RECORD REVIEWS

Brett Eldredge

Album: “Illinois”

Grade: B+

Brett Eldredge’s second album, “Illinois,” is a bold gambit that works.

The broad-shouldered country singer achieved three hits on his 2013 debut, “Bring You Back.” But the radio success didn’t translate to huge sales or give him media attention afforded to fellow newcomers Sam Hunt or Maddie & Tae.

“Illinois” steps up Eldredge’s game by highlighting his R&B interests. For instance, the adventurous first single “Lose My Mind” samples the contemporary Italian composers (brothers Gianfranco Reverberi and Gian Piero Reverberi) that pop duo Gnarls Barkley used on their 2006 hit, “Crazy.”

“Illinois” succeeds across a variety of tempos and styles. “Lose It All” is a powerful, old-school ballad set to a 21st-century arrangement; “Time Well Spent” is a midtempo anthem for all those who work too much and play too little; and “Shadow” is closer in tone to Miranda Lambert’s frisky roots-rock than to Jason Aldean’s metal crunch.

With a stout and expressive voice, Eldredge previously has shown the potential to stand out among a crowded field of rising male country singers. “Illinois” gives that talent a more distinctive spotlight.

—Michael McCall, Associated Press

Hollywood Vampires

Album: “Hollywood Vampires”

Grade: B

Alice Cooper has made a career out of keeping the creepiness front and center in hard rock.

His latest project, Hollywood Vampires – a true supergroup including Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and actor-guitarist Johnny Depp – is an outgrowth of his most recent “Raise the Dead” tour, which featured Cooper covering classic-rock songs from bands who had a member die from drug or alcohol abuse. Offerings include covers of The Doors (Jim Morrison), The Who (Keith Moon), Led Zeppelin (John Bonham) and T-Rex (Marc Bolan).

Cameos from classic-rock legends abound here, as well, including contributions from Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Zak Starkey, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Perry Farrell, Robby Krieger and Dave Grohl. Most (but not all) the tracks are from artists who saw members die from substance abuse. Among the strongest on “Hollywood Vampires” are a pounding cover of The Who’s “My Generation,” a Krieger-powered Doors medley of “Five to One/Break on Through,” and a version of T-Rex’s “Jeepster” that manages to be heavy and pop-y all at once.

Cooper’s nasal sneer is perfect on Three Dog Night’s “One,” and Perry’s slashing guitar powers the still-iconic “Cold Turkey,” John Lennon’s ode to drug withdrawal. The band title refers to a ’70s drinking club Cooper was part of that also included Lennon, Moon, Harry Nilsson, Bernie Taupin and Micky Dolenz.

—Wayne Parry, Associated Press