 Courtney Love fills her solo debut with personal experiences |
Courtney Love releases her first solo album since leaving her rock band Hole. Since her stint with Hole, Love has run naked along a London street and is still facing drugs charges.
Her solo debut at the age of 39 blasts into action with new single Mono, which is a near-perfect rock-pop song.
America's Sweetheart is a collection which sees Love remain true to her musical heritage, and is packed with themes from her chaotic and unorthodox existence.
One of rock's infamous anti-heroines has revved up the power on an album which is invigorating and energetic.
'Potty mouth'
Love's self-confessed "potty mouth" is in full throttle, and references to sex and drugs crop up with regularity.
Snarling rock gem I'll Do Anything sees her growl "give me one match so I can set myself on fire".
But Love has produced some subtle shifts in musical tone - Life Despite God kicks off minus the noise, and winds up a muzzy, substance-fuelled drawl.
Love's voice sounds even more ragged and deep than the last time, but as rock vocalists go, this works a treat.
Well-polished
She screeches and hits low octaves too, but is more than capable of keeping up with the thrash - which incidentally comes with a well-polished edge.
For those who bemoaned the loss of Hole, Love's solo debut sees the flame of grunge rock burn bright.
This woman may be more notorious for her off-stage antics, but this is the gritty, definitive album of a survivor.
One-Minute World News 
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