Dennis Churchill Dries – ‘Crazy Is This Life’

(AOR BLVD Records)

Dennis Churchill Dries has never been one to chase trends, and on Crazy Is This Life, he doubles down on what he does best: soaring melodic rock with heart, hooks, and a whole lot of soul. If you’ve been craving an album that understands the golden rule of the genre, big choruses, heartfelt vocals, and guitars that shimmer rather than shred aimlessly, then pull up a chair. This one’s for you.

From the moment the opener ‘Angelyne’ kicks in, it’s clear that Dries isn’t interested in subtlety. The guitars arrive bright and confident, keys swirl tastefully in the background, and the rhythm section locks into that mid-tempo groove melodic rock fans know and love. It’s polished without being plastic, powerful without being pompous. There’s an immediacy here that feels refreshingly organic in an age of over-compressed bombast.

The title track, ‘Crazy Is This Life’ sets the emotional tone of the record. It’s reflective but never maudlin, with a chorus that rises on a wave of layered harmonies and ringing chords. Dries’ vocal performance is key, he sings with conviction, that slightly weathered edge giving authenticity to lyrics about life’s twists and turns. This isn’t wide-eyed arena rock naïveté; it’s melodic rock with mileage on the clock. And that’s exactly why it works.

One of the album’s biggest strengths is its consistency. Rather than front-loading the best material, Crazy Is This Life unfolds like a proper journey. There’s a clear understanding of dynamics, when to lean into a power ballad, when to crank up the tempo, when to let a guitar solo breathe. The production is clean and full-bodied, allowing every instrument to shine without stepping on the vocals. You can hear the bass lines. You can feel the drums punch. And when the guitars soar, they do so with purpose.

Then there’s the obligatory power ballad ‘I Never Thought It Was Love’ and thankfully, it’s a good one. Stripped-back verses give Dries room to showcase the warmth in his voice before the song builds into a chorus that feels earned rather than forced. The guitar solo here is particularly tasteful: melodic, singable, and emotional without resorting to shred-for-shred’s-sake theatrics. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best solos are the ones you can hum long after the song ends.

Lyrically, Crazy Is This Life treads familiar ground – love, resilience, hope, self-reflection but it does so with sincerity. There’s no winking irony, no attempt to be overly clever. Instead, Dries leans into the timeless themes that have powered melodic rock for decades. And honestly? That’s part of the charm. This is music that wears its heart on its sleeve.

Comparisons are inevitable. Fans of classic-era Journey, Foreigner, and early ’90s European melodic rock will find plenty to latch onto here. There’s also a touch of that Scandinavian sheen, big keyboards, layered harmonies, and choruses engineered for maximum uplift. But Dries doesn’t sound like a tribute act. He sounds like an artist who grew up on those influences and internalized them, shaping them into something personal.

Another highlight is the album’s pacing. Just when you think the record might settle into mid-tempo comfort, along comes a punchier, riff-driven number that injects fresh energy. The drums hit harder, the guitars bite a little more, and Dries pushes his vocal performance into grittier territory. It’s a smart move, preventing the album from becoming too polished or predictable.

‘Bring Back Yesterday’ is a nostalgic mid-tempo anthem, this one leans into reflection without losing momentum. The layered harmonies in the chorus are pure AOR gold, and the guitar solo is tasteful and melodic. It’s heartfelt without becoming syrupy.

‘I’m Alright’ injects a dose of punchy optimism. The tempo picks up, the guitars bite a little harder, and the chorus lands with arena-sized confidence. It’s a fist-in-the-air moment that feels genuine rather than forced.

‘A Different Sun’ is moodier and slightly more introspective, this song showcases the album’s dynamic range. The verses simmer before the chorus opens wide with layered keys and harmonies. There’s a subtle emotional weight here that gives it depth.

‘We Are The Wanted’ is an anthem through and through. Big gang-style backing vocals elevate the chorus, and the rhythm section locks into a driving groove. Its melodic rock built for unity and volume.

‘Don’t Look Back’ – A classic message wrapped in a bright, up tempo rocker. The hooks come fast and don’t let up. It’s concise, energetic, and brimming with that timeless AOR spirit.

‘Better Days’ is hopeful and uplifting, this track balances melody and muscle. The chorus feels like a promise, and the production keeps everything crisp and full without over-polishing.

‘Before We All Fall Down’ is one of the more urgent cuts. There’s a sense of tension in the verses that resolves into a powerful, expansive chorus. The guitar work here stands out.

‘We All Rise Up’ is another anthem, but this one leans into resilience. The layered harmonies and driving beat make it one of the album’s most immediate tracks.

‘Set Me Free’ is a melodic rocker with bite. Strong riffing propels the song forward, and Dries delivers one of his grittier vocal performances.

The closing track ‘The Lucky Ones’ deserves special mention. Rather than fading out quietly, the album ends on an uplifting note, a final statement of defiance and optimism. The chorus swells, harmonies stack high, and the last guitar notes ring out with satisfying clarity. It feels like a curtain call, and a well-earned one at that.

If there’s any criticism to be levelled, it’s that Crazy Is This Life doesn’t reinvent the melodic rock wheel. But that’s hardly the point. This isn’t about innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s about craftsmanship. Song writing. Delivery. And on those fronts, Dennis Churchill Dries delivers in spades.

In a musical landscape that often prioritizes style over substance, Crazy Is This Life stands as a reminder of why melodic rock continues to endure. It’s about connection. It’s about songs that make you feel something. It’s about choruses you can sing at the top of your lungs, even if you’re just singing to the dashboard on your morning commute.

Dennis Churchill Dries may not be trying to conquer the mainstream charts, but with this album, he’s carved out something arguably more important: a record that speaks directly to the faithful. For fans of big hooks, heartfelt performances, and guitar-driven anthems, Crazy Is This Life is more than just another release. It’s a welcome reaffirmation that melodic rock is alive, well, and still capable of stirring the soul.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Angelyne’

Review by Woody