The Pilgrim’s Progress

I read the classic work by John Bunyan a decade ago when a wise friend would often praise it. I read the allegory and was marveled by the work as well.

This album is nothing like John Bunyan’s classic tale of a believers journey through life. Or is it?

I usually don’t write about albums, but there are a couple of reasons I’m venturing off into the unknown for this post.

Johnny Grenade’s work needs to be heardAnd in recent years I have come to know Johnny

Johnny’s musical influence of the Beatles and the Seattle rock bands of the 1990s are highlighted through the album.

The album begins with an in your face intro of “Engage.” As I listened I was taken to a place of 1980s Rock with a David Bowie sound and the harmonies of Queen.

“The Way it Is,” has a Beck feel where the sounds of 90s grunge shine with hope.

“Fluorescent” actually shines with the 60s vibe as Johnny beckons us to “Lean in on a light greater than mine.” And the melody would cause anyone to sway to the beat.

“Through the End of Me,” brings the listener back to the 90s rock bands with a catchy hook that echos through the song. It is a part of the song that causes it to be remembered.

“For You to See,” starts off with a catchy pop styled tune that feels like an upbeat Rufus Wainwright’s “Across the Universe.” The melody of “For You to See” will cause you to hit replay for a time or two.

“Out of My Mind” takes us back in time with an ode to the Beatles styling of the 1960s with it’s acoustic guitars and percussion beats. And then a feeling of jazz glides in effortlessly with the woodwind sounds. Brilliant is all I can say.

“A Worthwhile Cause to be Knackered,” flows through the decades back to the 90s very reminiscent of Weezer.

If you think you are getting a feel of the album, “Hey Mr. Law,” catches the listener off guard. And it is a good change. The heavy guitars and drums are outshined by a classical organ, strings, choir and even a trumpet solo as his vocals harmonize effortlessly. As I closed my eyes to this song, I was taken to a different world and that is what a good song does. Takes you places.

“Art” comes back with the Beatles vocal mashup of 90s grunge band rock mastery.

“Relief,” brings a little reprieve of the harder rock with a mellower side of Johnny with this beautiful track where the lyrics are lime lighted against a softer sound. It is almost hypnotic with the loops in the background.

“Dream Dreams,” starts out in a dreamy state of record scratches and faded music until it is ready to pounce. And pounce it does.

“Through the End of Time,” is the conclusion of this album. As I listened it brought a nice close to this journey I was on as though I was the pilgrim on the journey. Johnny’s vocal shined against the lighter acoustic rock vibes with the stunning strings accompaniment. Some last songs on albums just end abruptly, but this last song ended the progression of the album almost poetically.

If you are looking for an album that has sounds from the 60s, 80s and 90s, this album is up your alley. Johnny is a skilled musician who showcases his prowess in unique and catchy tunes.

His influences may be some of the greats, but this album has Johnny’s musical and personality stamp all over it. I might have heard his musical hero’s, but he didn’t copy their sound, but made it his own.

Please give this album a chance. You won’t regret it.

You can buy it on ITunes, Amazon, and most places you can buy music on the internet.

Peace and happy listening.

If you are interested, he has other albums as well.

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