Even if you're not familiar with the name Tom Keifer, you're sure to recognize his distinctive growl from his days fronting the 80s band Cinderella. Keifer can still "scream his heart out" on a solid blues rocker, but he shows that he is not limited to this single dimension on his 2013 solo effort entitled, "The Way Life Goes." It's a surprisingly great record that blends his past stylings with a modernized sound and matured songwriting. "A Different Light" probably showcases this best. The deluxe edition features a new rendition of Cinderella's breakthrough hit, "Nobody's Fool," performed as a duet with powerhouse vocalist Lzzy Hale from Halestorm.
Halestorm is a hard rock band from York, Pennsylvania, formed by the brother and sister team of Lzzy (vocals) and Arejay Hale (drums). For me, it is the powerhouse vocals of Lzzy Hale that make the band worth mentioning. Lzzy delivers some of the greatest female rock vocals I've heard in recent years. I just wish the band could write better than average songs. They've yet to score a charting hit, but the band came close with "Here's To Us" in 2012. Whether you are one or want to get with one, "American Boys" is an anthem for all boys and girls. Huge meaty riffs, a catchy chorus, a homage to all things 'Merica, and striking, take-notice vocals...who could ask for more?
