Customer Reviews

World Anthem

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Montreal-born guitar meistro and singer Frank Marino never had it easy. The critics hated him then and hate him now, some goofy urban myths (the best being he took up the guitar after believing he was the reincarnation of Hendrix) spoiled his chances at being taken seriously, his recordings rarely sold well, and his label mishandled him.

That said, World Anthem stands out as a testament to his songwriting, vocals, and extraordinary guitar playing. There are short, snappy numbers, longer drawn-out epics like Requiem For A Sinner (check out his synthesizer work, even now it doesn't sound dated) and an amazing jazz ballad called Look At Me. Sure, the title track seems ridiculously pretentious and naive, but it's still a fine instrumental composition. In fact, never before or since has Marino created an album with such a mature variety of material. Everybody from jazz freaks to metalheads can find something to love on World Anthem.

This is one of the most awesome albums out there in "guitar" rock. As another fan said, it puts to shame not only the "one-chord" wonders of heavy rock, but all the idiotic pseudo-romantic bands of the late 70's and 80's although for whatever reasons, Marino never got the airplay that he so rightfully deserves. It's a shame to our media that they still refuse to play mahogany's incredible songs, yet they still insist on playing the Beatles all the time... PLEASE STOP!

And why is Frank Marino's label so reluctant and resistant in releasing the supernatural "What's Next?" album? For God's sake people, that IS one of rock's MOST EPIC albums EVER! PERIOD! If it ever gets released (which I really want to hope) just listen to "Something's coming our way" and if your eardrums are still intact and you have not been uplifted up to the heavens after the totally out-of-this-world guitar solo at the end of the song, I may be willing to jump off the cliffs of the Grand Canyon! Please, RELEASE this album on CD. It's a complete shame to have it get lost forever...

I've been a Frank Marino fan since 1975, and I recently listened through this "album" again. I first heard this work on vinyl, and have enjoyed my cassette until it's almost unplayable. This work really shows F.M.'s musical range, and is a punctuation point in his struggle with a record label that didn't know what to do with him. Highlights include Requiem..., In My Ways, Look At Me (perfect smooth jazz), and Try For Freedom. As a teenager eagrely lapping up every note, this seemed longer back then, but could easily go to market TODAY and compete with the current "heroes" like Vai, Satriani, Johnson, Morse, and Petrucci. I'm still turning people "on" to this amazing guitarist, and will continue to do so until all my aquaintances know his music.

I bought this album for one song: "Requiem For A Sinner". Many moons ago when I graduated high school back in 1977 I had started to listen to Hendrix almost religiously and felt no one could touch him. At this time Ozzy left Sabbath, Blackmore left Deep Purple, and within a couple of years Bonham died. This meant the end of Led Zeppelin,Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. I began to listen to Hendrix, Cream and the Doors rather than the "new wave" of "formula" metal bands from the late 70's and the early 1980's.
I remember my brother's 8 track of FM & MR Live with that rendition of "Purple Haze" as the encore. Suddenly, Jimi had company. I was tempted to go out and buy every FM album I could find but my funds were limited so I bought and 8 track of "Tales of The Unexpected" but was mildly disappointed by too many slow songs and covers. My brother who was gainfully employed at the time I wasn't apparently did buy all the FM albums he could find. I heard the "World Anthem" and was hooked from start to finish. I have hear many criticisms over the years of FM but mainly My own is that he sould do more originals and less covers (except for Hendrix). It was always the originals that were better.
Again, most classic rock tunes are heavily identified with the original in some personal way that is hard to equal, let alone top. An exception to this rule is Heart performing Led Zeppelin. The Wilson Sisters perform Zeppelin with such zest and enthusiasm as to make their versions hold up as worthwhile classics in their own right and also because it's an open honest tribute to their influences. Same with Frank covering Jimi.
Anyway, WA is all Frank playing originals and not just covering others. The songs are great and done uniquely his own way, going beyond the influence. It does take a little getting used to that FM just wants to play guitar and isn't out to sell you soul to Satan, or corrupt the morals of teenagers, or commit lewd acts onstage. This is pure guitar and nothing but the guitar.
Now I realize that my last sentence in the previous paragraph isn't very original or colorful ot anything like that and what I'm driving at is that there is when a guitarist reaches a certain level in his playing it may strike some as bland or lacking personality. If you want punk rock, trendiness, bands that wear make up then go elsewhere but there is nothing you can say because the honset truth is that this is a guitarist's guitarist. It's more easily appreciated by guitarists than by non-guitarists. Guitarists will be able to see what puts FM above the rest. It's basically that it's difficult to imagine FM coming across any music that would be difficult for him to play, whereas other lesser guitar players admit their limits and try to work around them Frank doesn't have nay limits. Frank belongs with Steve Vai and Uli Jon Roth as true virtuosos. Take my word this is great, but it won't sound trendy.

Frank Marino is one of the greatest artist alive this recording speaks for itself,and is one of if not the best out there,I am a loyal fan from years past and if you like marino by this album.

one excellent guitar man, when i saw him at the cotillion he didnt bother talking except for maybe song title.....one long super musical guitar dream it was, anyway this album world anthem is the best of
7 albums i have owned, with juggernaut being second and power of rock n roll being third, great!

This is Frank Marino at his peak, the playing is like liquid fire with speedy playing and intense songwriting. It's almost as good as Mahogany rush 4!
For me this was the music that defined this artist. Of course he made great songs later on but they were never as potent as this incredible period of his career. Unfortunately when I saw this artist live he played almost none of his classic 1970's stuff. And that was in 1986! This is a mistake , and he should include more of it and also play his newer tunes. Anyways this album is available on a import disc with another marino album on it too. That way you can get this classic metal masterpiece along with another recording for the same price you'll pay for a used copy. There isn't a bad song on this disc and if you enjoy speed guitar playing and some experimentalism along with a that built upon hendrix sound now mutated into franks own creation then this disc is for you.

An excellent album from the first to the last track. Aside from the great rockers for which Marino is so well known, check out "Look at Me" and "Lady" for insight into Marino's abilities on fronts way beyond the rock realm. The jazz runs are superb on these tracks. This is a must have, not only for Marino fans, but also for serious guitar players and listeners.

A album to be reckon with never before have i heard such music that just blew me away when i first heard this album from the first track to the last are song to treasure.

Started by "Requiem for a sinner", a strange melodic peace of rock, Frank leads us through a kaleidoscope of modern rock, timeless, steamy...and without any dull moment. Rockers, Hymns, Jazz-touched ballads...you will not miss anything If you ever like to collect 70's rock records, this CD is a "must" for every guitar junkie.

Frank Marino's best record ever made!