There is no doubt that Jailbreak is one of the definitive albums of the 1970's. Possibly the highest point in one of the world's greatest ever rock band's careers. The album kicks off with the title track, an instant classic. The classy lick at the start gives you an idea of some of the genius guitar playing that is to come on this album.'Jailbreak', perhaps more than any other Lizzy album, showcases the fine art of twin lead guitar playing, a technique which Lizzy created and helped them make a unique and legendary soung which many bands since have tried to replicate (including Metallica and most recently The Darkness), but none to the quality of Thin Lizzy.
Perhaps the finest one song ever to demonstrate this technique is the legendary rock classic 'The Boys Are Back In Town' on which the two guitarists (Scott Gorham and Brian Robetson) harmonise melodically whilst singer, frontman and bassist Phill Lynott sings and plays his Irish heart out with a rock solid yet flairful bassline and one of the most catchy choruses ever.
The penultimate song is 'The Cowboy Song' who's catchy chorus i first discovered without realising half way through a live version of 'Rosalie'. The album reaches its dazzling climax with my personal favorite track 'Emerald' in which it is once more demonstrated what two guitarists can do together at their best. The extended solo may not be very challenging to play for many modern shred headed guitarists but it's sheer genius equals that of any guitar work since the days of Page and Hendrix. The rich voice and driving basslines of Phil Lynott, coupled with the fantastic guitar playin gof Robertson and Gorham is really whta makes this album such a landmark.
The only reason i didn't give this album 5/5 was because it does let itself down with a few slow moving sons which, despite all having catchy melodies will not appeal to many classic and hard rock fans.
Highlights:
Jailbreak 10/10, The Boys are Back in Town 10/10, The Cowboy Song 9/10 and Emerald 10/10.
I hope this persuades all you mxers to get out there and listen to more Thin Lizzy, it's your heritage.
