Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer Andy Taylor, best known for his guitar work with Duran Duran and Power Station, makes a welcome return to the music scene with his first solo release in over three decades, Man's A Wolf To Man.
Man's A Wolf To Man was shaped by the challenges of the pandemic and Andy Taylor's personal battle with terminal prostate cancer, yet still finds a way to radiate joy with uplifting tunes. Originally slated for a 2020 release, Taylor used the lockdown period to revisit and reshape the album within the confines of his unique circumstances. In 2022, he received the heartbreaking news of his terminal cancer diagnosis, which, sadly, prevented him from attending his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame alongside his Duran Duran former band mates. However, this setback led to a reconciliation between Taylor and the band, and he remains optimistic about the potential of pioneering targeted nuclear therapy to extend his life beyond initial expectations.
"Man's A Wolf To Man explores the idea that humans can sometimes be their own worst enemies, behaving like a pack of wolves towards one another," explained Taylor. "It delves into the impulse to seek revenge and the nature of human anger, questioning why people don't focus on self-improvement instead. I wanted to create music that felt human, that addressed issues that mattered, and that captured the essence of the present moment."
The album is far from being overly serious though. It kicks off with "Influential Blondes," featuring a rousing, glam-influenced chorus. "Try To Get Even," a duet with Tina Arena, sets itself apart as a gorgeous country-rock ballad, while "Reachin' Out To You" brings a funky rock vibe reminiscent of Taylor’s Duran side project the Power Station. "Gettin' It Home" delivers stirring hard rock, while "This Will Be Ours" and "Gotta Give" shift effortlessly from skiffle-style grooves to a raunchy, Stones-esque stomp.
Andy Taylor has the storied history that epitomizes true rock stars – a journey marked by massive hit records, extravagant excess, and victories against the odds. After his tenure with Duran Duran, Taylor went on to produce for the likes of Rod Stewart and played a pivotal role in Thunder's rise to stardom through his production work on their debut album, Backstreet Symphony. The Power Station, a project featuring Taylor alongside Robert Palmer and Tony Thompson, fulfilled a promise to fuse CHIC with the Sex Pistols, and his collaboration with the Pistols’ Steve Jones resulted in Taylor’s 1987 debut solo album, Thunder.
In 2023, Andy Taylor stands at the summit of his career, armed with a solo album that fills him with justifiable pride. The future, though uncertain, still shines brightly for this rock and roll warrior.