The debut album of the couple Smith/Kotzen was released four years ago. This new album, Black Light/White Noise, just released after being postponed for a few weeks, continues the style of its predecessor. The talents of the two musicians are undeniable but, in my opinion, the fact that Richie Kotzen comes out with new music basically every single year (5 years ago he released an album with 50 songs!), doesn't help the songwriting of this new album, quality from every point of view but not always let's say "fresh" to my ears, despite the guitar solos from both are exceptional and undoubtedly a highlight of the album.
The only con of this album, in my opinion, is that it doesn't dare and everything is exactly as we expect, except maybe the last, long ballad, Beyond the Pale, 7 and a half minute long with a classy solo section at the end. "Black Light / White Noise" is certainly music, but overall a bit predictable, especially if you are with Richie Kotzen. His influence in the songwriting seems more prominent compared to Adrian Smith However, maybe we should not expect something innovative from musicians who have been composing for decades.
Rating 63/100
Top track: White Noise, Darkside, Beyond the Pale.