By
the Joe Perry Project's second release, 1981's
I've Got the Rock'n'Rolls Again original singer Ralph Mormon had been replaced by
Charlie Farren (doubling on rhythm guitar), while the rest of
the Project remained the same. While it did have its highlights, it was not on par with their stellar debut -- the switching of singers obviously had something to do with it. The production is less vibrant than the predecessor, the songwriting isn't as top-notch, and the overall performance isn't as energetic.
Perry again shows why many consider him a guitar great by wailing away throughout, and even supplying the vocals to the album's best track, the turbo-charged closing ditty "South Station Blues." Many a solid guitar riff can be found (the title track and "Play the Game"), while other songs like "East Coast, West Coast," "Soldier of Fortune," and "Dirty Little Things" are standouts. Not a total washout, but when compared to
Let the Music Do the Talking, most fans rightfully felt letdown by
I've Got the Rock'n'Rolls Again. ~ Greg Prato