Customer Reviews

Naked Thunder

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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This release could be a tad MOR for some folks. There is none of that crunchy Gillan-band stuff. The instrumentation is pretty slick and it all seems geared for FM radio. That said, closer examination (and repeated listenings) offers up a world of pleasures. This is some sophisticated rock n roll. "Talking to You" could be the happiest sounding song about one's despair at seeing a friend die. "Loving on Borrowed Time" has some real pathos. Sure, it's the same old leaving a groupie behind song, but it sure is tasty. Ian really belts it out on this one and makes a convincing case for his infidelities! "No More Cane on the Brazos" is arguably Ian's best solo performance. The CD is worth this song alone. I have never heard him sing so "deep". All in all, "Naked Thunder" deserves several listenings and attention to lyrics. He may lay off the screams a bit, but not a problem at all. Very deep, indeed.

Naked Thunder is the best album of Ian Gillan and for me, it's the best british solo-album ever.
Vocal: Naked Thunder shows Ian Gillan's great voice in his best. amazing baritone on "No more cane on brazos"

what about songs:
Gut Reaction - if this song had been included in DP's Machine Head album, Gut Reaction would be even more popular song than Smoke On The Water. Gut Reaction is just Gillan's classic, dynamic and energetic too much.

Talking To You - funky/bluesy song, with nice encore

Nothing But The Best - the title tells about song itself

Loving On Borrowed Time - the best ballad of Ian, voice in the begining a bit similiar to Bryan Adams's voice. but on the encore Gillan screams like no other. he's voice is too emotional here... it rules.

Moonshine - when I listened this song at first, I really thought Ian Gillan is the king of music speed. great rocking song.

Love Gun - one of the most dynamic songs of all time, 10 times better than Fireball.

No More Cane On Brazos - and of course, album ends geniously. IAN GILLAN HAS NEVER SOUNDED AS GREAT AS HERE. better than any DP and any IG songs. traditional folk song with North American Indian elements. song begins with heavy gong, then Gillan plays Harmonica and then you hear the voice of IG and the song ends with orchestral arrangements. this song really proves that IAN GILLAN IS THE BEST VOCALIST, HARMONICA/CONGAS PLAYER, MUSICIAN AND SONGWRITER OF ALL TIME, IN WORLD'S ROCK MUSIC!!!

Naked Thunder is a MUST HAVE album for ANY music lovers, of any genre!

Naked Thunder is the best album of Ian Gillan and for me, it's the best british solo-album ever.
Vocal: Naked Thunder shows Ian Gillan's great voice in his best. amazing baritone on "No more cane on brazos"

what about songs:
Gut Reaction - if this song had been included in DP's Machine Head album, Gut Reaction would be even more popular song than Smoke On The Water. Gut Reaction is just Gillan's classic, dynamic and energetic too much.

Talking To You - funky/bluesy song, with nice encore

Nothing But The Best - the title tells about song itself

Loving On Borrowed Time - the best ballad of Ian, voice in the begining a bit similiar to Bryan Adams's voice. but on the encore Gillan screams like no other. he's voice is too emotional here... it rules.

Moonshine - when I listened this song at first, I really thought Ian Gillan is the king of music speed. great rocking song.

Love Gun - one of the most dynamic songs of all time, 10 times better than Fireball.

No More Cane On Brazos - and of course, album ends geniously. IAN GILLAN HAS NEVER SOUNDED AS GREAT AS HERE. better than any DP and any IG songs. traditional folk song with North American Indian elements. song begins with heavy gong, then Gillan plays Harmonica and then you hear the voice of IG and the song ends with orchestral arrangements. this song really proves that IAN GILLAN IS THE BEST VOCALIST, HARMONICA/CONGAS PLAYER, MUSICIAN AND SONGWRITER OF ALL TIME, IN WORLD'S ROCK MUSIC!!!

Naked Thunder is a MUST HAVE album for ANY music lovers, of any genre!

This is one of Gillan's finest jobs, albeit a not commercial succesful one. His band is tight, the songs flow free and enjoyable, it's great music, great rock.

Ian GIllan is the rock singer ! HE already evoluted as a composer, and this CD, released in 1990, show this. Although not very sucessful commercially, it made a point: GIllan knows how to write different stuff, together with guitarrist Steve Morris. Great songs, some complex arrangments (with musicians like SImon Philips, this is no problem!) Great.

No two albums recorded by Ian GIllan are alike: he swings from funky jazz (listen to Scarabus,Accidentally on purpose) to heavy pitches (any work with Deep Purple, also Mr.Universe, Toolbox). This album represents a more mellow side of Gillan.

The story is that in 1989 after long and unpleasant issues with his bandmates of Deep Purple, Gillan calls it quits and gets back to his solo career. Uniting with a guitarist Steve Morse (don't confuse with Steve Morris, who later joined Deep Purple), Gillan delivers another masterpiece. This time it's not as heavy as his records in 80's... But I guess this is why fans adore him much.

Naked Thunder is not a conceptual album. You won't hear his easily recognizable high-pitched screams. But if you like nice tunes, then you'll definitely enjoy Naked Thunder.

Gut Reaction, the starting track, which became the opening song on his live concerts in 90's. Very powerful rhythm. Talking to you is more funky and reminds more of his works on "Scarabus" and "Clear air turbulence". No Good Luck - the biggest hit single of the album that instantly climbed the charts. Very catchy melody. Nothing but the best - perfect song to dance to. Loving on borrowed times - a sweet and mellow love song. SWeet Lolita and Nothing to Lose - pure funk rock Moonshine - wowwww!!!! Not exactly sure what it is, but probably the most unusual and interesting track. Maybe retro? Long and lonely ride - excellent song, again very catchy. Tune you'd hum in your head long after. Love Gun - finally a heavy track! Not exactly as heavy as he could get, but definitely the heaviest on the record. He's back to be the screaming machine as we know him And, No More Cane on the brazos - a negro slave song with Gillan's trademark harmonica sounds.

One interesting fact about No More Cane on the brazoz is that during his concert performance in Armenia in May 1990, Gillan used the Armenian folklore music (duduk) instead of his good old harmonic. Imagine: african american song with armenian duduk... Sounded more than amazing!

My advice to the new listeners is not to judge about Gillan's music based upon one or two albums. His style is totally different in every record he produced so far.