Rating: 5/5 stars

The Grammys’ website declares that Blue Öyster Cult’s (“The Symbol Remains”) new album “Ghost Stories” “def[ies] the reaper once again.” The 12-track album consists of nine previously-unfinished songs written by the band and three covers: “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” (The Animals), “Kick Out The Jams” (MC5) and “If I Fell” (The Beatles). The Grammys, like Shakira’s hips, truly do not lie–no time has been lost at all with the nearly 60-year-old band. They come in strong with the bass-heavy “Late Night Street Fight,” a quick two-minute jam that immediately hooks listeners with their exciting rifts and lead chanteur Eric Bloom’s silky smooth vocals, accompanied by newer members Danny Miranda and Richie Castellano’s harmonies.

BÖC sticks true to their iconically intricate guitar riffs, speedy basslines, and synthesized keyboard in each track, reviving the sounds of ‘70s rock in current music– precisely what our mainstream artists could benefit from today- the band capitalizes on the authenticness of their voices and instruments which carry the album in a refreshing and fun way. Much like Alice Cooper and his latest album, “Roads,” the foundations of each song in “Ghost Stories” pays homage to classic rock ‘n’ roll chord progressions, alternating between guitar and bass carrying the backings along. Despite the older composition style, the album has potential to attract younger listeners to what can be considered ‘true’ rock music. The recording quality aids in this, but the overall feeling is shockingly modern, almost like it was a Greta Van Fleet album, although we all know ‘70s hard rock, when BÖC was in their prime, heavily influences GVF’s music.

Highlights of “Ghost Stories” come in four parts. “Cherry” is a retro-style rock ‘n’ roll song with a catchy chorus and fun, teasing lyrics that could be applied to any love-stricken sap captivated by a pretty girl. Next, in exactly the middle of the album, comes “Gun,” which tells the tragic tale of accidentally taking the life of a loved one, masked by an upbeat and lighthearted instrumentation that features one of the album’s strongest bass lines yet. Driven by a slap groove, bassist Kasim Sulton truly carries the tune. “The Only Thing,” another bass-driven song, is a sweet, bluesy ballad about the power of love in a long-term relationship. With the gentle harmonies and synthesizer just mere accompaniment to the bass, the track transports listeners back in time to the disco-esque pop-rock love songs of the mid-‘70s. Bloom’s tenor hits a sweet spot, melting the hearts of all who give the song a chance. 

“The Only Thing” serves as a nice break between the upbeat classic rock pieces surrounding it and sets up the later transition into the album’s closing track, a cover of The Beatles’ “If I Fell.” The cover is a sharp turn from the hard rock that dominates the album. The band comes together for a stunning four-part harmony, gentle acoustic guitar, and light bongos that are reminiscent of the original rendition of the song. BÖC shocks with a gentle tune but manages to fit it in perfectly with the rest of the album.

It is an outstanding ending to an outstanding album. While BÖC tends to often be placed on the B-list of classic rock groups, “Ghost Stories” is a strong testament to their genius and continuous drive to produce great music.

Image from Blue Öyster Cult via Frontiers Records