Album Review: Slash's Debut Solo Album - R n f'n R

To the millions of people worldwide who love rock, metal and guitar music, Slash is a legend. The melodic powerhouse behind Guns n' Roses, he went on to release two Slash's Snakepit albums and then two Velvet Revolver albums.

Now, he has produced his first solo album, fronted by a myriad of great rock names, and a few that might be surprising to his more diehard fans.

Slash has never been afraid of pushing the boundaries of his guitar playing, and on R N F'N R (Rock and F***kin Roll) he plumbs the depths of rock, metal, blues and classical guitar with his signature style and immediately recognisable sound and tone.

 Slash called on friends old and new for the making of this record, on legends and little-known heroes, on rappers and pop singers, metal vocalists and classical lyricists.

The result, rather than being a mish-mash of styles and sounds, is the perfect showcase for Slash's enormous talent. Here, he is free to play what he wants, when he wants, how he wants.

From The Cure's Ian Astbury to Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne, Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie to Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Slash courted and won over them all. Alice Cooper's duet with Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls on Baby Can't Drive sounds like a recipe for disaster and is instead a ridiculously catchy, cheeky and fun hard rock tune.

Ozzy's harsh lyrics on Crucify the Dead are supposedly a rebuke to Guns frontman Axl Rose, and Slash's collaboration with M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold is a dark and heavy forway into metal for this all-round genius guitar player.

Songs from Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave), Kid Rock, Rocco de Luca, Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge), Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead), Iggy Pop and Andrew Stockdale (Wolfmother) round out this collection of individual hit tunes from Slash and his friends.

 Slash's touring band is fronted by Alter Bridge's vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy. Slash and Myles had never met before Slash sent Myles his demo tape for Starlight, on which Myles readily agreed to sing.

Having met and having laid down two tracks for the album (the only vocalist to appear twice with Starlight and Back from Cali) Slash asked Myles to front his touring band.

The resultant slew of gigs, festivals and TV appearances all rated Myles and Slash as a perfect duo, with many reviewers stating that if it wasn't for the fact Myles was on stage with Slash, his vocal delivery, energy and rapport with the crowd would have stolen the show. As it was, the double header of Myles' voice and Slash's guitar-playing proved an instant hit with fans the world over.

Myles is currently back touring with Alter Bridge on the back of their new album, AB III, but plans some more dates with Slash in America in the New Year.

Slash's debut solo album is a masterpiece and its raw energy and enthusiasm show just how good this guitar player can be when he is given full control over songs and song choice for a record.

We can only hope he plans to release many more in the same vein.

Keep rocking!