of tones, tempos and feels while his vocals & fretwork are instantly recognizable.

Having been a fan of Richie’s for 30 years, it has been an awesome voyage watching his maturity and growth as a songwriter, singer and musician. His material is vastly different from album to album yet you always know it is Richie Kotzen. I hope I am blessed to stay on his artistic voyage until he decides to ride off into the sunset.

My life has been so much richer due to the gift he has shared with us all!!!

Special thanks to Amanda at ABC Public Relations, Moon for his photo formatting skills and patience, Jay at The Hook Rocks Podcast for the hours of Richie Kotzen conversations and friendship, Michelle for her friendship and proof reading skills & Aungoli, for coming back into my life after 25 years;I can’t believe you answered that creeps IM! You have persevered through so much yet remain the badass I met in 1994!!!

Thank you for inviting us to your party and Happy 50th Birthday, Richie!!!

Tags: 50 For 50, ABC Public Relations, Amanda Cagan, Arthur's Museum, Forty Deuce, full-image, Greg Howe, Headroom-Inc, Mr. Big, poison, Richie Kotzen, Shrapnel Records, The Winery Dogs, Vertú

Category: Reviews