Michael Schenker had been doing great things in the last 15 years. He clearly fell in love with playing his guitar and performing live. He’s been releasing great records, and delivering breath taking shows with a big smile on his face. This particular record reunited Schenker with the songs that made him the star he is today. His time with UFO was magical, but in terms of personnel, it wasn’t always an easy relationship. As a result of that traction, some amazing music was created. Is this Schenker facing his challenges from the past? You be the judge. If it does him good, so be it, otherwise why would there be a need for a record like this?
Joining Schenker are some spectacular singers such as Dee Snider, Joey Tempest, Joe Lynn Turner, Biff Byford, Axl Rose, Jeff Scott Soto, Erik Gronwall, Kai Hansen, Michel Voss, and Stephen Pearcy. Impressive list of frontmen for sure, but let’s be honest, nobody sang these songs better than Phil Moog, who wrote the lyrics and the vocal melodies. Phil Mogg sang these songs within his range, and everyone here is known for rather soaring vocal delivery. This fact puts everyone here completely outside of their comfort zone, and that makes the album sound quite attractive. Some of the singers are not even recognizable because they can’t insert their signature sound into the material. One feeling that comes across is that no one is faking anything here, everyone who contributed clearly has love and affection for this material. No doubt about that! One of the best deliveries actually comes from Erik Gronwall, but everyone else deserves the credit for giving their best. The album flows nicely, and it’s great to move from one color to another.
Michael Schenker himself plays with renewed rigor, and nails every note perfectly. Apart from few slight changes, he pretty much stuck to the original arrangements making the album sound very authentic. These songs are so strong, it would be very difficult to mess them up instrumentally or vocally for that reason. The eleven tracks included here are all absolute classics, and pretty much in UFO’s setlist down to the very last concert. I’m sure you are already throwing the titles around your head, guess what, you’re right!
My Years with UFO is a celebration of a very special and extremely creative time. Some say, this is where Michael Schenker did his best work. He certainly opened people’s perception as to what else can be done on guitar. Schenker's playing skills and his unique tone influenced a few generations of players, and will continue to do so. This album is a great testament to all of this!
Mark Kadzielawa
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