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James LaBrie, known internationally as the vocalist for progressive metal icons Dream Theater, embarks on uncharted waters with his fourth solo album, titled 'Beautiful Shade of Grey'. The new endeavor sees him traverse personal maturation, loss, a myriad of complex relationships, and most importantly - LaBrie's burning passion for music. On paper, the latest studio offering from the Canadian singer first took shape shortly after the global pandemic began to emerge. But in reality, LaBrie formed a bond with his fellow collaborator, bassist Paul Logue, nearly a decade earlier. On 'Beautiful Shade of Grey', the end goal isn't creating something that meets a certain genre characterization, but rather being informed by decades of finding beautiful expression across a wide swath of musical artists, and knowing that veering away from familiar habits is a part of creative growth.
Product details
Language
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English
Product Dimensions
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12 x 12.2 x 0.2 inches; 8.8 ounces
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There are already many reviews of this cd. Extremes range from great to "every song sucks." It depends of course, on what we like... For me, this is the best solo release from JL. His other releases are just way "too hard" for me to listen to. So what I did was just buy the more "listenable" songs like, Say You'll be Mine, Let Go, Wildest Dreams, Lost, Smashed, and so forth. Now, keep in mind I'm a huge DT fan. I wonder if reviewers who dislike this cd also dislike the Dream Theater cd, The Astonishing. So, my extreme is this: Every song is great! Especially if you enjoy acoustic guitar in rock format. The electric guitar here is not dominant. The vocals are top notch (nope, no screaming). Plenty of rock here, like Hit Me Like A Brick and more... Again, a lot of rock acoustic guitar and beautiful acoustic solos. As for the reviewer who stated the Ramble On cover sucks, I can only shrug. It's outstanding. Well, listen for yourself and hopefully enjoy. Hope this change in his solo cds remains and does not revert back to as I've said his almost "unlistenable" prior efforts.
Really interesting to see LaBrie move away from the metal formula on this release and go for a more laid-back melodic rock style. And the collaboration with Paul Logue (Eden’s Curse) is refreshing as well. Add the family contributions on drums from Chance LaBrie and the lead singer from the venerable Dream Theater has re-defined his solo style, and in doing so showcased the more melodic and somewhat pop accessibilities of his voice.
Fans of the Guillory/Sfogi super prog combo so prominent on previous solo releases might be left feeling a bit abandoned on this release, but I think the change-up is both respectable and enjoyable. Christian Pulkkinen handles the keyboards this time with focus on melody. And instead of shred, Sfogli’s guitars sing melody and passion.
The 20-page booklet in triple gatefold digi is a thing of beauty – in full color. Production and sound mix is sublime – what you would expect from a tenured musician and company.
Despite the mellower changes in style on Beautiful Shade of Grey, the one thing I love about LaBrie’s solo releases – the way they showcase his amazing vocal talents (often dwarfed by the instrumental machine of Dream Theater) – remain intact. I have long realized that Dream Theater – as much as I love their music – don’t fully realize the LaBrie voice in the way the singer’s own solo releases have done so for the past decade or so.
I bought this CD on Friday & I am shocked how fast it came in the mail today I just finished listening to it actually a very good album the last one was okay its heavy at some songs no screaming like the last album I cant believe it's been 9 years since the last album came out I actually am enjoying it I would definitely listen to it again & I am glad it's in my CD collection & he still has a amazing voice for his age the band that is backing him up is awesome & It will definitely be apart of the 24th edition of Mike's metal awards countdown 2022 Mike's metal awards countdown & I will be learning it tomorrow at my guitar lessons that usually never happens but I will start off the new album from new & older bands with this album cant wait to learn it tomorrow at my guitar lesson & it made my day getting it go buy it now you wont regret it & I hope his solo band does a tour I would love to see it ☺🙂🙃😊😀😍😎🤗😉😛😜😝😁
I love James Labrie but this album really let me down. I know he was looking to do a melodic more softer album and this is it. I am disappointed that it did not have the punch as his last couple albums have.
I'm a bit confused here, and sort of regretting not waiting until this eventually dropped in price. This was $35 for a single LP, in a regular jacket (though the sticker on the album very clearly says Gatefold), and a CD which I could have done without. A new record these days costs $24-26, there was nothing here worth $35. The album is great and I'm glad to have it, but there's not an extra $10 here
At first listen I liked one song. After several more listens I’ve decided that’s the only one I like. His version of led Zepplin’s “Ramble On” is OK, but not impressive. Nothing in this album is impressive or showcases his talent and abilities, or showcases those of his band. If this is any indication of where his future works will sound like then this will be the last purchase I’ll make of his solo work.
I'm a huge Dream Theater fan. I try to support all their solo projects. I'm so disappointed with this album. Every song sucks. I had to skip through every song to the end and then tossed it out my window. It's that bad. I would never listen to it again. I hate to say it but, James could finally be done as a singer. So sad 😞
Although short, I'm happy with this album. No more growling background vocals. Short in the fact that it has a cover track [Ramble On] in addition to another version of Devil in Drag. I did not want to hear a Dream Theater sounding album. I wanted something different and this is it.
J'ai déjà plusieurs album de James labrie et celui ci ne m'a pas plus. Musicalement, il est très calme voir même plan plan. Pas une partie instrumentale ne m'est restée en tête. James labrie est un grand artiste avec une très belle voix mais elle ne suffit pas à elle seule à faire un album efficace. Il vaut mieux l'écouter avant de l'acheter.
I was disappointed by this release, especially compared to his first 3 "solo" outings... I really like LaBrie's voice and how he makes great multi-part vocals in DT's studio albums, but on this disc, the arrangements are fairly flat; I know he advances in age but he still has it. On this release, he plays it safe and the melodies don't have the dynamics to often showcase his talent. It's not a bad record (only 48 minutes), and the musicianship is adequate. I think only the first track, "Devil in Drag", stands out above the rest. Otherwise, his distinctive voice is blended in somewhat plain but fairly diverse writing.
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