Bryan Adams: Live At The Royal Albert Hall album review

In the captivating spectacle that was Bryan Adams taking over the iconic Royal Albert Hall for three consecutive nights in May 2022, fans were treated to a retrospective journey through his breakout period. The albums on display included the 1983 mainstream breakthrough “Cuts Like A Knife,” the 1987 masterpiece “Into The Fire,” and the 1991 chart-topping “Waking Up The Neighbours.” This 16 million-seller owes much of its success to Kevin Costner’s involvement and his memorable flaming arrows. However, as we delve into the live album review, some intriguing choices and observations emerge, adding layers to the musical experience.

Navigating Through Adams’ Discography

Cuts Like A Knife: A Blue-Collar Overture

The live rendition of “Cuts Like A Knife” at the Royal Albert Hall serves as a time capsule, transporting the audience back to the heart of Bryan Adams’ early career. The dense and muddy recording acoustics of the venue, while challenging, reveal the rust stains on the blue-collar essence of Adams’ heartland rock. The echoes of Buddy Holly hooklines add a nostalgic touch, showcasing Adams’ early mastery of crafting catchy, relatable tunes that left an indelible mark on the mainstream music landscape.

Into The Fire: Brothers In Arms Influence

As we transition to “Into The Fire,” a fascinating evolution becomes apparent. The influence of Dire Straits’ “Brothers In Arms” is discernible as Adams skillfully weaves finely-crafted anthems addressing Native American injustice, WWI hardship, and romantic heroism. The collaboration with Keith Scott’s cumulonimbus blues guitar and Adams’ glossy, redemptive emoting paints a vivid sonic landscape. The shift in thematic complexity and musical texture indicates Adams’ versatility and willingness to explore broader societal narratives within his rock repertoire.

Waking Up The Neighbours: Drivetime Rut and Cinematic Bluster

“Waking Up The Neighbours” emerges as a pivotal point in Adams’ discography, marked by a spectrum of musical styles. The live performance reflects a drivetime rut, navigating through gears of gritty, beer-clinkin’ country rock, hellraisin’ Def Leppard-esque party tunes, and cinematic bluster ballads. The diversity within this album showcases Adams’ ability to traverse various genres, providing the audience with a dynamic and engaging concert experience. The incorporation of infectious facsimiles like “Do I Have To Say the Words?” hints at the evolution leading to the infamous “Everything I Do.”

Curious Choices: Omissions and Inclusions

A notable curiosity arises from the omission of the 1984 monster hit “Reckless” in favor of “Into The Fire’s” relative consolidatory flop. This decision sparks intrigue, raising questions about artistic intent and the desire to present a cohesive narrative during the Royal Albert Hall performances. Furthermore, the peculiar absence of crowd noise on the recordings of the first two nights raises eyebrows. Was the audience sparse, or does it reflect a deliberate artistic choice? These nuances add layers to the live album experience, inviting listeners to ponder the motivations behind these decisions.

Reflections on Bryan Adams’ Artistic Journey

Roadhouse Rock Addiction: A Persistent Theme

Amidst the musical exploration, Adams’ persistent addiction to stodgy roadhouse rock becomes evident. This addiction, while contributing to the artist’s signature sound, prompts reflection on the balance between artistic consistency and the need for evolution. The live setting at the Royal Albert Hall offers a unique vantage point to observe the nuances of this addiction, allowing fans to appreciate the raw, unfiltered essence of Adams’ musical identity.

Palate Cleansing Mel C Appearance: A Whimsical Thought

As the journey through “Live At The Royal Albert Hall” unfolds, a whimsical thought arises. By the end of the performance, the notion of a palate-cleansing appearance by Mel C becomes a lighthearted fantasy. This imaginary collaboration, while purely speculative, highlights the diverse musical landscape Adams has traversed over the years. It underscores the potential for surprising and delightful intersections within the world of music.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Exploration of Bryan Adams’ Legacy

In the sprawling landscape of Bryan Adams’ “Live At The Royal Albert Hall,” listeners embark on a dynamic exploration of the artist’s legacy. The live renditions of iconic albums reveal the evolution of a bar-room behemoth, tracing Adams’ journey from blue-collar heartland rock to cinematic ballads. The curious choices, thematic complexities, and reflections on artistic addiction provide fans with a nuanced and multifaceted perspective on Adams’ enduring impact on the music industry. As we conclude this review, one cannot help but appreciate the timeless nature of Adams’ music and the indelible mark he has left on the Royal Albert Hall stage.

Tracklist:
LP1 – Side A
1. Into The Fire (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Heat Of The Night (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. Victim Of Love (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. Another Day (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
5. Native Son (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

LP1 – Side B
1. Only The Strong Survive (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Rebel (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. Remembrance Day (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. Hearts On Fire (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
5. Home Again (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

LP2 – Side C
1. The Only One (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Take Me Back (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. This Time (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. I’m Ready (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
5. What’s It Gonna Be (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

LP2 – Side D
1. Don’t Leave Me Lonely (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Let Him Know (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. The Best Was Yet To Come (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. Cuts Like A Knife (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
5. Straight From The Heart (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

LP3 – Side E
1. Is Your Mama Gonna Miss Ya? (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Hey Honey – I’m Packin’ You In! (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. Can’t Stop This Thing We Started (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. Thought I’d Died And Gone To Heaven (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

LP3 – Side F
1. Not Guilty (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Vanishing (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. House Arrest (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. Do I Have To Say The Words? (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

LP4 – Side G
1. There Will Never Be Another Tonight (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. All I Want Is You (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. Depend On Me (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. Touch The Hand (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

LP4 – Side H
1. If You Wanna Leave Me (Can I Come Too?) (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Don’t Drop That Bomb On Me (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)

Blu-Ray DVD
1. Cuts Like A Knife – Film Intro (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
2. Heat Of The Night (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
3. Victim Of Love (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
4. Another Day (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
5. Native Son (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
6. Only The Strong Survive (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
7. Rebel (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
8. Remembrance Day (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
9. Hearts On Fire (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)
10. Home Again (Live At The Royal Albert Hall)