SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JIM PETERIK & WORLD STAGE – RIVER OF MUSIC: THE POWER OF DUETS VOLUME ONE

JIM PETERIK & WORLD STAGE
RIVER OF MUSIC: THE POWER OF DUETS VOLUME ONE
FRONTIERS MUSIC

Jim Peterik is a legend in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. Beginning in 1964 with the classic band Ides of March, to the 1980s Survivor, through to 38 Special, he has been part of some of the biggest bands of the last 60 years. Although Peterik’s music has always had a hard rock edge to it, he has always made sure that a strong melody was part of the song. That can easily be said for the 10 songs on his latest album, Rivers of Music: The Power of Duets Volume One. It is very melodic hard rock, not heavy metal. Rivers of Music: The Power of Duets Volume One consists of duets with classic rock and newer artists. This is not the first time Peterik has done this, he has released a number of albums with World Stage, which allows him to share the stage with friends, family and artists he admires.

Rivers of Music: The Power of Duets Volume One kicks off with the powerful, and emotionally charged title track, “River of Music,” which he sings with his son, Colin Peterik. Colin is an established artist in his own right, but here he has the chance to sing with his father. The two musicians complement each other and sound great. It is a wonderful way to kick off the album. The pair sing two other songs on the album, with the strongest being the closing track, “Everything You Need.” It is a beautiful power ballad, again, with the two voices coming together to express the importance of love. An age-old message, but extremely necessary to repeat, especially today.

REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin joins Peterik for “Between Two Fires.” Cronin’s distinct voice comes across strongly with Peterik with another rock ballad. The song works because they sound so great together. Again, it is a song about the power of love. It is a lovely message. Elsewhere, relative-newcomer Kaity Heart joins the party for a couple of songs, with the best being the wonderfully titled “I’m A Survivor.” Other guests include Jefferson Starship’s Cathy Richardson, adding her voice to the pop-rock song “Double Rainbow.”

Rivers of Music: The Power of Duets Volume One is an ambitious and good album. The songs are, for the most part, strong, but there is a sense of wishing someone would throw a curve ball in the proceedings. But having said that, Rivers of Music: The Power of Duets Volume One is a well-produced and well-performed album. Peterik and his guests have produced a very positive album with the overarching theme being the power of togetherness and love. It is a beautiful message that is very embracing and inclusive. Rivers of Music: The Power of Duets Volume One is an album that fans of Peterik and his guests will enjoy.

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