Don Felder – Road to Forever
Rocket Science Records
http://www.rocketscienceventures.com

Rating: B

Don Felder, most famous for being the rocking guitar player, along with Joe Walsh, in the Eagles, is back with his first solo album in 30 years.

After a hard falling out with the Eagles and a divorce, Felder began crafting songs to describe where he was at in his life. Along the way, he picked up the pieces, took his time and when ready put it all together and called it Road to Forever.

The album mixes classic Felder/Eagles sounding tunes such as “Fall from the Grace of Love” and “Road to Forever” with more modern sounding contemporary songs like “Wash Away” and “I Believe in You.” He also shows he remembers that solo hit he had back in the 1980’s “Heavy Metal” with the tune “Girls in Black,” which rocks hard from beginning to end.

Felder’s playing is more mature and tasteful but that slide is just magic and when he rips on a solo you know it is him playing. His songwriting has also grown up as the themes on the album are very introspective. His singing is good as well, not as original as other members of the Eagles but he sounds good, even calming at times.

This is solid album written by a true musical craftsmen. Every note is placed just where it should be placed. The songs have an instant recognize-ability to them.

A note of interest is the guest stars that came to stand by Don’s side and rock out with him. They include David Crosby, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills; Steve Lukather, David Paich and Steve Porcaro of Toto; producer/bassist Randy Jackson; and Styx's Tommy Shaw.

By Jeb Wright