![Electric Boys – Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride (Re-Release) [Album Review]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/565c1ab5e4b05079e4bfa169/1719381199593-ETKYJ0Y866F43LXADD7M/Electric+Boys+Funk-O-Metal+Carpet+Ride+%28Re-Release%29+Album+Cover.jpg)
Initially released in 1989, Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride is an exceptional debut album by the Swedish rock band Electric Boys. With a unique blend of funk, metal, and hard rock, Electric Boys created an album that is not only energetic with catchy grooves but is a time capsule of the late '80s funk metal movement. In many respects, we’re incredibly fortunate to have an album such as Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride because, for reasons that escape my understanding, the funk metal scene never truly captured the attention of the mainstream music-loving public.
While funk metal may not be as prominent as many of us would like it to be, there are some incredible artists, including Electric Boys, who not only personified the genre but recorded some of the most amazing music in recorded music history. Bands such as Faith No More, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Rage Against The Machine are the most well-known purveyors of the art. Still, the Electric Boys’ overall style is arguably more focused, on the genre, than the headliners mentioned above, thereby making Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride one of the most compelling albums from the funk metal genre that you’re ever likely to hear.
As alluded to earlier, the original 1989 release of the album isn’t the only available edition for the 1990 US release, with the updated album artwork, is the most readily available release for modern music lovers. What is interesting, and a tad confusing, is that when the album was reissued for the US market, the linear structure was changed and interspersed with new songs produced by Bob Rock. Up until that stage, the initial release had been self-produced by the band. It’s a bit of a hodgepodge, but thankfully a 2004 CD reissue returned the album to its original linear structure with the Bob Rock recordings tacked onto the end of the album. There are also a couple of live recordings and a demo that was included. That is the version that we now find readily available via Apple Music et al. However, for this review, I’ll be sharing the 15-track release in a playlist style, sans the live and demo recordings, as I feel the studio-based material forms a perfect album from start to finish.
So, what can you expect from the lossless Apple Music stream, as this isn’t an Apple Digital Master, nor is it a remaster of the original album? Well, I have good news. It sounds phenomenal. You’ll want to turn the volume up and groove out to the record for it will not only encapsulate your body, but it will touch your soul as only the very best music does. To say it is flawless is an accurate assessment for it allows you to simply enjoy the music; just the way it should be. With that in mind, dear reader, join me as I take a look at the songs that make up this incredible album.
Psychedelic Eyes opens the album with a beautiful sonic soundscape that blends into heavy guitar riffs and a funky bass line. The song's infectious energy and catchy chorus make it a standout track that will grab your attention from the very first note whilst simultaneously setting the tone for the entire album.
All Lips 'N Hips has an incredible twang to it, but that’s merely the introduction because All Lips 'N Hips quickly transforms into a perfect fusion of funk and rock. The memorable riff, pounding rhythm section, and Conny Bloom’s charismatic vocals make the song come alive. With a danceable beat, and sing-along chorus, you’ll likely find that All Lips 'N Hips is one of the most enjoyable songs from the album.
Who Are You dials the tempo down a little, but if you’re hearing a little of Aerosmith's influence, you’re not alone. The rhythmic pace, mixed with some exceptional vocal overlays and echoing, along with a touch of blues-based rock, makes for a simply magnificent and memorable song.
Electrified is raw and electrified, as the title suggests, for this high-energy track, with its powerful rhythm and driving beat, is a perfect addition to the album’s dynamic lineup.
Freaky Funksters is funk meets speed metal. As a result of the increased tempo, Freaky Funksters is a little left-of-the-centre and it would have been stronger had the tempo been dialled back a little. That said, I’m sure many will consider it one of the best songs on the album. If nothing else, there is a killer guitar solo to be heard and Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride simply wouldn’t be the same sans this tune.
Halleluja! I'm On Fire is rhythmic gold and is a stadium-filling rock tune. It’s music such as this that amazes me as to how Electric Boys didn’t see greater success throughout the years.
Cheek To Cheek - In a Moonlit World is a slower, more soulful number that allows the band to show their musical diversity. That guitar lick, in particular, leaves me speechless for it isn’t overly complex, yet it not only suits the song perfectly but is the type of lick that I’m sure all guitarists dream of coming up with.
Get Nasty is a basic rocker, but sometimes that is all that's required to make an album experience thoroughly enjoyable.
Party Up flows seamlessly from Get Nasty and brings back the funk. If, by this stage in the album, you’re not bopping along to the music, you’re listening wrong. Party Up certainly lives up to its name for this song, and the entire album, will get the party started.
Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride encapsulates the entire album and is, subsequently, the perfect title track. Combining funky grooves, dynamic sonic shifts, and an engaging rhythm ensures that Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride is representative of the band’s style.
Rags To Riches has a Motley Crue meets the Red Hot Chilli Peppers vibe; what’s not to like? With a strong groove and catchy chorus, wrapped in the band’s distinctive funky style, Rags To Riches is not only one of the best songs from the album but is amongst the greatest 80s-styled hard rock metal-infused songs you’re ever likely to hear.
The Change slows the tempo a little, providing an ideal contrast to songs such as Rags To Riches. The more laid-back, bluesy feel, really highlights Bloom’s vocal qualities, thereby adding depth to the overall album experience. This melodic approach allows each musical element time to shine, within the mix, thereby showing just how talented Electric Boys already were on their debut release.
If I Had A Car is another funky upbeat number with a catchy melody. It also happens to be one of the most engaging songs on the album.
Captain Of My Soul returns the album to its heavier sound, one that features powerful guitar work and a strong vocal delivery that creates a sensational composition worthy of the Electric Boys’ legacy and the funk metal genre.
Into The Woods closes out the Re-Release perfectly with a funky and infectious rhythm that will compel you to listen to the album again as Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride is one album that you can seldom listen to once.
Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride is a testament to the band's innovative approach to blending genres. Each track offers something unique, from high-energy anthems to soulful ballads, yet the album’s fluidity is to be praised as there isn’t a dull moment to be heard. Additionally, the re-release of this album not only preserves the legacy of the debut, but with its eclectic mix of funk, metal, and rock, this record remains a vibrant and influential piece of music history, ensuring the Electric Boys’ distinctive sound remains relevant to long time fans and newcomers alike.