James Christian
Lay It All On Me

August 2013
Released: 2013, Frontiers Records
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Waspman

House of Lords singer James Christian is one of the most recognizable voices in hard rock. After peaking in popularity in the early ‘90s, House of Lords has continued to build a legacy for themselves as incredible hard rock artists with a knack for incredibly memorable song writing. Much of that writing is due to Christian (the only member of the group left from the ‘80s & ‘90s); who has also made a name for himself with two previous solo albums, with 1995’s RUDE AWAKENING being particularly lauded.



After another solid House of Lords album in 2011 (BIG MONEY), Christian has taken some time away from his main gig to write and record another solo disc. Fans can rest easy as LAY IT ALL ON ME stays well within the expected parameters that Christian’s been working within for 20+ years. If anything, this album is even MORE polished, melodic, and mellow than a House of Lords album. Lead by Christian’s indubitable vocals, the album moves easily between rock and balladry, with just about every song featuring huge gang vocals, and prominent keyboards. While an element of sameness tugs at the album a bit, favorites would include the laid back “Day in the Sun” and the more upbeat “Don’t Come Near Me”.



If you’ve ever heard a House of Lords album, you know exactly what James Christian is going to deliver on this album – indeed, given that most of his HoL band mates play on the album, one wonders why he didn’t just make it the official follow up to BIG MONEY. Nonetheless, I’m always happy to have new music from the HoL camp, and LAY IT ALL ON ME is yet another quality release that fans can grab with confidence.