Glenn Hughes has really hit a purple patch of late and this new album moves on nicely from where 'Soul Mover' left off.

Red Hot Chili Pepper's (RHCP) drummer Chad Smith is again behind the drum kit and this time is joined by RHCP guitarist John Frusciante (regular Hughes' guitar slinger JJ Marsh is still very much involved).

The main difference between this new album and the last one is the use of string arrangements and these work very well. Pick of the album? Has to be 'Monkey Man' with its falsetto chorus and big funky backline - Hughes has never sounded so good!

'Too High' and 'The Valiant Denial' both blend funk and hard rock seamlessly (and it has to said better than the RHCP on their latest album). Some nice curveballs as well with closer 'The Divine' - a very mellow, acoustic number and again Hughes is on top form vocally.

Only 'Black Light' lets the side down, whilst the bonus track of a cover of Moody Blues' 'Nights In White Satin' certainly deserves its place on the album.

Possibly Hughes' best album to date in that it has hard rock to keep his fans happy whilst allowing Hughes to revel in his love of funk and soulful vocals. Be interesting to see how he plans to top this one!

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

The Valiant Denial

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