Album Review: The Dead Daisies – Light ‘Em Up (THE DEAD DAISIES PTY LTD / SPV)

The dominant rock and roll force that is The Dead Daisies returns with ‘Light ’Em Up’, their brand-new album. Out on September 6th, 2024, via THE DEAD DAISIES PTY LTD / SPV.

Promising an anthemic rock and roll experience, nothing more and nothing less, The Dead Daisies latest record is true to the old-school spirit that the band proudly showcases. Featuring high-powered and energetic tracks that will delight the long term fanbase and, potentially, bring in even more.

It speaks volumes about the goal of The Dead Daisies with this album that most of the tracks don’t pass the four-minute mark. This album is all about anthems that get in, encourages the listener to move, and get out. Strong encouragement too, as from the very start, this album is a vigorous listen. While songs like the title track, Times Are Changing, I Wanna Be Your Bitch, and I’m Gonna Ride, may not be complicated, they deliver bundles of joyful rock and roll goodness.

As anyone knows, even if you’re not a fan, The Dead Daisies have made an extensive career already out of the rock and roll revival. Whenever it seems to be about to flatline, along they come with a new shot of adrenaline to the heart to ensure it keeps on kicking. They’re exceptionally good at it, and you’d have to be a right miserable so and so to not find at least one track here that makes you move and groove.

Chances are it’s going to be something like Back to Zero or Way Back Home, but that statement could apply to literally anything on this album. Proving to be the epitome of ‘all killer, no filler’ and staying hot right to the very end. With Take a Long Line, a track with some really groovy bass lines and My Way and the Highway, a track seemingly designed to start a big singalong.

What does every good rock and roll album need to be complete though? A ballad, of course! Happily, The Dead Daisies are more than happy to provide one with the penultimate track, Love That’ll Never Be. Before the album wraps up with the longest track of all, passing the five-minute mark, it’s Take My Soul and one last danceable rocker that has a fun, sleazy, and infectious vibe.

If you’re expecting something game-changing here, you’ve put the wrong album on. There’s nothing original here, but that’s not important. What is important is the continuation of everything The Dead Daisies do and do so well. Light ‘Em Up is a crowd-pleaser through and through.

The Dead Daisies – Light ’Em Up Track Listing:

1. Light ‘Em Up
2. Times Are Changing
3. I Wanna Be Your Bitch
4. I’m Gonna Ride
5. Back To Zero
6. Way Back Home
7. Take A Long Line
8. My Way and The Highway
9. Love That’ll Never Be
10. Take My Soul

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