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Bryan Adams is undoubtedly one of the most popular rock artistes in India. In Bangalore alone, he performed to a crowded audience thrice — in 2001, 2004 and 2006.
In his latest album, ‘Tracks of My Years’, he revisits his musical roots. He re-interprets some of the classic songs he grew up with and that inspired him when he was younger. The album is a diverse collection of time-honoured classics from the 50s, 60s and 70s, featuring a wide range of influential musical styles.
The opening track, Any Time At All, originally performed by The Beatles, is given a fine vocal touch by Adams. She Knows Me, co-written with his long-time writing partner Jim Vallance, is the only new track in the album. The pleasing song with a yesteryear feel fits in well with other songs. The Adams-Vallance partnership was responsible for many of Adams’s classic hits, including Heaven, Summer of 69 and Run To You. I Can’t Stop Loving You is a lovely rendition, first written by Don Gibson and covered by Leo Sayer, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.
Adams executes a soulful delivery in R&B style for the song Kiss and Say Goodbye, recorded originally by The Manhattans. There is a mellifluous interpretation of Lay Lady Lay by Bob Dylan. In stark contrast is Rock and Roll Music, written by Chuck Berry. Adams sticks quite close to the original. Down On The Corner by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a lively folk rock song.
Never My Love, written by The Addrisi Brothers, is a slow ballad with bluesy guitars and a wonderful swaying rhythm. Sunny by Bobby Hebb is a joyful song. Adams gives a rocky touch to the Motown classic, The Tracks of My Tears, made famous by Smokey Robinson as part of The Miracles. He deviates slightly from the original with a stripped down but beautiful version of God Only Knows by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.