Bazaar Royale’S genre, “Ghetto Metal” was created by lead vocalist Bazaar Royale. I have a hard time understanding that term “ghetto metal”. A “ghetto” is a modern day term for a poverty stricken, urban area. “Metal” is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960’s that has a distorted amplified, loudness to it with long guitar or drum solos and vocals that hit chords that could only come from places below the belt.

“Hard Times Celebrate” is the first single on the new CD ”The Ride”. It’s a likeable tune. I caught myself tapping to the beat with an occasional head bob. The track features Phil Collen from DEF LEPPARD on guitar. It may be the only thing that qualifies Bazaar Royale as “metal”. The lyrics describe tough times with a “life goes on, let’s drink and celebrate anyway” message. All in all, this is the best song on the CD.

I read someone else’s review of Bazaar Royale and Bazaar’s voice was compared to Steven Tyler meets Chris Cornell. I am not in agreeance with that comparison at all. These are two of the greatest singers in the industry and are legendary for their powerful voices. There is nothing powerful about the vocals in this band. This singing is average. I have heard better at “Karaoke” night at the local “watering hole”.

“Rebel in Me” has repetitious lyrics but I did like how Bazaar sounds like he may have grabbed his crotch a couple times to hit some high notes. This gives his vocals some diversity. “I Know Pain”, are we describing how we should feel after listening to this track? “Love the Danger” is non-descript, monotonous and has a feeble attempt to hit high notes. In fact, the vocals sound like a teenager going through puberty singing in the shower. The guitar is weak, and the drummer seems to love his crash cymbal a little too much. Is there a bass player in this band?

Overall, I’m not impressed. There is some slight talent, but I don’t hear any “rock star” quality. I give it 2½ stars out of 5 because they featured Phil Collen in “Hard Times Celebrate”, the vocals are decent and it got my foot tapping. “Ghetto Metal”? Really?