Review DON FELDER “The Vault: Fifty Years of Music”

Don Felder is a renowned musician who played an important role when it comes to the legendary Eagles. The guitarist and songwriter joined the band in 1974 and co-wrote timeless classics like “Hotel California.” Felder has also released three solo albums, beginning with the 1983 debut, “Airborne”. It took a while before the sophomore record, “Road to Forever”, hit the shelves, and these days, “The Vault: Fifty Years of Music” represents the latest solo effort from the guitarist.

The album’s title hints at its content: it features songs that were written over a period of five decades, beginning with “Move On.” The album’s introductory piece, a demo recorded in 1974, was a strong rock number that set a solid tone for the whole album. The song “I Like the Things You Do” is also rather new, having been written by Felder in 2023.

When a song is named “Heavy Metal,” expectations are high. If you’re expecting a headbanger for the denim-and-leather crowd, I’m afraid I must disappoint you. The song is still considered to be a great piece of music from the mentioned “Airbourne” album. The track’s vibe leans more towards rock than metal, but it’s a lively one that sets it apart from the next song, “Let Me Down Easy.” The latter is a soulful and emotionally powerful highlight of the album, enriched by the vocals provided by Nina Winter.

“Hollywood Victim” is a laid-back song with a darker vibe that swings through the shining glamour, while “Digital World” comes with a sunny, light-hearted reggae groove. “The Vault: Fifty Years of Music” showcases the diversity of rock, with “All Girls Love to Dance” evoking 80s rock vibes.

Don Felder launches an album that reflects on five decades of rock music. It’s not the jaw-dropping momentum in rock, yet it is an album that entertains and provides a positive groove, which is certainly what we can all go for these days.