SHUT UP & DRIVE – Driven [Japan Edition]

As requested, here’s “Driven“, the quite unknown debut album by American Melodic Hard Rockers SHUT UP & DRIVE in its Japanese Edition.

Put out in 1994, SHUT UP & DRIVE didn’t care the down-tuned trend of the moment and released this wonderful, totally late ’80s / early ’90s sounding album that while independent produced, its quality is on par with any major label stuff. It’s so good that Japanese label Brunette / Alfa Records, Inc took notice and released the album in Asia when in America the CD was already very hard to find.
“Driven” not only is strong for its very good production and songwriting, but also the players. The singer has that clean yet powerful voice needed for this genre, and the lead guitarist is second to none. Seriously, his chops are similar to Nuno Bettencourt or George Lynch.
Additionally, and we can mention as reference acts like SKID ROW, TESLA, VAN HALEN and ROXY BLUE, SHUT UP & DRIVE has their very own style and gusto.

Indeed, songs such as ‘Black & White’ or ‘Real Thing’ delivers that kind of driven riffs ala SKID ROW, the extremely melodic ‘Other Side’ has a bit of TYKETTO on it, ‘Levitate’ the party feel of ROXY BLUE, ‘Pictures’ a VAN HALEN-esque feel, ‘Rivers’ some TESLA, etc..But as said, SHUT UP & DRIVE had a strong personality and chops & hooks to make it big. The guitar work kills, and while there’s two or three midtempo tracks there’s no place for ‘sweet ballads’ here.

If released in 1989 “Driven” and SHUT UP & DRIVE would have made some noise for sure. One of the best indie releases from the ’90s US underground melodic hard rock scene.

01 – Black & White
02 – Levitate
03 – Wishing Well
04 – Other Side
05 – Dime A Dozen
06 – Real Thing
07 – Never Enough
08 – Pictures
09 – Gimme
10 – Rivers
11 – Atomic Love
12 – Last Time
13 – Pavlov’s Dog

Chris Humphreys – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Terry Block – Lead Guitar, Vocals
Todd Richardson – Bass, Vocals
Jim Newman – Drums, Vocals

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