New Music Review: RONNIE ATKINS ‘Make It Count’

RONNIE ATKINS 'Make It Count' - COVER PHOTO

Rating: 8.5 / 10 Stars

RONNIE ATKINS is: Ronnie Atkins (lead vocals, backing vocals), Chris Laney (guitar, keyboards), Allan Sørensen (drums), Pontus Egberg (bass), Morten Sandager (keyboards), Anders Ringman (acoustic guitar), Oliver Hartmann (guitar), John Berg (guitar), Lasse Wellander (guitar), Linnea Vikström (backing vocals)

REVIEW – RONNIE ATKINS, renowned as the lead singer of PRETTY MAIDS, embarks on a solo journey with his latest album, ‘Make It Count’. This offering stands as a compelling exploration through the landscapes of rock and metal, deeply infused with emotional narratives and exceptional musicianship. Each track in this album serves as a testament to ATKINS‘ prowess as a musician, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that bridges the gap between his legacy with PRETTY MAIDS and his personal artistic vision.

‘Make It Count’ opens with “I’ve Hurt Myself (By Hurting You),” setting a powerful tone with its captivating chant-like vocals, catchy riffs, and solid rhythms, all complemented by ATKINS‘ remarkable vocal delivery. It’s an introduction that promises an album filled with both musical and emotional depth. “Unsung Heroes” and “Rising Tide” follow, with “Unsung Heroes” serving as an anthem for the overlooked, its chorus an uplifting rally cry, while “Rising Tide” offers a moment of introspection, inviting listeners to drift away into their dreams.

Midway through ‘Make It Count’, “Remain To Remind Me” and “The Tracks We Leave Behind” showcase ATKINS‘ skill in blending powerful rock elements with poignant lyrical content. “Remain To Remind Me” features searing leads, pounding drums, and soaring keyboards that highlight ATKINS’ dynamic range. Meanwhile, “The Tracks We Leave Behind” resonates with listeners through its infectious mix of crunchy guitars and exceptional leads, pondering on legacy and memory.

‘Make It Count’ also includes tracks like “All I Ask Of You” and “Grace,” which draw listeners into a reflective state with their evocative melodies and poignant lyrics. Along with “Let Love Lead The Way,” these songs offer a lighter, uplifting counterpoint to the heavier moments, demonstrating ATKINS’ versatility as a songwriter.

As ‘Make It Count’ nears its conclusion, “Blood Cries Out” and “Easier To Leave (Than Being Left Behind)” present contrasting energies. “Blood Cries Out” is a call to action with its fast, hard, heavy music, demanding listeners to rock out. In contrast, “Easier To Leave (Than Being Left Behind)” is a touching ballad that captures the collective heart of the audience, encouraging a shared moment of vulnerability.

Finally, “Fallen” and the title track, “Make It Count,” encapsulate the essence of the album. “Fallen” gets the crowd on its feet, chanting and singing along, while “Make It Count” serves as a profound closing statement, emphasizing the album’s themes of introspection, resilience, and the importance of making every moment matter.

‘Make It Count’ is a testament to RONNIE ATKINS‘ enduring skill as both a musician and a storyteller. Beyond his work with PRETTY MAIDS, this album cements ATKINS‘ place in the rock and metal genres as a solo artist. Each song seamlessly transitions into the next, creating an unforgettable musical experience that not only entertains but invites listeners to reflect on their own life journeys.