Dennis Churchill Dries – Crazy Is This Life
AOR Boulevard Records (January 30th, 2026)
Reviewer – Chris O’Connor
Dennis Churchill Dries has always possessed one of those voices that seems to improve with time — richer, more expressive, and increasingly capable of conveying both power and vulnerability in equal measure. Fans will forever celebrate his work with White Sister and Tattoo Rodeo, yet his solo output continues to reveal an artist operating at his creative peak. A full decade after his superb solo debut, Dries returns with an album that not only justifies the wait but may well stand as the finest work of his career.
Handling lead vocals alongside bass and keyboards, Dries is joined by guitarist and keyboardist Steve Newman, who also expertly produces the album, and drummer Rob MeEwen, whose tasteful, dynamic playing underpins every track. Together, the trio craft a record that feels lovingly rooted in classic AOR and melodic rock traditions while still sounding vibrant and contemporary. The musicianship throughout is immaculate, but what truly elevates the album is the sense of heart and conviction running through every song.
Opening track ‘Angelyne’ wastes no time establishing the album’s intent. Built around shimmering keyboards and a towering chorus, it delivers everything fans of classic West Coast melodic rock could hope for — polished, uplifting, and instantly memorable. Momentum only builds with ‘Bring Back Yesterday’, a nostalgic look back at the Sunset Strip era, where Dries’ soulful performance captures both the glamour and the longing of those glory days. It’s one of those rare songs that feels destined to soundtrack long summer drives with the volume turned all the way up.
The album’s title track shifts the mood beautifully, offering something more restrained and reflective. With its smooth, elegant arrangement, it feels like a lost Toto classic, allowing Dries to showcase the warmer, more intimate textures in his voice. That versatility continues with ‘I’m Alright’, a slow-burning number that gradually unfolds into something darker and more atmospheric, carrying a subtle Zeppelin-esque weight that adds welcome contrast to the record’s brighter moments.
‘A Different Sun’ follows as a piano-led gem that evokes the emotional sweep of Journey at their finest. It’s tender, melodic, and delivered with genuine feeling, demonstrating again that Dries understands the power of restraint as much as grand gestures. Meanwhile, ‘We Are The Wanted’ goes full pomp rock, built on bold hooks and cinematic scale, while ‘I Never Thought It Was Love’ brings things back to classic AOR territory with effortless grace.
There are also nods to Dries’ past, particularly on ‘Don’t Look Back’, which carries echoes of vintage White Sister without ever feeling like a retread. ‘Better Days’ feels tailor-made for open-road cruising, breezy and optimistic, while ‘Before We All Fall Down’ injects a punchier melodic rock energy. Later, the shimmering power ballad ‘We All Rise Up’ and the sleekly polished ‘Set Me Free’ maintain the album’s remarkably high standard deep into its running order.
Closing track ‘The Lucky Ones’ provides a poignant finale. Gentle, atmospheric, and reflective, it carries a sense of gratitude tinged with the awareness of loss and passing time. It’s a moving way to end a record that celebrates both life’s highs and the wisdom gained along the way.
From start to finish, this is an album made with craftsmanship, passion, and absolute belief in the power of melody. It feels both deeply personal and universally relatable — the kind of record that reminds listeners why they fell in love with this style of music in the first place. If there’s any justice, this will be counted among the standout melodic rock releases of the year. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it’s nothing short of essential listening.
Tracklisting:
- Angelyne
- Bring Back Yesterday
- Crazy Is This Life
- I’m Alright
- A Different sun
- We Are The Wanted
- I Never Thought It Was Love
- Don’t Look Back
- Better Days
- Before We All Fall Down
- We All Rise Up
- Set Me Free
- The Lucky Ones