Richie Sambora - Undiscovered Soul (1998)

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Richie Sambora - Undiscovered Soul (1998)

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On this, his second solo album, Richie Sambora attempts to step out of the shadow of his vocalist/movie star co-writer. He does a fine job of it, as his singing and guitar playing have definitely evolved from his earlier work. UNDISCOVERED SOUL is a very personal, heartfelt album full of emotion and passion. The album consists of mostly mid-tempo, acoustic-based songs, going more for feel than flash. In other words, Bon Jovi fans shouldn't expect any lighning-fingered, '80s heavy metal solos here. Improving upon his blues-based debut release, Sambora combines the aforementioned mid-tempo tunes with soulful ballads. He has lined up a stellar band to get the job done, including Kenny Aronoff (arguably the finest technical drummer in rock), Don Was (who also produces), Billy Preston and Chuck Leavell. All in all, an excellent sophomore effort from a guitarist who deserves his time to shine.

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Richie Sambora - Undiscovered Soul (1998)

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Made In America: An auto-biographical mid-tempo filled with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, with some symmetrical keyboards thrown in, this song leans towards the "classic rock" style of a song. The lyrics paint a picture of "growing pains" and having the dream of music in your young mind: "Made in America, nineteen-fifty nine, born down by the factory, cross the Jersey City line. Raised on the radio, just a jukebox kid – I was alright."

Hard Times Come Easy: Up-tempo and catchy, this song is the first single and the most pop-oriented (as in, Top 40 music) on the disc. With a harmonious chorus full of hooks and a beat that causes you to tap your foot whether you want to or not, this one is about the ups and downs of life: "It's amazing, we go through changes, when times get crazy; it's up and down it's hot and cold. These complications just keep on coming, there ain't no running; when it comes to life that's how it goes. Round and round we go, sometimes it feels like we're on a roller-coaster ride. Baby, don't you know, it could eat you up if you try to keep it all inside."

Fallen From Graceland: Co-written with Bon Jovi bandmate, David Bryan, as well as Richie Supa, this song is a real stand-out. The beat is easy and searching, the guitars bewitching and hypnotizing. This song swings like a lullaby as Richie croons softly through your speakers, hitting you somewhere in your soul. The lyrics are beautiful and deep, touching the soul of even the most cold-hearted: "There's a line that you cross, when you find out that you're lost. When you world is closing in, and it crawls under your skin. And the heart's always blind, when it's in this state of mind. There's a burning light in this town for every heart that's broken down tonight – here tonight. You're stranded out there in the rain and you can't see past the pain – tonight. You've fallen from Graceland."

If God Was A Woman: A total blues, good ol' rock n' roll fest of a song chock-full of both tongue and cheek, this song is another major highlight. Full of bluesy and jamming riffs, a dynamic drum beat, and all-out rhythmically smoking harmonica bits (played by none other than the Demon of Screamin', the Big-Lipped Blues Master himself – Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, yours truly and this jam-fest of a song became instant best friends. With David Bryan and Richie Supa once again assisting Mr. Sambora with the penned words, this song is about just what the title suggests – If God was a woman . . . : "If God was a woman, would you be impressed, if she showed up in high heels and a pretty red dress. Would you make a donation or would you draw the line? Would you yield to temptation or savor her wine? If God was a woman, she'd come like an angel or a devil in disguise. When she left in the morning, would you lose your religion or kiss your faith good-bye?"

All That Really Matters: Another stand-out, this is an aesthetic ballad filled with grand, lovely piano and ethereal guitars. Richie's voice is filled with unabashed passion, proving this song to be heartfelt and a possible future wedding song contender. Lyrically, it's about that one emotion we're all still obsessed with understanding: LOVE. With love comes the search for a soul mate, and with those of us lucky enough to find that person, and even for those who are still hoping to find, this song will pull at your heart-strings: "There comes a time in someone's life, when you find the things that matter. And every time we touch, the love runs deep, we realize it's ours to keep, and that's all that really matters. You'll always be my sweet addiction; in this life, my saving grace. You're all that really matters. You know it's true – ain't no me without you."

You're Not Alone: This is another favorite because of the very unique style and approach to it. With distorted vocals, soaring guitars, and a heavy-hitting beat, this song is one of the heavier on the album. Richie wrote this song around the time his daughter was born. The subject matter is about unconditional love and support: "You can be a million miles away; I will always love you. You can be a thousand thoughts away; I'll always be thinking of you. No matter where you try to hide, you are always going to find me; right where I belong – I've been beside you all along. Like some ancient star, forever we'll remain; even if the sky should ever fall from grace. If I die or fade away, in the end you'll always know – you're not alone."

In It For Love: A pretty but simple acoustic number, this is a fine song, but not a standout. On the contrary, it borders a bit on the bland side. The lyrics are written well, and the melody is nice, but it falls flat in comparison to the other tunes on the disc: "Life is a road, forever winding, where it leads us I don't know. In it together, for better or worse, searching for our pot of gold."

Chained: A tune which starts out slightly bluesy and then kicks into a more pop-oriented tune, this one is another likable song, but more so for the lyrics than the actual music. Musically, it's good but not outstanding. There are some scorching guitar solos and flavorful riffs in there, and the beat is up, but not spectacular. Lyrically, you can very well relate, which is the song's strong point: "Hey, what's this feeling; I've never been down this far before. I was scared of believing that love would never find my door. I was chained – chained to my broken dreams. I never knew who I was suppose to be; waiting for someone to come and rescue me."

Harlem Rain: Another slow, acoustic number with pretty-sounding melodies, this song has a melancholy, searching feel to it – much like Fallen From Graceland. However, while this song is pretty, it's no way half as beautiful as the aforementioned. It only scratches the surface of raw emotions, and like In It For Love, it doesn't stand out in comparison to some of the other material. It does have a charming appeal to it, however, and is far from being a "bad" song. The subject matter is about tough times experienced by the common folk: "The old man down the corner is drowning in his pain. I can see the sorrow in his eyes, his tears they leave a stain.

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Richie Sambora - Undiscovered Soul (1998)

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