No Sophomore Slump Here!

Many bands suffer from a sophomore slump, a brilliant debut and a second album that just doesn't measure up. Of course there are always exceptions, Led Zeppelin, for example. Black Country Communion, also falls into the latter category. BCC is comprised of Glenn Hughes, legendary English bassist and singer, as well as American guitarist Joe Bonamassa, American keyboardist Derek Sherinian (formerly of Dream Theater, and founder of Planet X)and Jason Bonham (son of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham). I think this album (simply entitled 2) succeeds for a few reasons, first, the band has had a chance to gel and get to know each other as musicians and therefore 2 flows much better than Black Country and 2 (yes, pun intended) Glenn Hughes has toned down his vocals, he doesn't scream as much, which makes for a much more accessible album. The album opens like gangbusters with two big rockers The Outsider &  Man In The Middle, featuring the great guitar work from Joe Bonamassa and keyboardist Derek Sherinan. When the keyboards kick in, it is very reminiscent of Deep Purple, which makes sense, considering Glenn Hughes was in Deep Purple. Bonamassa is known as more of a blues guitarist and he gets to strut his blues stuff on the track Little Secret. 2 is very Zeppelin-esque in spots, especially on the aforementioned Little Secret (Since I've Been Loving You) and maybe my favorite song I Can See Your Spirit (a sped up Misty Mountain Hop guitar riff). 

2 is best described as a combination of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Whitesnake, an album of blues tinged rockers. If Black Country Communion continues on this path of a less 'aggressive' Glenn Hughes and more of a blues/rock, yet still contemporary sound, I think they will be ok. :D