Review: John Taglieri “The Very Best Of John Taglieri: The Songs That Should Have Made Me Rich”

Rock

John Taglieri, a name that is synonymous with “unsung hero of rock”, has been featured numerous times here at Now This ROCKS! both as a solo artist and with his band, TAG (click here). Now one of New Jersey’s most underrated songwriters has condensed nothing but the best of his prolific career into one retrospective CD entitled, “The Very Best Of John Taglieri…The Songs That Should Have Made Me Rich!!!” As the title suggests, John himself seems a bit amazed and befuddled that his talents haven’t been more lucrative. And while this greatest non-hits package isn’t going to radically change his financial status, it does offer the uninitiated a terrific one-stop shop to become acquainted with Taglieri’s work.

To date, Taglieri has released nine records beginning with 1999’s masterful AOR debut, “Leap Of Faith”. His retrospective (marking his 10th record in 12 years) contains two songs from each of his first nine releases and two brand new tracks. It is hard to pick out highlights from a best of collection, but try these on for size: “Leap Of Faith”, “Reason To Believe”, “How Will I Know”, “After Farewell”, and “Make Me Believe”. If you can imagine a mix of Springsteen and Bon Jovi, with a touch of Sister Hazel, be sure to check these out.

Perhaps more important than fame and fortune, Taglieri has been able to sustain his music career on his own terms. He’s traveled the world playing his songs his way, toured with Rik Emmett, Sister Hazel, Edwin McCain, Butch Walker and many others, and got many pats on the back along the way. It may be just as well that he’s never struck it rich – all too often the monetary success kills the independent artist and in that context, we all would have lost.

John Taglieri – Official site.

Review: John Taglieri “Lucky #9” [EP]

Rock

On April 17, the unsung hero of working class rock and AOR, John Taglieri, released an EP called “Lucky #9” (Leap Dog Music). In his own words, he states, “I approached this EP a little differently. Being my ninth release, I think I am more in tune with what I wanted to say as an artist. I wrote songs that really meant a lot to me right now in life and tried to tell stories that would connect. Using my new studio and working with Lee [Lee J. Turner, who has production credits that include Darius Rucker, Jewel, Leann Rimes, and Bo Bice] again was awesome as well. There was a great vibe throughout the whole recording process. I'm very proud of 'Lucky #9', and I hope people enjoy it.”

We last heard from John not that long ago via his new band project, TAG (review here). The prolific singer/songwriter/producer makes a strong return with “Lucky #9”, although I don’t think John’s success has much to do with luck…he is one of the hardest working in the business and deserves the success. Speaking of which, upon its release, “Lucky #9” rocketed straight into the Adult Alternative charts, landing at #2 in the Hot New Release charts and #20 on the sites overall AA Chart. The single "Make Me Believe" has hit the top of the AA Hot New Releases, taking over the #1 position on the singles chart, as well as the #13 spot on AA Overall Best Seller charts, alongside Matchbox 20, The Fray, John Mayer, Sara Bareilles, Ray LaMontagne & Ingrid Michaelson. Not only that, but the track "Dying Alive" is currently sitting at #3 on the AA Hot New Releases chart.

The new songs largely contain the signature modern rock sound we expect from Taglieri – a mix of Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. But this time there is a touch of country in some spots due to John’s recent collaboration with Nashville artists. First single and opening track, “Losing Me” is my instant favorite thanks to its mix of acoustic verses and an energetic, catchy chorus. Other highlights include the radio-friendly ballads “Without You” and "Not Gonna Be My Life." “Make Me Believe” is also not be overlooked – a sincere and peppy love song. As usual, the lyrics in John’s new songs speak to everyday themes most people can connect with easily.

Lucky #9 can be purchased on Amazon and iTunes.

John Taglieri – Official site.

Review: TAG “Forward”

TAG is the new musical vehicle by Jersey rocker John Taglieri, who is no stranger to the stage. With years of continuous touring and seven solo albums under his belt (his latest EP was reviewed here), music has been his life. Taglieri has won numerous pop rock awards and shared the stage with heavy hitter acts such as Edwin McCain, The Gin Blossoms, Gavin DeGraw, and Sister Hazel. His new band is rounded out by longtime co-writer and guitarist Brad Whitley, Tom Darby (keys, harp, guitar), Dave Willard (bass) and Rob “Action” Jackson (drums).

For those of you familiar with Taglieri’s music, TAG is undoubtedly going to please you. For those of you who aren’t yet acquainted, Taglieri is a Springsteen-Bon Jovi hybrid - a good time rock and roller who is one part bar band and another part arena rocker. TAG provides a new forum to do the same thing he’s been doing for years – consistently belting out memorable and fun pop rockers. The band has an excellent chemistry, providing moments for each individual to shine while teaming up for effective ear pleasing harmonies.

“After Farewell” could not be a better choice to start off the record, with its crunchy verses leading up to a fiery chorus that will be stuck in your head for days. “After Farewell” is a fine example of the band’s full potential. “Breathe” is a slow burning rocker with a touch of blues and another highly melodic chorus that will leave you breathless. TAG slows things down a bit with power ballad “Fly”, a beautiful acoustic-driven slice of AOR with electric guitars crashing down at all the right spots. The next few tracks go into classic bar band territory – vintage Taglieri, but not as melodic as the other songs. Despite its curious title, the mid-tempo “The Lives of Splattered Flies” is an effective mix of alternative rock and AOR. “With You I Want To Be” is another ace power ballad, its haunting tone creating a welcome dynamic at this point in the record. These tunes help build a strong finish for “Forward”, but the unremarkable cover of “Drive” (by Incubus) ends the record on a disappointing note.

TAG kicked off a midwest tour on November 26, which will be followed by a cross-country US tour in January. “Forward” is available now.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9

TAG on MySpace. Official site.

Check out a video:

Free mp3: John Taglieri

Check out this free mp3 of Everything We Are (A Toast) courtesy of John Taglieri! Read the review here.

Hurry – link expires in one week!

Review: John Taglieri "Everything We Are" EP

New Jersey indie all-star, John Taglieri, is back with a new EP entitled, "Everything We Are". This was one of the last CDs I listened to today, after a bunch of snoozers. John Taglieri woke me up and gave me reason to crank up the volume. The EP is a party, starting with a "toast" and leaving you in a better mood than when you started listening.

John Taglieri is writing some of the best modern AOR I've heard in recent times. There are hints of powerpop goodness like The Jellybricks, but plenty of solid rock reminding me of 40 Ft. Ringo and Waltham. Vocally, John sounds a bit like C.J. Snare (FireHouse).

The opening track, "Everything We Are (A Toast)" sets the tone for the rockin' fun about to begin. This anthem seems to be written specifically for the stage, to start (or end) a show, but it also makes for an ideal way to start the record. "Open Up To Me" and "Lonely Together" are choice mid-tempo numbers with superb chord progressions and excellent guitar work. "Get You Back" is a power ballad in the style of Bon Jovi; I almost got up to get a lighter. There are a couple of novelty songs like "Booty Call" and a bonus track ode to mac n' cheese. Amusing, but like most novelty songs, one listen is enough for me.

Fans who love the Jersey AOR sound will pick up on it immediately when they spin a John Taglieri record. John Taglieri makes it feel so good to be alive...

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4

John Taglieri on MySpace. Official site.