Jeff Whalen – 10 More Rock Super Hits

The 60’s were rich with great song writing teams. Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. And before we get into a spirited debate about that last one, read a book entitled Bubblegum is the Naked Truth. Then, we’ll talk.

Fast forward to 2019 and the newest album from Jeff Whalen entitled 10 More Rock Super Hits. It’s a great in your face title for an album that borrows its inspiration from those Super K Productions albums of the 60’s. And just like those old Ohio Express and Sweet records, the tracks on 10 More Rock Super Hits are all hook and no fat, each one boiled down to it’s sugary essence.

Take the opening track, for example. You’ll swear you’ve heard “Goofin’ Around” before. You just won’t be able to pinpoint whether it came from a Saturday Morning cartoon or the back of a cereal box. “Jendy” has the kind of radio friendly chorus that sounded so great on your flip-top phonograph back in the day.

This is where the K-Tel Records pitchman says: But wait! There’s more!

“The Alien Lanes” is as good a power pop single as I’ve heard in quite some time. An ominous soundscape lures you in. Then suddenly, you’re thrust into an unexpectedly joyous ride. A Cheap Trick inspired twister. It’s glam rock rapture, damn it.

They don’t make records like this any more. If you want more of them, then there’s only one thing to do. Buy it. The official release date is February 15 but you can preorder your copy at Kool Kat Musik.