Whether you believe in time travel or not, you’re going to want to buckle up and take a ride back to the ’80s with Lita Ford’s latest album “Time Capsule.” The new record is a real celebration of the hair metal era that launched Ford’s solo career into the spotlight. Featuring unreleased songs written earlier in her career and revamped for this recording, the album is a true throwback right down to the Aqua Net can and other ’80s memorabilia pictured on the cover.
Things kick off with a strange intro by ex-W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes before launching into “Where Will I Find My Heart Tonight,” a nice female/male duet with Jeff Scott Soto. Following that is the best song on the album, “Killing Kind,” a slower paced rock anthem with a melodic hook that will knock you out of your seat. The song also has Dave Navarro handling mandolin duties and beautiful backing vocals by some of the best in the business with Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen. Lita sings her heart and soul out with emotional vocals on a true power ballad “War of the Angels” and the rocking “Black Leather Heart.” “Rotten To The Core” features the signature bass stylings of Gene Simmons and second guitar courtesy of ex- KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick with a great underlying groove. A nice surprise is the inclusion of two
instrumental tracks. The first is a nicely done cover of Hendrix’s “Little Wing” and the second ,”On The Fast Track,’ is a real showcase for Ford’s fretboard frolics. “King of the Wild Wind” is an outstanding bluesy piece with laidback vocals from Ford and a slow burner of a guitar solo. Closing out the record is another stadium rocker in “Anything for the Thrill.”
This step back in time may be just what Lita’s career needed. With a return to her roots, she seems to have gotten her magic spark back. If you’re a fan of ’80s metal or Ford’s earlier work, “Time Capsule” is a must have for your collection. Pull on the spandex, tease that hair, and crank it up!
