By: William Clark
Lita Ford is one of rock ‘n roll’s most recognized front woman of the ’80s, with vocals that sneer with romantic punk angst.
Her new 2012 release, Living Like A Runaway [SPV/Steamhammer Records], has her screaming “Vengeance”, along with a stream of pointed expletives.
Ford first stepped onto the music scene as part of the all-female band known as The Runaways, which featured a powerful lineup that included: Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Jackie Foxx, and Sandy West.
Later Lita would prove to have a very successful solo career, with her songs “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Close My Eyes Forever”, still getting radio airplay today. It’s been about three years since her last outing, Wicked Wonderland, and like a sonic boom she returns with her new studio album, which is an incredible compilation of hard rock and heavy metal that gives the listener a deeper look into “the dark side” of the Lita.
And yes, that Pink Floyd reference is there on purpose. Lita herself compared Living Like A Runaway to Floyd’s masterpiece Dark Side of the Moon, which at first seemed like an outrageous comparison, including to this listener. But, as you listen to the album, you can actually hear the similarities.
Living Like A Runaway takes the listener on a journey through Lita’s eyes, as she endures the emotions and battles that went along with her recent “ugly divorce” from Nitro singer, Jim Gillette.
If you take a step back from the powerful storyline, the music itself is classic Lita Ford, and that’s what really brings Living Like A Runaway over the top. The album itself is a raging roller coaster; within the first few seconds, you’re shot off at lightning speeds with her fast paced hard and heavy rock guitar, and at times you’ll drift back to a comfortable, foot-tapping classic rock speed, only to be glad you have your seatbelt on when the ride blasts off again.
Overall, Living Like A Runaway proves to be a fantastic return for Lita Ford’s fans. Between her flawless vocal performance, stunning guitar playing, and captivating songwriting, Lita once again proves why she is one of rock ‘n roll’s leading vocalists.
The entire album is terrific, and it’ll have you singing along with the choruses by the second listen. The stand-out tracks include: “Living Like A Runaway”, “Relentless” and “Hate”. Overall, the album has plenty of fuel to make it a worthy new edition to your rock collection.
