Next week, Orianthi unveils her newest single, «Dark Days Are Gone«, a powerful anthem celebrating renewal, fresh beginnings, and the light that follows darkness. This track blends her signature soulful guitar artistry with deeply heartfelt vocals, creating an immersive and transformative musical experience. More than a song, it’s a declaration — a bold, emotional statement that ushers in the next chapter of Orianthi’s evolving artistic journey. Prepare to be inspired.
A soulful singer, insightful songwriter, musical storyteller and instrumental virtuoso whose adventurous guitar artistry knows no bounds and has few equals, Orianthi will likely never outrun her resume of collaborations and associations with pop/rock legends such as Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, Dave Stewart and Richie Sambora.
Yet anyone paying close attention knows that the Australian-born multi-talent is also a powerhouse solo artist who reached an early peak in the late 2000s with her first U.S. album Believe (and its Top 20 Billboard pop hit “According to You”) and is now stirring a career renaissance with Woodward Avenue Records.
Orianthi paved the way for her latest full-length collection, Some Kind of Feeling, with four lead singles (“Attention,” “Some Kind of Feeling,” “Ghost” and “First Time Blues”) that reflect different moods, themes and dimensions of her extraordinary artistry. Those tracks, and the entire album, are produced and/or mixed by the legendary Kevin Shirley, whose fiery touch has shaped works for rock icons such as Joe Bonamassa (who jams with Orianthi on “First Time Blues”), Journey, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater and many more.
Listeners immersed in these powerful, emotionally charged songs might want to begin their full album journey with those tracks — and why not? “Attention” is a passion-filled romp that incisively calls out a drunk texter who can’t but should let go. The title track, an infectious, mid-tempo blues-inflected gem about meeting that special someone, showcases the sultry and seductive, Chrissie Hyndesque side of Orianthi’s voice.
It also slyly references ghosts, echoing her earlier single “Ghost,” a tense, heartbreaking, soul-searing ballad about the lingering, devastating presence of a lost romantic partner. “First Time Blues,” her first single for Woodward Avenue, delivers the two-fisted intensity and star power of Orianthi and longtime friend Joe Bonamassa. Their collaboration bursts with fireworks, balanced artfully by her depth as a musical storyteller.
For rock fans with an ear for the ‘80s, a must-listen is Orianthi’s blistering take on ZZ Top’s classic “Sharp Dressed Man,” whose original solo by Billy Gibbons ranked #43 in Guitar World’s 2009 list of the 50 Greatest Guitar Solos. Orianthi not only matches but arguably surpasses Gibbons’ artistry, delivering breathy, sensual lead vocals and two jaw-dropping solos that reaffirm her guitar mastery. “Sharp Dressed Man” epitomizes her genius — building narrative and tension before delivering an electrifying solo that cleanses the soul and heals the heart.
This precision and artistry — building emotion and culminating in high-octane solo releases — carries across the remaining five originals on Some Kind of Feeling. Though thematically more uplifting, elements of the anthemic power ballad “What I’ve Been Looking For” — including a fuzz-toned intro reminiscent of Gary Moore’s early ’90s classic “Still Got The Blues” — stand out. While her vocals and guitar remain central, the upbeat funk rocker “Dark Days Are Gone” thrives on the propulsive rhythm of bassist Justin Andres and drummer Jimmy Paxson, offering a vibrant celebration of fresh love and transformation.
On the throbbing power ballad “Bad For Each Other,” Orianthi delivers concise, echoing lyrical phrases before letting the rhythm section burst in, mixing grit with sass as she admits that she and her partner are undeniably “Bad for Each Other” — yet nothing else elevates her more. Her scorching solo here is visceral, embodying the tension between heart and mind. She closes the album with “Call You Mine,” a complex, ultimately hopeful blues-rock ballad, and “Heaven Right Here,” a gently lyrical, heartfelt, gospel-tinged track that beautifully showcases her often-overlooked acoustic side.
A special tribute goes to the exceptional musicians Orianthi surrounds herself with. Beyond Justin Andres and Jimmy Paxson, the ensemble includes guitarist Nick Maybury, keyboardists Carey Frank and Ed Roth, bassist Roberto Vally, drummers Demian Arriaga, Elias Mallin and Tony Braunagel, percussionist Greg Morrow and synthesist Bobby Summerfield. Adding further depth, background vocals feature Sharlotte Gibson, Maiya Syke, Allison Iraheta, Jade MacRae and Luke Edgemon.
The title of Some Kind of Feeling is truly a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you’ve never experienced Orianthi, prepare to be seduced and blown away. If you’re a longtime fan, embrace the newest chapter of her transcendent contemporary rock journey.
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