Eight years are a long time. Eight years ago I had a spiked, red haircut, wore a red anarchy- shirt and listened to SOCIAL DISTORTION for the first time on their latest release at that time, White Light, White Heat, White Trash. An album that belongs to the top 5 of my all-time faves.
So I was really anxious to Sex, Love And Rock 'n' Roll. Not only is that the best title ever, but also a melting pot of sorrow, pain, melancholy and soulfulness.
The opener Reach For The Sky comes surprisingly 'simple' and happy, with positive lyrics but a slight melancholic touch in Mike Ness' voice. Highway 101 reminds one of the Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell release due to its country- influence, and again this fantastic voice of Mr. Ness.
Don't Take Me For Granted is a last good-bye to deceased guitarist and school-friend of Mike Ness, Dennis Danell. A sad rocker with very personal lyrics full of yearning.
A couple of songs later one of the best SOCIAL D.- songs ever starts and carries one away. Winners And Losers is a reflection of life, without accusation and self-pity. „Are you happy now with all the choices you’ve made? Are there times in life when you know you should’ve stayed? Will you compromise and then realize the price is too much to pay? Winners and losers, which one will you be today?“
Absorbing, stirring, terrific.
Live Before You Die raises the mood and pulls one out of the valley of sadness, Angel's Wings avoids another fall.
Well, the only negative thing is that inimitable rockers like Don't Drag Me Down or Under My Thumb can't be found on Sex, Love And Rock 'n' Roll, a reason for not giving ten points.
Anyhow, this album is my personal No.1 release of the year 2004, an emotional ride on a roller coaster with a happy end. Great!