Title - 'Influence' [Amoeba Music]
Artist - Michael Chiklis
Actor Michael Chiklis has broken free from the big and small screen world he so successfully inhabits and brought forth his first solo album, Influence. Written and produced by Michael at his own Extravaganza Music Studio, Influence is an amalgam of some of his most loved musical inspirations throughout his life.
The 11 track Influence features the likes of Steve Lukather, Andres Forero, Scott Healy, Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg, Jerry Vivino and more. Not what many would have expected from the brutish character actor, sure, but overall Influence is a highly impressive and powerful debut rock and roll album that should impress everyone who hears it.
1. 'THE SHOW'
2. 'FAME'
3. 'IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES'
4. 'RUN TO YOU'
5. 'MY GUN'
6. 'GAME TIME'
7. 'DIME LA VERDAD'
8. 'LITTLE BITT’A FUNK'
9. 'NOW AND FOREVER'
10. 'COME AND PLAY'
11. 'ANGEL OF MINE'
"The first song recorded for this album two years ago, 'The Show' is a direct descendant of my greatest musical influences, the British rockers," Chiklis explains. "Queen, Peter Gabriel, The Police, Led Zeppelin, Bowie… they’re all in there. That’s the reason I called this record Influence, because every painting you have ever seen, every song you’ve ever heard, every work of art in every medium imaginable is influenced by someone who came before you."
Influence is built around the songs, their vibes from the late 80's, early 90's and so for all fans of that era of rock music, well, this album is just perfect for you. I mean, even his cover of Bowie's 'Fame' is simply majestic. I didn't have high hopes going in, but the way Chiklis masters it, makes it his own is stunning. Bluegrass such as 'In Front Of Your Eyes', the countrified 'Run To You' are two more stand out highlights here, not to mention the atmospheric 'My Gun', the Latin sway of 'Dime La Verdad, and the Paul Simonesque 'Come And Play'.
"There's been a number of actors, let's face it, who have put out records that aren't very good," Chiklis adds, arguing that his recipe works better. "At the end of the day, listen to the music. If you don't like it, OK, it's subjective. But don't dismiss it out of hand. You need to listen to it." Amen, brother. Amen.
www.MichaelChiklis.com