Orianthi already has quite the career behind her—hell, she used to play with Alice Cooper, for goodness’ sake! Not to mention performing with Michael Jackson and jamming with Steve Vai while still at school.
But to focus solely on that would neglect her solo work and the massive global hits she’s had. And yet, “Some Kind of Feeling” feels like a rebirth—a statement, even.
The 10 tracks, produced by Kevin Shirley (a gold standard in his own right), open with “Attention,” which arrives with the kind of mid-paced rock ‘n’ roll many US country bands would kill for. It’s hard not to think of modern Bon Jovi here—big hooks, big choruses. That’s the game, and this one plays it well.
But she’s far too talented to be pigeonholed. That’s why the soulful brilliance of the title track fits so naturally.
The slow blues of “What I’ve Been Looking For” is quite superb. It feels almost repetitive to mention how good her playing is—again—but it is. She even owns “Sharp Dressed Man,” and if you’re going to take on ZZ Top, you’d best come heavy.
“Ghost” shifts the tone entirely. A gentle piano, a slow build, and an almost gospel feel. “Did you ever love me?” she asks, before the guitar roars in—as if the six-string is the one thing she’s always been able to count on.
If Orianthi can rightly claim to be the Queen of modern guitar, then Joe Bonamassa is surely the King—and hearing them trade solos on “First Time Blues” is a genuine thrill.
The hope running through the album is best summed up by “Dark Days Are Gone.” Its joyful breakdown practically shouts, I’m here and I’m me.
That same energy is in the dirty, greasy groove of “Bad For Each Other.” You might just need a shower afterwards.
To a large extent, “Some Kind of Feeling” is a buffet of everything that makes rock music great.
The ballad “Call You Mine” drips with longing, while “Heaven Right Here” is so full of contentment, it’s almost inescapable.
There’s a blue-collar spirit to much of it—something that wouldn’t feel out of place in modern country, or even Springsteen at his most tender.
What it does, ultimately, is root the record in the everyday—and wherever you are in life, there’s a moment here that’ll strike a chord.
One of the most uplifting, catchy, and superbly played rock albums in a long while, “Some Kind of Feeling” is the album that finally feels worthy of Orianthi’s immense talent.
Rating: 9/10
