When I was asked to review this album I was literally frothing at the mouth - not because I love this man (I do, but more of that later) but because I was brushing my teeth...

LIVE was one of the second generation grunge bands that hit big when they released the massive 'Throwing Copper' album, their third release, back in 1994. The band had formed some six years earlier back in high school, then they hit the big time - and with each release they still managed to retain their dignity and ethos and produce great rock music. However, in 2009 the band were put on hiatus and now Ed releases his first solo album, produced by CJ Eirksson whose credits include U2, Blue October and Matchbox Twenty.

Straight off the mark is 'Drive' which does exactly what the title suggests and is a future drive-time hit if ever I've heard one; a great choice for an opening song. Now the thing about Ed is that singers like Chris Daughtry and his ilk have taken inspiration from his band and now Ed has written a song with Daughtry and the results can be heard on the soaring, hard hitting first single 'Grace' which was produced by Greg Wattenburg (Daughtry, Train and Five For Fighting). Looking at those credentials you'd be right in thinking that this has radio hit written all over it.

Having said that, to be fair to the man, Kowalczyk has given us a record to play in the darkness of times which will lift many spirits and manages to reinvent his sound yet still remain vintage Ed. Taking the time to nurture the music from within was one of the better plans this man has ever had given some of this near misses in the past. The result here on 'Alive' is very much that. Ed Kowalczyk is alive and kicking!

www.myspace.com/edkowalczyk