I’m just thinking to myself have THE POODLES ever released subpar music since their start. We reviewed “Metal Will Stand” in 2006 giving it 4.5 stars and then “Performocracy” in 2011 with that garnering 4 stars. Now we have their latest named “Tour De Force” here in 2013. I can just imagine if they could ever crack the US market and do some touring in America how big they could be.
“Misery Loves Company” starts off with some heavy drums by Christian Lundqvist and the slicing guitar of Henrik Bergqvist and once the vocals of Jakob Samuelsson enter and they reach the chorus all hell just breaks loose! These guys are masters at songwriting with heavenly choruses besides mastering the playing of that music itself.
Bergqvist’s guitar work on the opening track has to be heard as this guy’s an entity. Eddie Van Halen move over because touches of brilliance by Henrik Bergqvist on “Shut Up!” make’ the grade. The song resembles a bit of “Hot For Teacher” in the beginning but takes on another dimension soon after. “Shut Up!” is such a great song it needs to get some airplay.
Call it what you want but Jakob Samuelsson has to be in the top vocalists in music. He has amazing range hitting both high and low notes and it’s a pleasure to the ears just to hear the man sing. Check out the track “ Happily Ever After” as the vocals stand tall and then once again Henrik Bergqvist pushes the levels of excellence on guitar.
Is “Viva Democracy” a song paying homage to “Dimebag” Darrell (PANTERA) because it sure has that same direction as the PANTERA song “Walk” with more hard rock elements.
“Going Down” starts off like it’s going to be a heavy song but turns direction with a melodic AOR vibe. It has some killer moments that elevate and I’m sure it will be a fan favorite. “Leaving The Past To Pass” is an epic ballad that will bring heart-throbbing fans too tears. It’s a classic for sure.
“40 Days And 40 Nights” is the hit maker. This is the tune THE POODLES are pushing as the first single and it has a traditional sing-along chorus that could reach to the top of the charts. If you think THE POODLES can’t sway a bit of a southern feel check out “Kings & Fools” as the song has a bluesy southern feel yet still can attack the rockers. There are so many musical styles on the song you don’t know how to pinpoint the track, so just enjoy it for what it is.
“Godspeed” has to be my favorite track on the record. It has such a great aura and Jakob Samuelsson’s vocals are outstanding and mixing in the solos of Henrik Bergqvist just makes this track really shine. It has that feeling of a higher power that has entered the realm.
“Now Is The Time” is another song in contention with “Godspeed”. It’s a fast-paced rocker that excels with delight.The song flows so well and brings all the highs and lows to ecstasy. It’s another killer tune!
THE POODLES added a bonus track that is only available on physical copies of the CD and it’s a killer tune that you will be missing out on if you don’t buy the hard copy.
The track is called “En FörAllaFör En” and is the official Swedish team song for the 2013 World Championships of Ice Hockey and is performed by THE POODLES together with the Swedish national team. Tre Kronor. Loved the song!
“Tour De Force” is an amazing release by THE POODLES that will add another notch in their belt. It has so many directional changes in style yet keeping to the traditional POODLES sound. Pick this one up for sure! | 
