John ‘Rhino’ Edwards has finally released his third solo album. Entitled Just Sayin’, it is the first not to be released under the name Rhino’s Revenge. It features several guest musicians including Francis Rossi, Andy Bown, Craig Joiner, Chris Wolstenholme, Freddie Edwards, Leon Cave and Jim Kirkpatrick among others. The album was produced by Mike Paxman. Rhino’s songwriting can vary from tongue-in-cheek and humourous to all-out rockers and slices of social commentary. After enjoying the previous two, I looked forward to hearing this one.
The Album Artwork
Firstly, the colour of the album is very eye-catching. To these eyes, the black text works well and is easy to read. The cover shows several photographs of Rhino in various poses. I purchased the CD edition, which comes in a nicely printed digipak. Also included is a booklet featuring song lyrics and a rundown of musicians playing on each recording next to it.
Track breakdown
Can’t Count Me Out
The album begins with a burst of Rock. The riffs are loud, almost a wall of sound, with a nice bite to the lyrics. Quo fans will enjoy how heavy this track goes. Can’t count him out indeed!
Limbo
A darker mood to this one, with appropriately evocative lyrics. There’s something almost classical about the backing in this composition. The lingering guitar riff and bass lines at the closing are both haunting and beautiful.
Taking Care Of Mary
It sounds very 80s Power Pop to these ears, which has a great feel-good factor. The kind of song you just want to take a long drive with. I love the balance between guitars and Mike Paxman’s piano on this track, they complement each other nicely. The lyrics have a beautiful poignancy, which is delivered to perfection by Rhino. One of my favourites on this album.
Never Too Old To Rock And Roll
One of those tracks which could come under the category of “Quo could have done that one” Rhino has been performing this track at his gigs for at least five years and has become a favourite. Somewhat an anthem for ageing rockers, it features a catchy singalong chorus that you can’t help but join in with. Two Quo members join Rhino on this track. Andy Bown takes on keyboard duties, while Francis Rossi contributes noticeable backing vocals and a stylistically recognisable guitar solo.
Wizzie Lizzie LA
A vintage slice of Rhythm ‘n’ Blues / Rock ‘n’ Roll which is very reminiscent of Larry Williams’ Dizzy Miss Lizzy and Little Richard’s Lucille. As always with this kind of riff, the synergy between the bass and guitar is irresistible. It features Jim Kirkpatrick (FM) and Freddie Edwards sharing guitar solo duties in between sections.
Good Evening Primrose
Among the mixture of Rock styles, is this beautiful song. A sweet little number, which has a laid-back vibe. I love the use of the organ in the intro, along with the smooth acoustic guitar strumming in the verses. The slightly twangy intro riff has flavours of the 60s British beat groups. The harmonies in the chorus are gorgeous. Much is said about Rhino’s voice in certain circles, but it suits here.
Caravan Man
When I first saw this title, I thought it was going to be one of Rhino’s tongue-in-cheek songs. In a way it is, but there is a lot more going on. Rhino sings over a mostly repeating guitar riff while things change around him. The little touches from guitars and other things catch the listener’s ear. The vibe reminds me of late ’60s Pop, especially the use of Mae Edwards’ backing vocals and the Ba-Da vocal section. One of my favourite songs on this album.
My Side Of The Road
A mid-tempo vintage Blues number that grooves along nicely. Muse’s Chris Wolstenholme takes on bass duties for this song. Neil Pond’s Bluesy harmonica is fantastic. The bridge section in the middle helps to break things up. I love the little breakdown of instruments before the fade-out!
The PC World
The song begins with a reference to a teacher, Walter Brown, who died in WW1, whose story Rhino became aware of recently. It then outlines topical subjects around cancel culture. Rhino’s writing has always had touches of social commentary in parts, but there are parts of humour attached. This isn’t one of those songs, this stays serious in tone throughout. The song has an almost (appropriately) dystopian vibe to it, ending on an eery drone.
One Way To Roll
Another “Quo could have done this” track, which has a laid-back RnB vibe. It reminds me of a song Rhino wrote with Rick Parfitt, Bellavista Man, which featured on The Party Ain’t Over Yet album. Andy Bown features on the keyboard here. Once it kicks in, it’s a good time! I love Rhino’s masterly vocals on this track, along with the pleasing harmonies.
Hard Drinking Woman
Another harder Rock number which has echoes of the darker edge of late 80s Quo material. A guitar motif repeats at several points in the track, while Rhino delivers the vocals with attitude. The middle section breaks things up nicely. Craig Joiner delivers some excellent solos on this track.
Tried And Tested
An Edwards/Rossi composition with a strong groove and chunky guitar work. Leon Cave is on drums here, while Freddie Edwards provides a memorable solo. Love the Keyboard horns leading up to the climax. A solid track.
Spooning
A laid-back Jazz feel.; The subject matter could be seen as humourous, but the seriousness of the musicianship balances things out. I love the wah effect guitar that appears throughout the track. I hear a tad bit of ambience which adds to the intimate feeling.
Happy Ending
I really really really really like this track! The final track, appropriately titled Happy Ending, is an uplifting track that will stick in the mind long after it is finished. It starts fairly modestly before taking off into the stratosphere! I really love Happy Ending.
Conclusion
Overall, this is arguably one of Rhino’s strongest solo efforts. His songwriting is as sharp as ever, perfectly finding the balance between silly, sentimental and social commentary. Mike Paxman’s production is flawless and works perfectly for the various styles. The little touches that are sprinkled throughout this album help lift things even more. Rhino’s vocals are the best I’ve ever heard him, finding a nice balance between personality and intensity. The instrumentation from all concerned is tight, and while it is clear not everything was recorded in the same place, you can’t tell. I’m off to play the album again because I LOVE IT, Just Sayin’. 10/10
Tracklisting:
- Can’t Count Me Out
- Limbo
- Taking Care Of Mary
- Never Too Old To Rock And Roll
- Wizzie Lizzie LA
- Good Evening Primrose
- Caravan Man
- My Side Of The Road
- The PC World
- One Way To Roll
- Hard Drinking Woman
- Tried And Tested
- Spooning
- Happy Ending
Just Sayin’ is available to pre-order on CD and Vinyl from the Rhino’s Revenge Shop. It will be released on the 1st of March on Molano Music. The CD edition is limited to 1000 copies, while black vinyl is limited to 250 copies.