Glenn Hughes and Robin George - Overcome

Robin George initially met Glenn Hughes after a gig he was playing with his band Dangerous Music at Dingwalls Rock Club in London.  He invited him to sing background vocals on the Notorious album Radio Silence and after the recording sessions Glenn asked Robin if he had any more songs he could hear.  Robin was in the process of recording a new solo album and invited him to the studio to give it a listen.  After Glenn listened to the songs, he asked Robin if he could sing on the whole album, and in late 1989 they started recording.  Throughout the course of recording Robin’s songs, anytime they would finish early they would write together, which resulted in four co-written tracks on the album.  Once recording was finished they had an album they were calling Sweet Revenge.  Their respective managers got them a deal with a major label, who then booked them time for further recording at a studio near Horsham called Ridge Farm, followed by time at Nomis Studio in London where they completed the final overdubs and also recorded the song “Loving You”.  Unfortunately, not long after the album was finished, the UK/US deal fell apart, the deal was pulled and so was the album.  In 2008 a CD containing ten of the tracks was released, but the songs had been bootlegged from low-quality mp3’s that George had sent to some people he thought were friends that were supposed to be for “their ears only”.  Now, thirty-four years after it was originally recorded, the album, renamed Overcome and using the original recordings from Robin’s studio with him playing all the instruments, has finally been properly released.  Interestingly, over the years, Robin has released different versions of at least eight of these songs with him on vocals with the exception of one featuring Fuzzbox vocalist Vix.  It should also be noted that even though it’s the first time these have been properly released, they were recorded in 1989 and quite often have a 1989 sound.  The album opens strongly with “Flying”, a great melodic rocker with a definite Robin George Dangerous Music vibe featuring his distinctive power chords, keys and Hughes awesome vocals in full force.  The title track is up next and is a complete shift in direction.  It’s a funky track with a bit of a Philly soul vibe and a definitely sounds like the late eighties / early nineties (even though it doesn’t exist, you can almost see the MTV video in your head as you listen).  While it’s not quite as funky, “I Want” is another catchy, MTV era sounding rocker that has some strong guitar work and backing vocals from George but is overall a bit generic.  “Haunted” is a beautiful power ballad, elevated above your normal power ballad by Hughes vocals and George’s guitar work, and is the only track with other musicians, featuring Dave Holland, Mel Galley and Terry Rowley, virtually making it a Trapeze reunion.  The straight-ahead rocker “Number One” with its crunching power chords, stabbing synths and one of the album’s best vocal performances (and that’s saying a lot) is a definite album highlight.  It has a very modern sound to it and can stand side by side with today's music.  With a bit of a Stevie Wonder “Superstition” feel, “Sweet Revenge” is a strong rocker with a funk beat that really works well, while “The American Way” is a midtempo track with a slow, slinky groove and a touch of the blues.  “Machine” is another cut that stands out from the rest of album as they delve a little more into the electronic and synth side of things, while still maintaining a rock edge resulting in an extremely infectious track.  Hughes vocals add a really soulful side to the “Steal My Heart” and “Things Have Gotta Change” is pretty, midtempo, semi-power ballad with plenty of Robin George flourishes.  The powerful “Don’t Come Crying” is another standout.  It’s a big sounding rocker with great dynamics that at times sounds a lot like King’s X.  As mentioned before, “Loving You” was recorded during the sessions for the final overdubs and is a stunning tune stripped down to nothing but Hughes’ vocals accompanied by George on acoustic guitar.  Rocker “War Dance” closes the album perfectly putting all the pieces together with impressive soloing from George, a passionate vocal from Hughes, synths and a great groove.  It's a shame these songs weren't released back when they were recorded and there is no telling what impact it would have had on their careers, but thankfully they are finally out there for the world to hear and sounding the way they should.  

(HNE Recordings)